Changing the text color in iMessages isn’t built directly into iOS as a default feature, but there are ways to customize how messages appear while maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of Apple’s native iMessage app. Whether you’re aiming to personalize your messages for fun or enhance visibility for accessibility, this guide will walk you through the available options to change or simulate color changes in text within iMessages on your iPhone.
Understanding iMessage Limitations
iMessage, Apple’s instant messaging system, is designed with a simple and minimalistic user interface. Unlike some messaging platforms that offer rich customization options such as direct color changes to message text, iMessage keeps customization limited. However, there are a few indirect methods through which users can modify how messages appear — including using third-party keyboards, accessibility settings, and message effects.
Method 1: Using Accessibility Settings
Apple includes several accessibility options in iOS, primarily for users with vision impairments, but they can also be used to change how text appears across apps, including iMessage.
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap on Accessibility.
- Select Display & Text Size.
- Use options such as Increase Contrast, Color Filters, or Smart Invert to change how text and backgrounds appear.
Note: These changes affect the entire system and not just iMessage, but they can alter the color scheme and make text stand out more effectively.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Keyboards and Apps
There are multiple apps on the App Store designed specifically to enhance your text messaging by offering custom fonts, colored text effects, and message styling.
Popular third-party apps include:
- Color Text Bubbles on iMessage
- Fonts Keyboard
- FancyBubble
These apps typically add a keyboard or extension that lets you send colored message bubbles or stylized text. While iOS constraints prevent direct changes to the message font color in regular iMessages, these apps send the message as an image or through creative formatting, which achieves a similar effect visually.
How to use a third-party keyboard:
- Download a keyboard app from the App Store.
- Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard.
- Select the app you just downloaded.
- Enable Allow Full Access if required by the app (keep privacy implications in mind).
- Switch to the new keyboard in iMessage by long-pressing the globe icon.
Method 3: Sending iMessages with Effects
Although iOS doesn’t allow actual text color changes, it does let users send messages with screen and bubble effects that can draw attention and add flair.
To use this feature:
- Type your message in iMessage.
- Press and hold the send button (the blue up-arrow).
- Select either Bubble or Screen effects for your message.
- Choose an effect like Slam, Loud, or Invisible Ink.
- Tap Send.
Though these don’t change the text color itself, the dramatic presentation can make it stand out and create a similar impact.
Important Considerations
- Many third-party apps simulate colored text by converting messages into images or rich content, which may not be as seamless as using the native iMessage interface.
- Sending multimedia or stylized content may use additional data or not function properly if the recipient is not using an iPhone or has iMessage disabled.
- Always review permissions requested by third-party keyboards before granting full access for privacy and security reasons.
Conclusion
While Apple’s iMessage app does not natively support text color changes, there are several workarounds and tools that can help you personalize or emphasize your messages in creative ways. By leveraging accessibility settings, downloading reputable third-party apps, or using built-in message effects, you can enhance your messaging experience without compromising the device’s functionality or security.
As customization becomes more user-demand driven, future versions of iOS may offer direct text styling options, but for now, these approaches offer the best available solutions.