Google Messages finally gives Android users more customization and customization options with “Chat Themes.”
Update 6/26: Since Tuesday, more Google Messages beta users (version 20260622_01_RC00) have received the server-side update that enables Chat topics. It has not yet been widely implemented for testers.
Once it’s available, you’ll see a red dot badge in the overflow menu as “Change Colors” is replaced by “Chat Theme.”
The colorful carousel themes the message bubbles. The first option is Dynamic Color and responds to the chat background, while the remaining eight options are static.
Wallpapers change the message conversation background. You can upload your own image or choose from Google’s collection: Animals, Architecture, Black and White, Cityscapes, Landscapes, Macro, Space, Sunsets and Textures.
Original 6/23: At the moment, you can “Change Colors” in a chat with nine options for message bubbles and backgrounds. This was introduced in 2024.
The new “Chat Theme” option replaces that and provides broader customization. Google notes that “only you will see these changes,” unlike the previous approach.
It starts with a preview of the conversation at the top of the screen. Next, a carousel of “Colors” appears that match the system-level dynamic color palettes.
Then you have “Wallpapers,” where Google provides stock categories like Animals, Architecture, Black and White, Cityscapes, Landscapes, Macro, and more. This is also similar to the Google Wallpaper options, although you can “Choose a Photo” manually.
This level of customization is a staple for modern messaging apps and Google is finally addressing this user request.
We don’t see chat topics on several devices we review today, with the usual phased launch of Google Messages in play. According to the Reddit Report Today, you will see “Change Colors” become “Chat Theme” once it is available on your device.
Hopefully this will see a wide release sooner rather than later.
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