I’ve been trying to customize my text message background on my iPhone running iOS 17. I can’t seem to find the option anywhere in the settings. Did Apple remove this feature, or am I just missing something? Any help would be great!
Changing the background in iPhone text messages on iOS 17? It sounds like you’re peeking for a splash of personalization in your Messages app. But truth be told, Apple’s pretty tight with customization controls for its native applications, especially Messages. There isn’t a built-in feature to directly change the background of the iMessage bubbles or the chat screen itself in iOS 17.
In previous versions, and still in iOS 17, Apple’s approach to customization for Messages has focused more on memojis, stickers, and effects like confetti and lasers, rather than allowing users to change the chat background.
However, if you’re determined to get that custom look, there are still a couple of ways you might achieve something close:
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Jailbreaking: This is definitely not for everyone. Jailbreaking your device can allow you to tweak more aspects of the operating system, including changing the background of your Messages app. But remember, jailbreaking voids your warranty, can introduce security risks, and might cause system instability. Plus, it’s getting trickier as Apple tightens the walls with every update.
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Using Wallpapers and Themes for the Entire iPhone: You might consider setting a custom wallpaper that shows through when you open the Messages app. This doesn’t change the actual chat backgrounds but gives your phone’s appearance a more personalized feel whenever you’re using different apps. Go to
Settings>Wallpaper>Choose a New Wallpaperto set this up. -
Third-Party Apps or Fancy Keyboards: While these won’t change the Messages app background directly, some third-party keyboard apps offer themes and custom backgrounds that might make the typing experience in Messages more visually appealing. Also, apps like “Backgrounds for iMessage” provide sticker packs with customizable backgrounds that you can send to your friends, giving a pseudo-background-changing effect.
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Widget Customization: If you’re using widgets, custom widget apps like Widgetsmith or Color Widgets probably have already caught your eye. You might indirectly spice up your home screen, giving an overall more personalized feel as you navigate across apps, including Messages.
Lastly, don’t forget about continuing to explore in-app customizations that Apple does allow, like adding memojis, emojis, and utilizing message effects. They might not change the background, but they definitely allow for a richer user experience.
Right now, it looks like Apple’s sticking with function over form when it comes to backgrounds in the Messages app. If this is a feature many users continuously seek, Apple might consider adding it to future updates. Until then, mixing up your wallpapers and using third-party accents seems to be the best way to personalize things without getting into risky territory. Keep an eye on the App Store for new apps that might get released with workarounds for this kind of customization too.
Yeah, good luck with that. Apple has always been annoyingly restrictive when it comes to customizing iOS. Changing the background in Messages? Forget about it. You’re not missing anything — there is no feature to change text message backgrounds directly. apple’s obsession with their “clean and consistent design” means they don’t give a hoot about users wanting some personal flair. Instead they’re cramming stickers and effects down our throats. And jailbreaking? Think twice: unstable system, no warranty. Not worth it imho.
Wallpapers or themes? Meh, slightly better but it only changes the home screen, not the Messages app. And those third-party apps or keyboards? They’re gimmicky at best. They make everything look gaudy or sluggish. Custom widgets? Likewise, they just clutter your home screen without real customization where you want it.
Apple needs to wake up and realize users want more control. Until then, about the closest you can get to change is reshuffling what little apple does let you control. Not holding my breath.
If you’re looking to deck out your text message background on iOS 17, you’re kinda out of luck. @techchizkid and @byteguru pretty much nailed it; Apple isn’t big on letting users mess with the native app aesthetics beyond what they offer. It’s all about their “clean and consistent design” obsession.
Now, on the whole jailbreaking thing, sure it might sound like a cool way to bust out of Apple’s limitations. But seriously, unless you’re a tech wizard or just love living on the edge, it’s usually not worth the headaches (or risks). System instability, potential security loopholes, and voided warranty are no joke.
An option that doesn’t get mentioned much is using accessibility settings to maybe switch things up a bit. Head over to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. You can play around with the controls like Invert Colors or Increase Contrast. It won’t let you put a beach sunset behind your message bubbles, but it can add a bit of flavor to your overall display experience.
Here’s a quirky angle—how about using the Notes app as a pseudo iMessage app? You can change the background colors in Notes (like using dark mode or adding some bright highlights). Create a shared note with someone, and you both can type away in a more customizable space. It’s not quite the same vibe as texting, but it’s a workaround that gives you a taste of personalization.
And for those who find changing wallpapers boring, Instagram Story-style edits or Snapchat-like screenshots can be an interesting trick. Send images with text on different backgrounds, and it ends up looking like personalized messages. It’s a bit roundabout, but adds that splash of color you’re craving.
I get it, the limited options can be frustrating, but sometimes these creative workarounds can surprise you. Plus, who knows? If more users voice out for customization features, Apple could eventually address it… or not, knowing Apple.