WhatsApp is adding more customization features that let users change how different chats appear on the messaging platform. Not only do you get new wallpaper options, but WhatsApp is also introducing chat themes that let you change the color of the background and chat bubbles for different chats. You can choose from various preset themes or create your own by choosing different colors and wallpapers for each chat.

Changing the theme for all chats simultaneously

If you want to change the chat theme for all chats and channels simultaneously and apply a single theme across all of them, you can do so from WhatsApp settings.

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots on the top right.
  2. Then tap on 'Settings' in the dropdown menu.
  1. On the Settings page, tap on 'Chats'.
  2. Next, tap on 'Default chat theme' on the Chats page.
  1. Tap on any of the available themes and you will see a preview of it on your screen. You can also swipe right to see more options.
  2. Once you like a theme, tap on the green checkmark at the top right on the preview screen to apply it to all chats. Then tap 'Set theme' in the pop-up that appears on your screen.
  1. You can also change the brightness of a theme and see how it appears in dark mode by tapping the 'sun' icon on the bottom right.
  2. Then move the slider up or down to adjust the brightness level.
  1. To change the chat color, tap the icon on the bottom left.
  2. Now you can tap on the color you want to select from the options that appear on your screen.
  1. You can also customize the chat color from the page where you select the theme by tapping the 'Chat color' option. Similarly, tapping the 'Wallpaper' option will let you choose from different wallpapers and set a default one for all chats.

Changing the theme for a single chat

You can change the theme for individual chats in a very similar manner as when changing the theme for all chats.

  1. Open the chat for which you want to change the theme and tap on the three dots on the top right.
  2. Then tap on 'Chat theme' in the dropdown menu.
  1. Now you will see the same page where you can select preset themes or customize them as you like. To select a preset theme, tap on any of the options at the top. Swipe right to see more themes.
  2. You can also customize a theme by changing its wallpaper and chat color using the options at the bottom.
  1. Tapping the 'Chat color' option will let you show you a selection of colors from which you can choose the color you want by tapping on it.
  2. The 'Wallpaper' option lets you choose from the available wallpapers in WhatsApp, select images from your gallery, or even use a solid color for the wallpaper.

Things to know

  • The chat theme option in WhatsApp has only recently started rolling out so it may not be available on your device yet. If you don't see it, wait for an update that will add the feature to the app.
  • You can also change the themes of your WhatsApp channels in the same way as chats. However, there is no option to change the themes of all channels simultaneously, so you will have to change them one by one.
  • A helpful tip when customizing chat themes is to select contrasting chat colors and wallpapers. This will ensure your messages in the chat are easily visible, which can happen when you use wallpapers that have very similar colors to the chat color.
  • Right now, chat themes are only available in the iOS and Android versions of Whatsapp, and not on the desktop or web apps. There is no word whether the feature will be making its way to these apps.