To change the theme of an Instagram chat, open the conversation in Messages, tap the chat name at the top, tap Theme, then pick a chat theme. The chat switches to it straight away. You can also tap Create with AI to build a custom theme with Meta AI, though that's only offered in certain areas.
Chat themes change how a conversation looks, such as the wallpaper or the colour of messages. It's a small touch, but it makes a favourite chat easy to spot. There are two ways to do it: pick a ready-made theme, or describe one and let Meta AI build it.
Ready-made theme or AI theme?
| Ready-made theme | Create with AI | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to find it | Tap the chat name, then Theme | Same Theme screen, tap Create with AI |
| What you do | Tap the theme you like | Type a description, or tap Generate for a suggestion |
| Preview first? | No, it applies straight away | Yes, you see a preview before applying |
| Available to everyone? | Yes | Only in certain areas |
| If you change it later | Pick another whenever you like | The AI theme is removed and isn't saved |
Picking a ready-made theme
- Tap Messages at the bottom.
- Tap a conversation in your inbox.
- Tap the chat name at the top, then tap Theme.
- Tap a chat theme. The chat switches to it automatically.
The steps are the same on iPhone and Android.
Building your own with Create with AI
From the Theme screen, tap Create with AI instead of picking a theme. Type a description of what you'd like, or tap Generate to get a suggested description. Tap Next, and a preview appears. If it isn't quite right, tap Reload to generate another theme from the same description. When you're happy, tap Create to apply it.
The More menu in the top right of the preview lets you rate the theme or report it. If you can't see Create with AI at all, it's likely because custom themes by Meta AI are only available in certain areas.
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The catch with AI themes
An AI theme doesn't stick around once you move on. If you change it later, it's removed and it won't be saved, so you can't flick back to it. If you've made one you love, keep it on that chat for a while before experimenting further.
What to do if you like a custom look
Start with a ready-made theme if you just want a quick change. Try Create with AI when you want something specific, and use Reload a few times before settling, since you can regenerate from the same description, but a theme is gone once you replace it. If you enjoy tweaking how Instagram looks, the guides on changing your story background colour and changing the Instagram app icon on Android cover two more ways to make it your own.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AI chat theme saved if I change it later?
No. Changing an AI theme removes it, and it won't be saved.
