Google Messages beta reveals Chat Customization including Custom Photo Backgrounds

Google is testing deeper personalization options for RCS conversations in its Messages app.

Code strings discovered in the latest beta build point to a new "Custom" theme section that would let users upload their own photos for chat backgrounds, adjust bubble colors separately, and preview changes before applying them.

The findings come from an APK teardown of Google Messages version messages.android_20260410_02_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic, first reported by Android Authority on April 14.

Among the strings are "Upload photo", "Your photos", "Theme Preview", "Custom", "Backgrounds", "Bubble Color", and "Apply".

The references to "Your photos" suggest integration with Google Photos for selecting images to use as wallpapers.

Right now, customization in Google Messages remains limited. For RCS chats only, users can access a "Change colors" option through the three-dot menu or by tapping the contact or group name.

Here's a list of all the strings that were found in this Google Messages beta:

• <string name="custom_theme_add_photos">Upload photo</string>
• <string name="custom_theme_your_photos">Your photos</string>
• <string name="custom_theme_preview">Theme Preview</string>
• <string name="custom_theme_title">Theme UI</string>
• <string name="custom_theme_custom">Custom</string>
• <string name="custom_theme_backgrounds">Backgrounds</string>
• <string name="custom_theme_bubble_color">Bubble Color</string>
• <string name="custom_theme_apply">Apply</string>

This lets them pick preset themes that alter both background and bubble colors together.

Once selected, the theme applies to that specific conversation and reverts if the chat is deleted, according to Google's official support pages.

The new tools would go further by allowing independent control over backgrounds and bubbles, along with the option to mix elements rather than rely on presets.

A preview screen would give users a chance to test the look before confirming it.

The timing aligns with Samsung's decision to shut down its standalone Messages app in July 2026.

Many Galaxy owners moving to Google Messages have complained about the loss of features they once had, including the ability to set gallery images as chat backgrounds and more granular theme adjustments through Samsung's Theme Park module.

No rollout date has been announced, and Google has not commented publicly on the code strings or confirmed the feature.

The presence of the strings in the open beta does not guarantee they will reach stable users, as developers often test and later remove unfinished elements.

If the changes arrive, they would give Google Messages users more control over how individual conversations look, bringing the app closer to the level of personalization some have long requested while keeping the focus on RCS chats.