WhatsApp Rolls Out 'Chat Theme' Feature on Android & iOS: What It Is and How It Works

Meta is enhancing the WhatsApp experience with new customization options, allowing users to personalize their chats like never before. The latest feature, called "Chat Theme," is being rolled out for both Android and iOS users, enabling them to modify their chat themes, background colors, and chat bubbles.

According to an official announcement, the feature is being introduced gradually and will be available to users worldwide over the next few weeks. This update offers a more engaging and visually appealing chatting experience, catering to individual user preferences.

What’s New in WhatsApp Chat Themes?

With this update, WhatsApp users can now customize the visual aesthetics of their chats beyond just the wallpaper. The new feature includes:

• Pre-set Chat Themes: Users can choose from multiple pre-configured themes that adjust both the background wallpaper and chat bubble colors.

• Custom Color Options: Apart from pre-set themes, users can modify the color of chat bubbles to suit their style.

• Personalized Themes for Each Chat: Unlike previous versions, users can now set different themes for individual conversations, offering a tailored experience for each chat.

• Custom Themes for Channels: Users managing WhatsApp Channels can now personalize their channel chats with unique themes.

• 30 New Wallpaper Options: WhatsApp has added 30 new wallpaper backgrounds, but users still have the flexibility to upload images from their gallery.

• User-Specific Customization: It is important to note that any applied chat theme changes will only be visible to the user applying them. The person on the other end of the chat will not see the customized changes.

With these new enhancements, WhatsApp is making chat customization more intuitive, immersive, and user-friendly than ever before.

How to Apply WhatsApp Chat Themes?

Users can easily customize their chat themes by following a few simple steps.

1. Applying a Default Chat Theme for All Conversations

To change the theme for all your chats and channels:

• Go to Settings in WhatsApp.

• Select Chats > Default Chat Theme.

• Browse through the available themes and choose one that suits your preference.

2. Customizing Themes for Individual Chats

For users who want to personalize themes for specific chats, the process varies slightly between Android and iOS:

For iOS users:

• Open a chat and tap on the contact’s name at the top.

• Select the "Chat Theme" option.

• Pick a new theme or customize the colors as per your liking.

For Android users:

• Open a chat and tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

• Select "Chat Theme" from the dropdown menu.

• Choose a theme or background to apply to the conversation.

This customization process enables users to switch themes easily and experiment with different aesthetics for a more engaging experience.

Gradual Rollout & Availability

Meta has confirmed that the WhatsApp Chat Theme feature is being introduced in phases. Since it is a gradual rollout, some users may not have immediate access. However, the feature is expected to be widely available in the coming weeks.

To check if the feature is available on your device:

1. Update WhatsApp to the latest version from Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).

2. Restart the app after updating.

3. Go to Settings > Chats to see if the "Default Chat Theme" option is available.

If the feature is not visible yet, users will need to wait for the update to reach their region.

Why WhatsApp’s Chat Theme Feature Matters?

This update represents WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to improving user experience and enhancing personalization options. Some key benefits include:

✔️ Greater personalization – Users can express their style through customized chat themes.
✔️ Enhanced visual appeal – The new colors and backgrounds make chatting more visually engaging.
✔️ Flexibility in customization – Users can set different themes for different chats.
✔️ User-friendly design – The themes are easy to apply and modify.

With this update, WhatsApp is giving users more control over their chat aesthetics, making conversations more immersive and enjoyable.