Google Messages custom chat wallpapers are rolling out now (if you're lucky)

We first discovered hints in April that Google Messages would offer custom wallpapers for chats. We’ve since manually enabled the feature to give you a look at this functionality, but Google is finally rolling out this customization option to some users.

Telegram user Pintu Patra spotted custom chat wallpapers in the Google Messages app on their Pixel phone. They then posted a screenshot in the Gapps Leaks group, as seen below.

Furthermore, Redditor Stevenmc8602 also received the custom wallpapers feature. The user noted that they were running a beta version of Google Messages (messages.android_20260618_05_RC02.phone_ samsung_openbeta_dynamic) and that the existing “change colors” option indeed morphed into “Chat theme.”

Most users in the Reddit thread said they hadn’t received this functionality yet, despite running a beta version of Google Messages. This suggests that we’re looking at a limited rollout, even among beta testers.

In any event, the feature lets you choose a chat background from a selection of categorized wallpapers. However, you can also choose your own photo if the existing selection isn’t to your liking. This custom chat theme option also comes as Samsung Messages faces a shutdown next month. Samsung’s messaging client offered a healthy level of personalization, so this Google Messages addition arrives at a great time.