How to set a custom wallpaper for different WhatsApp chats

As long as WhatsApp has been around, there have been people clamouring for the ability to go a step further when customising their experience. While the messaging app has long let you change the background that appears behind your messages, that’s always been a single wallpaper for all your chats.

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Now that’s finally changed – WhatsApp is rolling out an update that lets you set a custom wallpaper for each of your chats, along with a whole bunch more wallpapers to choose from as well as your own images.

If you’ve got the latest version of the app downloaded, you should soon be able to follow the steps below to give each of your chats a more distinctive flavour. We’ve also included details on how to set a different wallpaper for when your phone’s in dark mode. 

Note, though, that this feature isn’t applied in all regions – for example, you can’t change your wallpaper per chat on iOS in the UK at present.

How to set custom WhatsApp chat wallpapers

On Android:

At the top of your chosen chat, select the “…” menuSelect WallpaperGo through the flow and select your choice of wallpaper 

On iOS:

At the top of a chat, select the group nameOn the Group Info (or Chat Info) menu, tap Wallpaper & SoundSelect your chosen wallpaper

How to change dark mode wallpaper on WhatsApp

On Android:

Turn on dark mode from your device settings (if Android 10 or above) or from WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Theme (if Android 9 or below).Then follow the above steps to change your wallpaperThe two choices should be saved for their respective modes

On iOS:

Turn on dark mode from your device settingsChange your wallpaper using the steps aboveAgain, your choices for light and dark mode should be saved