Change iMessage Color

Apple’s iMessage is an easy to use app that many iPhone owners use to communicate. It is not, however, the most easily customizable app. Despite that, you do have a few available options if you would like to customize the colors of the message bubbles in iMessage. This article will explain those options and the steps you must take to customize the iMessage app.

Steps

Changing iMessage Color with an Additional App

1. Click on the App Store icon on your iPhone Home screen. If currently in another program, press the home button to return to the home screen and then locate the icon there.
2. Choose the search option on the bottom. The search option uses a magnifying glass icon. As noted, in most versions of iOS this option is located on the bottom of the screen on the main App Store page, but there are some differences in each version of the operating system.
3. Search for an app that can create different message images. All of the apps that can be found on the App Store do not actually change iMessage settings. Instead, they create images of the words you would like to send (with whatever font, style, or color you choose) and allow you to paste that image into a message box.
   • There are a number of such app options, including Color Texting and Color Your Messages. All function almost identically, and so the primary difference is the number and types of fonts, backgrounds, and colors you can use.
   • If you would like to see a full list of options, type “color iMessage” in the search query bar and then click "Search." A number of applications should appear that are specifically designed to create iMessage text bubbles in your chosen style.
4. Select an application. Scroll through the apps, such as Color Text Messages, Color Messaging Pro and Color Texting for iMessage. Some of the apps on the list will be free and others will cost approximately $0.99.
   • Read the reviews for the apps. There are some apps that contain glitches or no longer function with current versions of iMessages.
   • Look for the features that you desire. Most of the applications will include sample images of the modifications that they can provide. Look for ones that best fit the style that you are looking for.
5. Tap "Install". You may need to type in your Apple ID, if you have not recently done so.
6. Open the app. You can select “Open” once the app is installed for find the icon on the main screen.
7. Make a customized text message. Use the various menu options to create an image file that suits you.
   • In "Color Your Messages," you will see three options in the middle of the screen: the first is a preset text style with background, the second allows you to change the color of the text or the background (or both), and the third allows you to change the font. Tapping any of these options will make a list of pattern, color, or font options appear on the lower half of your screen. After selecting the options you want, then type the text of the message you would like to send.
   • If use "Color Texting," six icons with the following titles will appear on the screen after you open the app: Colored Bubbles, Textured Bubbles, Colored Text, Glow Text, Cursive Text, Ghost Text. Tap on the option of your choice and then scroll through the variations that appear in the row that appears along the middle of your screen. Tap the style or color of your choice and then enter your text.
8. Copy, paste, and send the image you have created. For all of the available apps, you will have to manually move the image file to the iMessage app.
   • If you are using "Color Your Messages," finish writing your message and then hit the "Send" button. Instructions will appear informing you that the app has copied the image to the clipboard and telling you how to send it. Tap "Continue." The program will move to the background and you can open iMessage. Find the relevant contact and then hold your finger in the message box until the "paste" icon appears. Tap on it and then send the image.
   • In "Color Texting," after creating the image tap the button with the words "Click here to send the text message." A window will appear informing you that the file has been copied to the clipboard. Tap ok, and then tap the home button. Open iMessage and find the appropriate contact. Hold your finger on the message box until the "paste" icon appears, tap it, and then send the image as a message.

Changing iMessage Color by Jailbreaking Your Phone

1. Understand what it means to jailbreak your iPhone. In the context of the iPhone community, jailbreaking means removing the many restrictions Apple has implanted in iOS. For those who are very committed to having a customizable iPhone, this is perhaps one of the best options. However, it isn't for everyone.
   • Check if jailbreaking your iPhone will void its warranty. Unless you are very experienced with jailbreaking, you may want to wait to jailbreak your iPhone until the Apple warranty expires 1 year after purchase.
   • Apple has attempted to create an environment that--because it is highly regulated--is safe for virtually all users. You don't have to worry about malware or scams like you would without the protections provided by Apple restrictions.
2. Update programs and save your files. Make sure you have a backup of your files before you make any switch, just in case anything bad happens.
   • Update iTunes to its latest version.
   • Back up your iPhone on iTunes and/or with use of a cloud.
   • Select a jailbreak program. Programs like RedSn0w or RageBreak are options. You should research the newest and best programs for jailbreaking your iPhone model. There are a number of options out there, but determining which is best can be tricky unless you know people who have had success with one particular program. These are, after all, not Apple-approved programs and thus have not been professionally vetted.
   • Many of these programs are updated to work on particular versions of iOS and not on later varieties (often because Apple intentionally alters the operating system to prevent jailbreaks). It is very common that, for example, a program can work on iOS 8.1.1 but not 8.1.2. There should be information available discussing what the program can and cannot do.
3. Install the jailbreak program. You will actually have to download the file to a separate computer in order to complete the jailbreak process.
   • Download a jailbreak program onto your computer.
   • Install the program onto your computer. Remember, it may provide you a passcode to use later. Do record it and keep it at hand.
   • Download the latest iOS firmware. You can find the firmware file [iphonehacks.com/download-iphone-ios-firmware here]. When you run the jailbreak program as an administrator, you will need to select this firmware file.
4. Make sure the computer and iPhone are prepared to be linked. Check that your phone and computer are connected to the same wireless connection.
5. Complete the jailbreak process.
   • Place the iPhone in device firmware upgrade (DFU) mode. (To put the iPhone in DFU mode, you should hold down the Power button for 3 seconds. Then, hold the Home button down with the Power button for 10 seconds. Release the Power button while keeping the Home button down.) Turn off the phone and connect it to the computer. Then, you will prepare to place the programs you just downloaded on the iPhone.
   • The jailbreak program should activate on your iPhone. Release the home button on the phone. Wait for the iPhone to reboot.
   • After the jailbreak tether is activated, you will be asked to place it in DFU mode again. Your iPhone may need to reboot a few times.
   • Find the IP address your iPhone uses. It is listed in the Settings app in the Wi-Fi area.
   • Launch the terminal on your computer. Type the following command: “ssh root@<IP address>.” (Type your iPhone’s IP address between the brackets).
   • Type the password that was given to you when you installed the jailbreak program.
6. Install Cydia (if applicable). Cydia is an application that will allow you to download new programs to your iPhone after the jailbreak. Some jailbreak programs will automatically install Cydia, and so there is no need to install it separately. If the program that you used did not, then type the following code into your Terminal: "wget -q -O /tmp/cyinstall.sh http://downloads.kr1sis.net/cyinstall.sh && chmod 755 /tmp/cyinstall.sh && /tmp/cyinstall.sh."
7. Reboot the iPhone. You should have a Cydia app on your Home screen.
8. Launch Cydia. Search for a program that will allow you to customize substantial parts of the iPhone interface, such as text or iMessage colors. Two of the most common options are Winterboard and Dreamboard, but others exist as well. Install it to your iPhone. A new app should appear on your home screen.
9. Select the icon of the new customization app on your home screen. Check the mark next to the message bubble colors you want to use. There are a number of colors you can use with outgoing and incoming messages.

Tips

• Try changing your iMessage colors with apps first, if your iPhone is not already jailbroken.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Tapback on Apple Messages from a Computer
• Activate iMessage

What links here

• Activate iMessage