Google Messages finally lets you personalize chats with others

It seems like it took years for users to clamor for a feature that many text messaging apps already offer, but Google Messages has finally been updated to include chat themes. Google announced the big update in late August, noting that users would now be able to change both the background of Google Messages chats as well as the color of message bubbles for individual RCS chats.

Google is making big changes to Google Messages in 2026; However, users still lack basic customization features. Although they’ve been able to change their chat colors for a while now, this customization may seem slim compared to the options found in Samsung Messages. And while it might not be the most missed Samsung Messages feature, the ability to add a touch of personalization to your chats is a welcome addition, and one that Google has lagged behind. Fortunately, this is changing, so users disappointed by its lack of customization can now rest easy. There are a few things to keep in mind, however.

To begin with, changes are only visible to the user themselves. This means that, unlike Google’s chat colors – which changed the chat color for everyone – the new chat theme customization options will only be visible on the device of the person who sets them. Additionally, Google says that chat topics require you to use RCS messaging, but if you use Google Messages, chances are the feature is already enabled, as it’s enabled by default if your carrier supports it.

If you want to personalize your chats in Google Messages, you’ll first need to check that the update has reached your device, which you can do by connecting to a chat and tapping the three vertical dots menu at the top right. You should see an option for discussion theme if it is available. From there, just tap the option and it will bring up an assortment of color options, which appears to be Google’s old color customization feature.

However, if you scroll further down, you will have the option to choose from several different categories for background options such as animals, architecture, landscapes and even sunsets or space. If you prefer to use your own photo, there is also an option to choose a photo from your phone’s gallery.

However, before hitting Apply, go back to your conversation to see how the photo or background will look like. This way you can be sure that you are happy with it. Once you are, just hit apply and you’re good to go. Although it took Google a long time to add customization options like this, it’s nice to finally have them, especially since Samsung removed Samsung Messages earlier this year, making Google Messages the default option for messaging on most Android phones.