How to Change WhatsApp Colors, Themes and Chat Wallpaper
For years, WhatsApp had one look: green bubbles, a beige doodle background and not much else. If you wanted something different, you were stuck with a plain photo wallpaper or you went looking for risky "modded" versions of the app.
That has changed. WhatsApp now offers official chat themes, a range of bubble colors, dozens of wallpapers and a proper dark mode. You can set one look for every chat, or give your family group and your best friend completely different styles.
This guide shows you exactly where to find each option on iPhone and Android. We will also explain why unofficial apps like GB WhatsApp are not worth the risk, even though they promise more colors.
First, update WhatsApp
New customization features roll out gradually, and older versions may not show them. Before you start, make sure you are on the latest version.
- iPhone: open the App Store, tap your profile picture, scroll to find WhatsApp and tap Update.
- Android: open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture > Manage apps & device > Updates available, and update WhatsApp.
If an option in this guide still does not appear after updating, it may not have reached your account yet. Check again in a few days.
Good to know: themes are only visible to you
Before you get creative, one important detail. Chat themes, colors and wallpapers you choose only change what you see on your own phone.
Your friend will not see your pink bubbles or your beach wallpaper. They see whatever theme they have chosen. That also means you can personalize every chat freely without anyone being notified.
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How to set a default chat theme for all chats
A chat theme combines a wallpaper and a color for your message bubbles and other accents. Setting a default applies it to every chat, unless you give a specific chat its own theme.
On iPhone
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings at the bottom right.
- Tap Chats.
- Tap Default chat theme.
- Pick one of the preset themes, or choose a Chat color and a Wallpaper separately to mix and match.
- Tap Set to apply.
On Android
- Open WhatsApp and tap the three-dot menu at the top right.
- Tap Settings > Chats.
- Tap Default chat theme.
- Choose a preset theme, or adjust the chat color and wallpaper separately.
- Confirm your choice to apply it.
How to give one chat its own theme
This is a lovely way to tell chats apart at a glance, for example a warm color for family and a calm blue for work.
On iPhone
- Open the chat you want to change.
- Tap the contact or group name at the top.
- Tap Chat theme.
- Choose a theme, color or wallpaper and confirm.
On Android
- Open the chat.
- Tap the three-dot menu at the top right.
- Tap Chat theme (on some versions, Theme or Wallpaper).
- Pick your theme and confirm.
To go back to your default, open the same menu and choose the option to reset or use the default theme.
How to set a custom wallpaper or your own photo
If none of the built-in wallpapers feel right, you can use any photo from your gallery. A holiday picture, your pet or a simple texture all work.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Default chat theme (or open a chat's Chat theme for one chat only).
- Tap Wallpaper.
- Choose a category: bright, dark, solid colors, or My photos to pick from your gallery.
- Adjust the crop, preview it and tap Set.
Tips for a readable wallpaper
- Choose calm images. Busy photos with lots of detail make messages hard to read.
- Use darker photos in dark mode. A bright photo behind dark mode bubbles can be tiring on the eyes.
- Try wallpaper dimming. In dark mode, WhatsApp offers a dimming slider in the wallpaper preview on many versions, which softens bright images.
- Check both bubble colors. Send yourself a test message in a chat to see how your messages and incoming messages look against the background.
How to turn on dark mode
Dark mode swaps WhatsApp's bright white backgrounds for dark gray and black. Many people find it more comfortable at night.
On iPhone
WhatsApp follows your iPhone's system setting. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and choose Dark. Turn on Automatic if you want your phone to switch between light and dark at sunset and sunrise.
On Android
Inside WhatsApp, go to the three-dot menu > Settings > Chats > Theme and choose Light, Dark or System default. System default follows your phone's own dark theme setting.
Other ways to personalize WhatsApp
Colors and wallpapers are only part of the picture. A few more official settings can make WhatsApp more comfortable to use.
- Font size on Android: go to Settings > Chats > Font size and choose small, medium or large.
- Font size on iPhone: WhatsApp follows your system text size. Go to iPhone Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size and move the slider.
- Custom notification tones: set a different sound for each important chat. Open the chat, tap the name, then look for Notifications (iPhone) or Notifications / Custom notifications (Android).
- Chat lists: sort chats into lists like Family or Work from the filter bar at the top of your chat list, so the important ones are one tap away.
Official options versus unofficial mods
You may have seen apps like GB WhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus or FM WhatsApp. They promise extra themes, hidden "online" status, the ability to see deleted messages and more. It is tempting, but here is why we strongly recommend against them.
| Official WhatsApp | Unofficial mods (GB WhatsApp and similar) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to get it | App Store or Google Play | Random websites as APK files |
| Chat themes and colors | Yes, built in | Yes, many more |
| Security updates | Regular, automatic | Irregular or none |
| Account safety | Supported by WhatsApp | Accounts can be temporarily or permanently banned |
| Malware risk | Low when installed from official stores | High, since the code is modified by unknown developers |
| Privacy | End-to-end encryption by WhatsApp | No guarantee of how your messages and contacts are handled |
Why mods are risky
WhatsApp states clearly that using unofficial apps violates its Terms of Service, and it can ban accounts that use them. Some users first see a temporary ban message, and repeated use can lead to a permanent ban of your phone number.
Mods are also distributed outside the official app stores, as APK files from websites. You have no way of knowing what code has been added. Security researchers have found modified WhatsApp versions bundled with spyware and adware. Since WhatsApp holds your private conversations, photos and contacts, that is a lot to risk for a color scheme.
How to switch back to official WhatsApp
If you are using a mod, back up your chats first, if the mod allows it, since chat history may not transfer. Then uninstall the mod, install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store and verify your phone number. WhatsApp's Help Center has official guidance on moving from an unofficial app, so check it before you start.
Troubleshooting common problems
Sometimes things do not look the way you expect. Here are quick fixes:
- Chat theme option missing: update WhatsApp and restart your phone. The feature may still be rolling out to your account.
- Colors look different at night: you probably have dark mode set to switch automatically. Check your system display settings.
- Custom wallpaper looks blurry: use a higher-resolution photo, ideally one taken with your phone camera rather than a saved screenshot.
- One chat ignores your default: it has its own theme. Open that chat's Chat theme and reset it to default.
FAQ
Can the other person see my WhatsApp theme?
No. Themes, colors and wallpapers only change your own view. Everyone else sees their own settings.
Can I change the color of the WhatsApp app icon?
The official app does not offer free icon color changes on most phones. Some phone launchers and the iPhone Shortcuts app let you create custom icons, but those are shortcuts, not changes to WhatsApp itself.
Is GB WhatsApp safe if I download it from a popular site?
No. Popularity does not make it safe. It is still unofficial, can get your account banned and may contain malware.
Do themes use more battery?
Not noticeably. On phones with OLED screens, dark mode and darker wallpapers can even save a little battery.