# Google Messages Chat Themes Now Officially Available Personalize your chats with customizable bubbles and backgrounds. - **Source:** [Droid Life – Opinionated Android news.](https://brifing.si/source/e2c0dc2a-732d-474d-822d-7fd3baa90ea7) - **Published:** 2026-08-27 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/45a3af3d-3e98-4bf7-9ccb-b1cfd9163df8 ## Chat Themes Officially Launched in Google Messages Google has officially announced the introduction of chat themes in the Messages app. This feature, which has been in testing for the past few months, is now ready for all users. Themes allow users to customize the color of chat bubbles and the background. Google noted that this feature only works for accounts with RCS (Rich Communication Services) enabled. The update aims to meet users' personalization needs. ## Personalization Options The new theme feature in Google Messages lets users choose their own photos as backgrounds or use wallpapers curated by Google. Users can also select a color or let the theme automatically adapt to the chosen background. Notably, these customizations are only visible on the user's own device. The other party in the chat won't see the theme changes, ensuring privacy and personal preference. ## How to Use It To use the theme feature in Google Messages, first ensure you have the latest version of the app installed. Then, open a chat you want to customize and look for the 'Chat theme' option in the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. If the option isn't there, try closing and reopening the app completely. Once in the Themes section, you can choose from colors, preset images, or your own photos for customization. ## Reverting to Default If you want to reset a chat theme, simply go back to the 'Chat theme' section and click the 'Reset to default' link under the theme preview. This will remove your customizations and restore the chat to its original appearance. Keep in mind that this feature only works if RCS is enabled. Google has stated that RCS is now enabled by default for all users. ## The Importance of RCS The theme feature in Google Messages only works for accounts with RCS (Rich Communication Services) enabled. RCS is a protocol that replaces SMS and offers richer communication features. Google has been working hard to promote RCS adoption in recent years. This feature is part of the effort to encourage users to experience more than just standard SMS. ## User Reactions The theme feature in Google Messages has garnered significant interest from users. The wide range of personalization options and ease of use have been particularly praised. However, some users find the RCS requirement restrictive. Google continues to collaborate with carriers to expand the feature's availability. Users report that themes make the chat experience more enjoyable. ## Competitive Landscape The theme feature in Google Messages is a strategic move to compete with rival apps like WhatsApp and iMessage. It responds to the long-standing personalization options offered by iMessage. Google aims to increase user engagement with the Messages app through this update. Recent updates reflect the company's effort to better meet user needs. ## Future Updates Google has announced plans to add more theme options and personalization tools to the Messages app. The company will consider user feedback to refine the features. More wallpaper options and color palettes are expected in the coming months. Google emphasizes that as RCS adoption grows, the Messages app will offer even more customization features. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.droid-life.com/2026/08/27/google-messages-chat-themes-finally-here/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._