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How to Change Message Background on Samsung S23 Ultra: A Deep Dive

Changing the message background on your Samsung S23 Ultra isn’t a straightforward, universally implemented feature across the native messaging app like changing your wallpaper. The method largely depends on whether you’re using the Samsung Messages app or a third-party messaging application like Google Messages. Let’s break it down because personalization is key to unlocking the full potential of this mobile powerhouse.

The Samsung Messages app itself does not directly offer a built-in option to change the overall background of the message threads. Instead, customization options focus more on chat bubbles, theme settings, and individual contact customizations. For a true background change, you’ll likely need to consider these alternative strategies:

Using a Theme: While it won’t change the background within message threads, a system-wide theme can subtly alter the color scheme and aesthetic of the Messages app interface. This involves exploring the Galaxy Themes store.
Dark Mode: Enabling Dark Mode transforms the background to a dark color, providing visual relief and potentially extending battery life.
Third-Party Apps: The most direct route involves using a messaging app that does offer background customization. Google Messages, for example, is a popular choice. You can set it as your default SMS app, provided you are okay with moving away from the native Samsung Messages app.
Individual Chat Customization (limited): Samsung Messages allows you to change the background color for individual chat bubbles. This creates a visually distinct experience for each contact, but doesn’t actually change the entire background.

Now, let’s say you’ve decided to embrace Google Messages. Here’s how that change works:

Download and Install: Head to the Google Play Store and download Google Messages.
Set as Default: Open Google Messages. You will likely be prompted to set it as your default SMS app. If not, go to your phone’s settings, search for “default SMS app,” and select Google Messages.
Theme Options (Within Google Messages): Open Google Messages, tap on the three dots (menu), go to Settings, then Choose Theme. Select Light, Dark or System Default. This is not direct background customization.

To achieve a more personalized look with Google Messages, you might need to explore accessibility options or other settings that indirectly influence the visual appearance. Unfortunately, it’s not as intuitive as simply selecting a background image.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change the background to a custom image in Samsung Messages?

No, the Samsung Messages app does not natively support setting a custom image as the background for message threads. Customization is primarily limited to bubble styles, font sizes, and notification settings. You’ll need to rely on themes, dark mode, or a third-party messaging app like Google Messages if you want more extensive control over the background.

2. How does Dark Mode affect the Messages app on my S23 Ultra?

Enabling Dark Mode in your phone’s settings will switch the background of the Samsung Messages app to a dark color, typically black or a dark gray. This reduces eye strain, especially in low-light environments, and can potentially conserve battery life on devices with AMOLED screens. However, it doesn’t allow for custom images or color choices beyond the dark theme itself.

3. Will changing my system theme change the background of my messages?

Changing your system theme through the Galaxy Themes store can influence the overall color scheme of the Samsung Messages app. This might include subtle adjustments to the background color, accent colors, and bubble styles. However, it’s not a direct background change like setting a custom image. The extent of the change depends on the specific theme you choose.

4. How do I change the chat bubble color in Samsung Messages?

Within the Samsung Messages app:

Open the app and select a conversation
Tap the 3 dots for more options
Then, tap ‘Customize chat room’
Pick a color.

This only changes the color of the chat bubbles, not the actual message background itself.

5. What are the best third-party messaging apps for background customization?

Google Messages is a popular and reliable choice. While it doesn’t allow for full custom background images, it does offer theme options and the ability to change the accent color. Other apps that might offer more extensive customization options include Signal, Telegram, and potentially some lesser-known SMS apps in the Google Play Store (exercise caution when downloading from unknown sources). Always research and read reviews before installing a third-party messaging app.

6. Is it safe to use a third-party SMS app on my Samsung S23 Ultra?

Using a third-party SMS app is generally safe, but it’s crucial to exercise caution. Stick to reputable apps from well-known developers, like Google Messages, Signal, or Telegram. Before installing any app, check its permissions, read reviews, and research the developer’s reputation. Be wary of apps that request excessive permissions or have a history of security vulnerabilities.

7. If I switch to Google Messages, will I lose my old text messages?

No, switching to Google Messages will not automatically delete your existing SMS messages. Google Messages will import and display your existing SMS and MMS messages from the default SMS database. However, it’s always a good practice to back up your messages before making significant changes to your device. You can use Samsung’s backup feature or a third-party backup app.

8. How do I set Google Messages as my default SMS app?

After installing Google Messages, the app will likely prompt you to set it as the default SMS app. If not, you can do so manually by:

Going to your phone’s Settings.
Searching for “default SMS app.”
Selecting Google Messages from the list of available options.

9. Can I customize the notification sounds for individual contacts in Samsung Messages?

Yes, Samsung Messages does allow you to customize notification sounds for individual contacts. This feature helps you identify who is messaging you without looking at your phone. To customize a contact’s notification sound:

Open the Samsung Messages app.
Select the conversation with the contact you want to customize.
Tap the three dots (menu) in the upper right corner.
Select “Customize chat room.”
From there, you should be able to change the notifications.

10. Will changing the font size affect the text within my message bubbles?

Yes, changing the system-wide font size in your phone’s settings will affect the text size within your message bubbles in Samsung Messages. This can improve readability, especially for users with visual impairments. However, it’s a global setting, so it will affect the text size across all apps.

11. How do I back up my text messages on my Samsung S23 Ultra?

You can back up your text messages using several methods:

Samsung Cloud: Samsung Cloud automatically backs up your data, including SMS messages, if you have the feature enabled.
Google Drive: Some messaging apps, like Google Messages, offer the option to back up your messages to Google Drive.
Third-Party Backup Apps: Numerous backup apps are available on the Google Play Store that can back up your SMS messages to your phone’s storage or cloud storage.
Smart Switch: You can use Samsung’s Smart Switch app to back up your messages to your computer or an external storage device.

12. Is there a way to add stickers or GIFs to the background of my messages?

No, neither Samsung Messages nor Google Messages natively support adding stickers or GIFs directly to the background of your message threads. Stickers and GIFs are typically sent within the message bubbles themselves. Some third-party messaging apps might offer this feature, but it’s not a common functionality. The focus remains on text and media within the conversational flow.

In conclusion, while the Samsung S23 Ultra is a customization king in many areas, direct background customization within Samsung Messages is limited. Embracing alternative messaging apps like Google Messages, leveraging themes, or cleverly employing chat bubble customization can offer a personalized messaging experience, even if it doesn’t involve a complete background overhaul. The key is understanding the limitations and exploring the available workarounds to make your messaging experience uniquely yours.