Google has begun rolling out a new feature for its Google Messages app that allows users to customize chat themes. This update enables users to personalize individual conversations with unique color palettes and custom background wallpapers. While customization options have been standard in competing messaging apps for some time, this functionality is now available to both stable and beta users of Google Messages. In the following sections, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change your Messages background.
Requirements for Accessing the New Theming Engine in Google Messages
To utilize the newly introduced theming engine in Google Messages, Android users must fulfill two key requirements. First, ensure that the Google Messages app is updated to the latest version. This can be done by opening the Google Play Store, tapping on your profile icon, selecting ‘Manage apps & device’, and checking for updates under ‘Updates available’.
Once updated, launch the Google Messages app on your device. To access the theming options, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the screen.
Second is enable RCS Messaging as chat themes operate exclusively over RCS. To verify that the feature is enabled, open up Google Messages, tap the profile icon in the top-right corner, go to Messages settings, tap RCS chats and make sure the Turn on RCS chats toggle is switched on.