How to Change iMessage Background on iPhone 16/15/14/13

Part 1. Change iMessage Background on iPhone without Jailbreaking

How do I change background in iPhone messages? Since Apple doesn't offer an application that can change your text message background, you'll need to use a third-party app if you would like to customize your message backgroud.

• Click on the App Store icon on your iPhone Home screen and choose the search option on the bottom. Enter "color text messages" and click "Search".



• Here you can find a lot of apps developed to design cool messages with fabulous effects: background, colored texts, cursive fonts, colorful and textured bubbles, etc.



• Select one to install on your iPhone and you can change text message background on iPhone 13/14/15/16 now.

Related read: iOS 17/18 iMessage Not Working

Part 2. How to Change the Background on Text Messages iPhone with Jailbreaking

One of the reasons that many users jailbreak their iOS device is to customize iMessage background on iPhone. With a jailbroken iPhone, you can download and install the Desktop/Background SMS application from Cydia. This free application allows you to change text message background iPhone easily.

• Tap "Cydia" on your iPhone and tap "Search", then type "SMS/Desktop Background". Tap "Install". Tap "Confirm" to allow the app to install.
• Tap "Settings", then "Wallpaper". And select the iMessage wallpaper you want to use as text message picture background.

• Tap the "i" icon found on the upper left side of the photo you've selected. This will change text message background wallpaper to the one you've selected.

Note:

The latest iOS 18 jailbreak is available now. You can jailbreak your iPhone and enjoy the wonderful features on a jailbroken device.

Part 3. How to Change iMessage Theme on iPhone

1. How to Change iMessage Bubble Color on iPhone

Wondering to change iPhone text color without jailbreaking? To change the color of the iMessage bubble in iOS/iPadOS, you'll need to install a third-party app called "Color Text Bubbles on iMessage". It enables you to customize the iMessage bubble color, font size and font style messages.

• Open the App Store and search for "Color Text Bubbles on iMessage". Download and install it on your device.



• Once installed, open the Messages app start a new iMessage. In the menu above the keyboard and select "Color".



• Select "Type Custom Message", and type your message in the bubble. From the color bubble (highlighed below), select from a range of colors to change text background color on iPhone.

That is how to change colour of text message iPhone. This app features both a free version and a paid version via in-app purchases.

2. How to Customize iPhone Messages with Bubble and Screen Effects

iOS not allow you to add a photo to the background of iMessage but you can use bubble and screen effects to customize iPhone messages. There are two types of animated affects you can send with an iMessage.

Add bubble effects to iMessages/Message

The Bubble effects alter the blue bubble in which your iMessage is sent. These effects include slam, loud, gentle, or invisible

• Enter the message you want to send.

• Long press on the "Send" button.



• Select the effect from Slam, Loud, Gentle, or Invisible Ink.


• Finally tap in the Send button to send your message.

Add screen effects to iMessages/Message

The screen effects take up your entire iPhone screen. You can turn the whole screen to balloons, confetti, lasers, fireworks, or shooting stars.

• Enter the message you want to send.
• Long press on the Send button.
• Select the Screen tab at the top.

• Swipe from right to left to switch between the effects you want to apply.


• There are 5 effects namely balloons, confetti, lasers, fireworks, or shooting stars.
• Finally tap in the Send button to send your message.

Using the Screen effects is much more like to change the background on iMessage and the bubble effects will let you customize your messages if you don’t know how to change color on iPhone text messaging without jailbreaking.

Part 4. How to Change iMessage App Colors and Theme with iOS 18

With the introduction of iOS 18, Apple has enhanced the customization options for iMessage, allowing users to change app colors and themes more easily than ever before. This update moves beyond the previous limitations of light and dark modes, enabling a more personalized experience. Here’s how to take advantage of this iOS 18 customize screen feature:

• Ensure iOS 18 is Installed: First, confirm that your iPhone is running on iOS 18 by checking in Settings > General > About.
• Access Home Screen Customization: From your Home Screen, press and hold an empty area until the apps start to jiggle. Tap on Edit in the top left corner.
• Select Customize: Choose the Customize option that appears.
• Choose Your Theme: You can select from several options:
• Automatic: Changes based on the time of day.
• Light: Standard light theme.
• Dark: Dark theme for reduced eye strain.
• Tinted: Allows you to select a custom color that will apply to all app icons.
• Adjust Icon Size: You can also choose between small (default) and large icons, which will remove app titles for a cleaner look.
• Apply Changes: Once you’ve made your selections, tap outside the menu to save your changes and exit customization mode.

Bonus Tip: Free to Backup iMessage to New iPhone 16

Message has become an important way to keep communication between people for its convenient. However, it is painful when you try to look back some important messages but find they disappeared. Thus, a profession iOS data backup tool like Tenorshare iCareFone is in needed. It can selectively backup messages and iMessages on iPhone with only one click. It's totally free.

• Download and install the app on your computer. Run iCareFone and connect your iPhone with that computer.

• Click on "Backup & Restore" in the app.



• Select "Messages & Attachments" to backup the messages/iMessages you need and click on Backup.



• The backup will soon be completed. And you can restore them whenever you lost messages on iPhone.

FAQs on iPhone Message Background

1. Can I change iMessage background?

The iPhone's native operating system does not allow you to change the background of the Messages app. However, with a third-party app or a jailbroken iPhone, you can easily download and install the Desktop/Background SMS application from Cydia.

2. Why is my iPhone message background black?

Message black background iPhone is due to you have turned Smart Invert or Classic Invert feature on iPhone. This feature will reverse the colors on the display. Open the Settings app, then tap Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Turn off Smart Invert or Classic Invert.

3. Why are my iMessages green instead of blue?

A green background means that iMessage isn't activated on your device. Tap Settings, Messages, then check to see if the feature is switched on.

4. What words trigger the screen effects in iMessage?

Here are some words or phrases that can trigger effects in iMessages:

• Balloons effect: "Happy Birthday".
• Confetti effect: "Congratulations".
• Fireworks effect: "Happy New Year".
• Celebration effect: "Happy Chinese New Year".

Summary

That is all about how to change the background on text messages iPhone 16/15/14/13. We hope the solutions outlined here can help you change iMessage background for iOS 17/18 and lower versions easily. If you have any problems, please leave a message at the comment area. Also, Tenorshare iCareFone is a highly recommended free iOS backup tool to selectively backup iPhone data without iCloud or iTunes.

Downloads:

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