Changing the SMS and iMessage text bubble colors on your iPhone can add a personal touch to your messaging experience. However, Apple does not provide a native option to customize these colors, so you will need to use third-party apps or specific settings adjustments.
How to Change SMS Bubble Color
To change the SMS bubble color, you can adjust the accessibility settings on your iPhone. Here are the steps:
- Open the Settings app and tap Accessibility.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Per-App Settings.
- Tap Add App and pick Messages from the list.
- Tap the recently added Messages to customize it.
- Hit Increase Contrast and choose On.
This will change the neon green SMS text bubble to a dark green, making it easier to read with white text on a dark background.
How to Change iMessage Bubble Color
Changing the iMessage bubble color is not possible through native settings, but you can use a third-party app to achieve this. Here’s how:
Using the Color Text Bubbles App
- Download and install the Color Text Bubbles on iMessage app from the App Store.
- Open the Messages app and select a chat or start a new conversation.
- Tap the plus sign beside the text bar, then select More and choose Color Text Bubbles.
- Choose a text bubble template or tap Type Custom Message.
- Type your message, then tap the Bubble Color icon to choose a color.
- Tap Done and then the Send button to send your custom message.
Notes on Using Third-Party Apps
- Sending as Images: The app works by sending the text as an image, which may look different from regular text messages. This is a workaround but can still add a fun personal touch to your messages.
- Ads and Upgrades: The free version of the app may include ads, and you might need to wait a few seconds to dismiss them. Upgrading to the pro version can provide more color options and remove ads.
- Compatibility: The recipient may not see the customized bubble color, especially if they are using an older iOS device.
Limitations and Safety
Limitations
- Recipient Compatibility: The customized bubble color may not be visible to recipients using older iOS devices or non-Apple devices.
- Native Integration: The colors are sent as images, which can look different from the standard text bubbles.
Safety
- Choose Reputable Apps: Ensure you download apps from reputable sources and give only the required permissions to avoid any security issues.
By following these steps, you can add a bit of personality to your messaging experience, even though Apple does not natively support changing the text bubble colors.