How to Customize iMessage Background on iOS 26?

If you're using iOS 26, you now have the option to customize your iMessage background for a more tailored messaging experience. Instead of relying on the default interface, you can apply solid colors, gradients, or personal photos to better reflect your style and preferences. This guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to change iMessage background on iOS 26, along with useful tips for selecting designs that enhance readability and maintain a professional appearance.

Part 1: What's New in iOS 26 for iMessage Background?

Fully customizable conversation backgrounds

iOS 26 enables you to personalize individual iMessage threads with custom backgrounds. Choose from animated themes (like Sky, Water, Aurora), vibrant gradients, your own photos, or AI-generated images via Apple's Image Playground.

Dynamic categories and creative control

Apple offers various preset categories—including Sky, Water, Aurora, Color—as well as tools to crop, adjust palettes, and preview backgrounds before confirming.

AI-generated visuals

Use Apple's Image Playground to generate custom backgrounds with text prompts (e.g., "sunset beach"). These AI images—animated, illustrated, or sketched—make each chat unique.

Shared background experience

Backgrounds sync across devices under the same Apple Account (iPhone, iPad, Mac with macOS Tahoe), and everyone in a conversation sees the same background.

Plus, if you're in a chat with someone not on iOS 26, they won't see the custom background.

Toggle off personalization

If you prefer the classic look, you can disable conversation backgrounds via Settings > Messages.

Summary of the Key Upgrades

Part 2: How to Change iMessage Background on iOS 26?

Now let's follow these simple steps to customize iOS 26 iMessage Background.

Step 1: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 26.

Step 2: Tap into the chat where you want to apply a custom background.

Step 3: In the lower-left corner of the screen, tap the plus (+) icon to access the expanded options menu.

Step 4: From the menu, select Backgrounds. This will open Apple's background customization interface.

Step 5: You can pick from preset categories such as:

• Sky (clouds, stars, auroras)
• Water (waves, ripples)
• Aurora (dynamic gradients)
• Color (solid shades & gradients)
• Photos (use images from your library)
• AI Creations (generate backgrounds with text prompts using Apple Intelligence's Image Playground).

Step 6: Crop or adjust the image if needed. Preview the look before applying.

Step 7: Tap Done (✔️) to confirm. The new background will instantly appear in your chat.

Step 8: Everyone in that conversation (who's also on iOS 26 or newer) will see the same background.

Step 9: If you prefer the default look, go to Settings > Messages > Conversation Backgrounds and switch them off.

Part 3: Pros and Cons of iOS 26 iMessage Background

Part 4: How to Fix Missing "Background" Option on Message app (iOS 26)

If you've updated to iOS 26 but don't see the Background option in your Messages app, it could be due to a software glitch or incomplete installation. Here's how to resolve it:

Method 1. Check Your iOS Version

The Change iMessage Background feature is only available for iOS 26 and above, so please check if your iOS version is this one.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > About and confirm your device is running iOS 26 or later.

Step 2: The custom background feature is only available on iOS 26+, so older versions won't have this option.

Method 2. Restart Your Device

A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.

Step 1: Press and hold the Power + Volume Up/Down button until the slider appears.

Step 2: Slide to power off, then turn your device back on.

Method 3. Verify Region and Language Settings

Some iOS features are released gradually depending on region.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Language & Region.

Step 2: Ensure your region and language are correctly set and supported for iOS 26 features.

Method 4. Force Quit and Reopen Messages

Refreshing the app can help clear temporary glitches.

Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom (or double-press the Home button) to open the app switcher.

Step 2: Swipe the Messages app off the screen to close it.

Step 3: Reopen Messages and check if the Background option is available.

Method 5. Reset All Settings

If the problem persists, try resetting your settings. This won't delete your data but will restore system preferences to default.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Method 6. Use TunesKit iOS System Recovery

If the above methods don't work, the missing background option on iMessage may cause by the software glitch. Then you may wonder: How to fix this iOS 26 Beta bugs in one-click? TunesKit iOS System Recovery comes in handy, it enables you to fix 150+ iOS issue with or without data loss, including the iPhone boot loop, iPhone stuck on Apple logo, iPhone white screen issues, etc. It supports all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, as well as the latest iOS and iPadOS versions.

Step 1Connect Your Device

Install TunesKit iOS System Recovery on your computer (Windows or Mac). Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer via USB. Launch TunesKit and select iOS System Repair.

Step 2 Select Repair Mode

Choose Standard Repair to fix the system while keeping your data intact. Only use Deep Repair if necessary, as it will erase all data.

Step 3 Download Firmware

TunesKit will detect your device and prompt you to download the corresponding firmware package. Confirm your device info and click Download.

Step 4 Start Repair

After downloading, click Repair button. Wait for TunesKit to complete the repair process and restart your device. Open the Messages app → tap + → Backgrounds. The missing Background option should now appear.

Part 5: FAQs about Changing iOS 26 iMessage Background

Part 6: Conclusion

Now you should know how to change iMessage Background on iOS 26. If the "Background" option is missing, the article also explains how to fix it using TunesKit iOS System Recovery, a reliable tool to repair iOS and restore hidden features without losing data.