The background in SMS chats on Android is not just a decorative element, but a way to personalize communication and make it more convenient for the eyes or even hide traces of using the messenger from strangers. However, not everyone knows that standard “Messages” from Google, branded shells from the ability to change the background strongly depends on the messaging application used - standard "Messages" from Google, branded shells from Samsung or Xiaomi, as well as third-party messengers like Textra or Chomp SMS offer different functionality.

In this article we will look at all the current ways to change the background in SMS on Android, including hidden settings, bypassing restrictions and recommendations for choosing images. You will learn why the option is not available on some devices, how to bypass this using third-party applications, and which technical limitations that manufacturers impose on customizing the message interface. We will also look at the nuances for popular brands - from Samsung Galaxy to Pixel and Redmi.

Why is there no option to change the background in standard SMS?

Most users are faced with the fact that The basic Messages app (e.g. Google Messages) does not have an explicit button to change the chat background. The reason lies in the philosophy of the developers:

  • 📱 Interface minimalism: Google and many manufacturers strive to maintain the simplicity and speed of the application, avoiding unnecessary settings.
  • 🔒 Security: Background images may contain hidden data or be used for phishing (for example, fake password entry windows).
  • 📶 Performance: Graphics processing requires additional resources, which is critical for budget smartphones.
  • 🎨 Brand consistency: Branded shells (for example, One UI from Samsung) are often tied to a corporate style, where the chat background is part of the overall design.

However, this does not mean that changing the background is impossible. Next, we will look at workarounds - from hidden settings to third-party applications.

📊 Which SMS application do you use?
Google Messages
Samsung Messages
Xiaomi Messages
Textra/Chomp SMS
Other

Method 1: Changing the background in branded applications (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei)

Some manufacturers add a background customization option to their branded SMS applications. Let's consider the most popular options:

Samsung Messages (One UI)

On devices Samsung Galaxy (S, A, Note series, etc.) in the application Messages there is a built-in function for changing the background:

  1. Open the chat with the desired contact.
  2. Tap on ⋮ (three dots) → Chat settings.
  3. Select Chat background.
  4. Click Galleryto upload your own image, or select from the suggested templates.

Restrictions:

  • 🔄 The background applies only to the current chat (not globally to all messages).
  • 🖼️ The image resolution is automatically reduced to 1080×1920 to save memory.
  • 🎨 Animations (GIF) are not supported - only static pictures.

Xiaomi Messages (MIUI)

On smartphones Redmi, Poco and Mi the function is hidden deeper:

  1. Open the application Messages.
  2. Go to Settings → Themes and backgrounds.
  3. Select Chat background and download image.

Important: In some versions of MIUI, the option is available only for favorites contacts (you must first add the interlocutor to "Favorites").

Why is there no option to change the background on Xiaomi?

In some regions (for example, for European firmware), Xiaomi disables SMS customization due to GDPR requirements for the processing of personal data. You can get around this by changing the region in the phone settings or installing global firmware.

Huawei Messages (EMUI)

On devices Huawei i Honor change of background is implemented differently:

  1. Open the chat and tap on the interlocutor’s avatar.
  2. Select Chat Settings → Background.
  3. Upload an image or select a color from the palette.

Feature: Huawei allows you to set gradient backgrounds, but only for chats with saved contacts.

💡

If the option to change the background disappeared after updating the firmware, try clearing the Messages application cache in the Android settings (Settings → Applications → Messages → Memory → Clear cache).

Method 2: Using Google Messages (with limitations)

The application Google Messages (installed by default on Pixel and many other Android devices) does not support changing the background in the classical sense. However, there are two workarounds. paths:

1. Dark theme + color accents

Although you cannot change the full background, you can customize the color scheme:

  1. Open Google Messages → ⋮ → Settings → Themes.
  2. Select Dark or Light theme.
  3. In section Accent color set a tint that will highlight the interface elements.

This will not replace the background image, but will visually change the perception of the chat.

2. RCS chats with effects

If you and yours the interlocutor uses RCS chats (and not regular SMS), in Google Messages available:

  • 🎉 Effects reactions: when you hold a message, animations appear (fire, hearts, etc.).
  • 🖌️ Colored message bubbles: you can set a unique color for each chat.

To enable RCS: 

Settings → Chat features → Enable RCS chats

💡

Google Messages deliberately limits background customization in order to maintain a consistent interface and minimize the load on the battery. An alternative is third-party applications, which will be discussed later.

Method 3: Third-party SMS applications with background support

If the built-in capabilities are not satisfactory, you can install alternative instant messengers. tested the top options and compiled a comparative table:

Application Change background Animations/GIF Backup Cons
Textra SMS ✅ Yes (for each chat) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (to the cloud) Advertising in the free version
Chomp SMS ✅ Yes (globally or by chats) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (locally) Paid plugins
Pulse SMS ✅ Yes (with cloud synchronization) ❌ No ✅ Yes (cross-platform) Subscription for $0.99/month
QKSMS ✅ Yes (with parallax support) ✅ Yes ❌ No No encryption

How to install and configure the background in Textra SMS (for example):

Download Textra from Google Play|Open the chat and tap on ⋮ → "Chat settings"|Select "Chat background" → "Select image"|Adjust transparency and blur|Save changes-->

Warning: when switching to a third-party application old SMS may not be transferred automatically, we recommend that you first make a backup copy via Settings → System → Backup.

