When you upgrade to iOS 26, there will be an option to change the iMessage wallpaper with a pre-existing wallpaper, or with your own. However, many people encounter errors when changing the iMessage wallpaper, such as no option, or not being able to change the wallpaper even though the other person has set it up. Below are instructions on how to fix the error of changing the iMessage wallpaper .
Update to the latest iOS 26
iMessage chat wallpapers are only available with iOS 26, so make sure you and the person you're chatting with are both updated to iOS 26. The wallpapers won't show up if you're both still on iOS 18.
Wallpaper only applies to iMessage
You can only add iMessage message wallpapers, not apply additional wallpapers to SMS or RCS conversations.
Exit and reopen the iMessage app
Try exiting the iMessage app completely and then restarting it to fix the iMessage wallpaper change error.
Enable iMessage wallpaper mode
First you need to enable wallpaper mode for iMessage to be able to set wallpaper for conversations.
You access Settings then click on Applications. Switch to the new interface, click on the Messages application. Now you need to activate Conversation Background mode to use the message background on iPhone.
In case you have enabled this feature before and the wallpaper is not showing, please disable it and enable it again.
Restart iPhone
After following the above steps, if the problem persists, turn off your iPhone and turn it back on. Now, go back to the Messages app and you will see the option to add a wallpaper or you can see the chat wallpapers set by your friends.
Check iMessage server status
There may be a server-level issue with iMessage that prevents both you and the person you're chatting with from seeing the conversation background. Visit Apple's system status page below and make sure iMessage, iCloud Account & Sign In, and Apple Account are working properly.
- Check Apple service
Reset all iPhone network settings
If none of that works, reset all network settings and try adding the wallpaper again. You can also wait for a new software update to fix the problem.