Google Messages will finally offer custom wallpapers—here's how it will work

Google Messages will finally offer custom wallpapers—here's how it will work Credit: Bertel King / How-To Geek By  Jon Fingas Published May 29, 2026, 4:22 PM EDT Jon is a seasoned journalist who has written definitive coverage of consumer tech at publications like Engadget, Android Authority, and BetaKit. He's an expert on making tech accessible ranging from mobile and PCs to emerging platforms like wearables. When he's not writing, he's going on adventures with ihis family and is an avid photographer. Sign in to your How-To Geek account Add Us On follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap Google Messages will soon do more to reflect your personal style. The latest beta of Android's official SMS and RCS messaging app includes hidden code for custom conversation wallpapers, suggestign the feature will be ready soon. Visit a thread's overflow menu, and you'll see a Chat Themes option that lets you choose not just a color theme but a wallpaper to match, Android Authority explains . Google supplies some backgrounds of its own based around concepts like art and space, but you can provide your own if you'd like a partner or pet to be visible. You can reset if you're unhappy with your selections. Google Pixel 10a 7 /10 SoC Google Tensor G4 Display 6.3-inch Actua display See at Amazon $499 at Google Store $500 at Best Buy Expand Collapse The feature isn't active yet, but it appears complete enough that Google could enable it for testers on short notice. Evidence has been present for about a month. It's not clear when Google will make custom wallpapers available in the regular Messages release. Just in time for Samsung Messages fans You won't have to lose wallpapers when you switch The beta timing is apt. Samsung Messages is shutting down in July, leaving fans of its custom wallpapers looking for alternat