💡

You can configure Textra SMS can be customized automatic. change the background by time of day (for example, dark background at night and light during the day). To do this, go to Settings → Themes → Auto change themes.

Method 4: Rooting and modifying system files (for advanced)

If you are ready to take radical measures, changing the background is possible by editing system files. This method requires root access and is only suitable for experienced users.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
  2. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer).
  3. Go to the path: 
    /data/data/com.android.mms/files/

    (for Google Messages the path may be different: /data/data/com.google.android.apps.messaging/).

  4. Create a folder backgrounds and place an image there with resolution 1080×1920 and name chat_bg.jpg.
  5. Change file permissions to 644 (r-w r-- r--).
  6. Restart the device.

Risks:

  • 🚨 Loss of warranty (when unlocking the bootloader).
  • 🔧 The Messages application may malfunction.
  • 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware (root access allows access to system files).

What to do if the background has not changed after rooting?

1. Check that the path to the folder with the background is correct (it may differ depending on the Android version and firmware).

2. Make sure that the file has a name chat_bg.jpg (register important!).

3. Clear the Messages application data in the Android settings.

4. If you use custom software (for example, LineageOS), check the support for the function in the firmware documentation.

How to choose the ideal image for the SMS background?

Not every image is suitable for a chat background. Here are the selection criteria:

  • 📏 Resolution: optimal 1080×1920 (Full HD). Images with a lower resolution will be stretched and lose quality.
  • 🎨 Contrast: message text should remain. readable. Avoid backgrounds that are too colorful or dark.
  • 🔄 Repeating pattern: If the image is smaller than the screen, choose a textured background (such as abstract lines) that looks good when repeated.
  • 🖼️ Format: preferable JPEG (less weight) or PNG (transparency). WEBp not supported by most applications.
  • 📱 Adaptability: Check how the background looks in horizontal and vertical modes.

Where to get suitable backgrounds?

  • 🌄 Unsplash - free high-quality photos (search by tags "minimal background", "subtle texture").
  • 🎨 Cool Backgrounds - generator of abstract gradients and patterns.
  • 🖌️ Canva - create your background from scratch (use templates for mobile devices).

💡

To prevent message text from “sinking” into the background, in most applications (for example, Textra) you can adjust transparency of chat bubbles or add a shadow under the text.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing the background in SMS, users encounter typical errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. The background is not applied to new messages

Cause: The application cache is not updated.

Solution:

  1. Clear cache: Settings → Applications → Messages → Memory → Clear cache.
  2. Reboot device.
  3. If you are using a third-party application (for example, Textra), check the synchronization settings in Settings → Advanced → Synchronization.

2. The background is blurred or stretched.

Cause: Mismatch between screen and image resolution.

Solution:

  • Use images with a resolution that is a multiple of your screen resolution (for example, for Full HD (1080×1920) take a background 2160×3840 for clarity).
  • In the background settings (if any), disable the option Stretch and select Fill or Center.

3. The background is reset after updating the application

Cause: The update resets the user settings.

Solution:

  • Before updating, make a backup copy of your settings (in Textra: Settings → Backup).
  • Turn off automatic updating for the application in Google Play.
  • If the background has reset, reapply it manually.

💡

If the problem persists after every update, consider using alternative applications (for example, QKSMS), where the background settings are stored in the cloud and are not reset.

Is it possible to put an animated background (GIF) in SMS?

Yes, but only in some third-party applications, for example:

  • Textra SMS — supports GIF backgrounds, but they only work in preview mode (not animated in real time).
  • Chomp SMS — allows you to set Live Wallpapers as a background for chats.

In standard applications (Google Messages, Samsung Messages), animation is not is supported.

Why is there no option to change the background in SMS on my Xiaomi?

Probable reasons:

  • You global firmware (for Europe/Asia), where the function is disabled due to GDPR requirements.
  • Used light version is installed Messages application (check in Google Playif Messages Lite).
  • Update MIUI has removed the function (relevant for MIUI 13+).

Solution: Install Textra SMS or try changing the device region to India (where customization is available).

Is it possible to set a different background for different contacts?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Samsung Messages: supports individual backgrounds for each chat.
  • Textra SMS: you can assign a unique background for selected contacts.
  • Google Messages: there is no such function.

In Textra to do this:

  1. Open a chat with the contact.
  2. Tap on ⋮ → Chat settings → Chat background.
  3. Select an image and save.

Is it safe to install third-party applications for SMS?

Most popular applications (for example, Textra or Signal) are safe, but there are risks:

  • 🔓 Data leak: some little-known instant messengers can transfer your SMS to third parties.
  • 📴 Incompatibility: crashes are possible on older versions of Android (below 8.0).
  • 💰 Hidden fees: check reviews in Google Play for complaints about subscriptions.

Recommendations:

  • Install applications with a rating above 4.5 and the number of downloads >1M.
  • Check permissions: the messenger should not request access to geolocation or contacts for no reason.
  • Use VirusTotal to check APK files before installation.

How to return the standard background if you don’t like the new one?

The method depends on the application:

  • Samsung Messages: Chat settings → Chat background → Default.
  • Textra SMS: Settings → Themes → Reset background.
  • Google Messages: reset is not possible (the background is always standard).

If there is no reset option, delete the custom image from the folder /data/data/[package_name]/files/backgrounds/ (required root).