How to Change Instagram Chat Themes and Colors

As the saying goes, "variety is the flavoring agent of life".So it's a good thing that Instagram lets you change the theme and colors of your Instagram chats.This means you can add energy to your DMs.

Previously, you could only tweak the look of your Instagram chats by activating dark mode.But that gets tiresome quickly.Now, with Instagram Chat Themes, messages on the platform are funnier, more customizable, and more visually appealing.

In this article, we'll walk through how to liven up your DMs with Instagram chat threads.We also have some troubleshooting tips if you're having trouble using chat threads on your Instagram account.

How to Change the Instagram Chat Topic

Before I show you how to change the chat theme on Instagram, first check that you have the latest version of the app installed on your device.Go to the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices) to see if an update for Instagram is available.

Now that you have access to chat threads, you can start customizing your DM inbox.Follow the steps below to customize your Instagram DMs with chat themes.

1. Launch Instagram and tap the message/DM icon in the upper right corner of the app.

2. Next, open the chat history you want to change.

3. Tap the profile name to open the chat settings menu.

4. In the Chat Settings section, select Topics.

5. Select a preferred theme in the Themes section.Or, if you prefer, you can scroll down and select a color in the "Colors and Gradients" section.

How chat themes can change the look of your Instagram direct messages

After selecting a theme, the chat background/wallpaper will change to a preset image or artwork, and the color of the text bubbles will change to a hue that matches the background.So, if you want more customization, change Instagram chat themes.You also don't need to download Instagram chat themes -- they're all available by default.

It should be noted that the theme change is effective for both parties in the chat.So if your friend is a bit artistic and modifies the chat thread of your conversation on their Instagram app, there will be a change on your side too.

This can create confusion or conflict if you both want to use different themes or colors but can't agree.Chat topics are available for both individual and group chats.However, none of these themes are available on the web version of Instagram.

How Colors and Gradients Change the Look of Instagram Direct Messages

When changing your Instagram chat theme, you can choose a theme or colors and gradients.Unlike themes, colors and gradients only change the color of the text bubble.As a sender, your text bubble color will change to the newly selected color.The new color will also be the default color for sender messages, but only visible from the sender's end.The recipient's text bubble and background color will remain the same on both ends.

Every time the chat topic is changed, Instagram notifies both parties in the conversation via a message in the chat window.This change will appear in the chat window as a new message "X changed subject to Y" with an option to change the subject.Select "Change Theme" from the notification message to quickly change the Instagram chat theme or color gradient without going to the chat details page.

What should I do if the Instagram chat theme doesn't work?

If you can't change your Instagram chat topic, there are some easy ways to fix any potential issues.

As mentioned, you may have to update your Instagram feeds to use chat threads.If your DM icon is still the old paper airplane icon, please close the app and restart it.

Remember, you don't need to download Instagram again.Everything is processed in the background, running in the blink of an eye.

If that doesn't help, try these fixes below.

1. Clear Instagram cache (Android only)

Accumulated cache files can sometimes cause applications to malfunction.If you're having trouble updating Instagram messages or using chat threads, please delete the app's cached data and try again.

1. Go to "Settings" and tap "Apps".

2. Tap Instagram from the recent apps.If the app isn't listed here, select View All Apps.

3. Find Instagram in the list on the Apps page.

4. On Instagram's "App Info" page, tap "Storage & Cache" and then tap the "Clear Cache" icon.

Because Android devices use different Android OS skins, the exact steps may vary from phone to phone.Your Android version may also be different.

2. Restart the device

There's a reason why restarting your device fixes most smartphone issues.By restarting your phone, you may be able to resolve any device-related issues that prevent chat threads from reflecting on the Instagram app.

Try restarting your phone, and when the OS has fully restarted, launch Instagram and check if chat themes are available.

3. Log out of Instagram account

Lastly, you can try logging out of your Instagram account.Follow the steps below:

1. Tap the profile icon in the bottom left corner of the app.

2. Tap the hamburger menu icon in the upper right corner and select "Settings".

3. Scroll to the bottom of the Settings page and tap Sign Out.

4. If prompted to save the login credentials on the device, click Save.

5. Finally, tap Log Out.

Close and reopen Instagram.Log in to the account again and check whether the chat topic is normal.

Note that if none of these fixes work and you're still seeing the old paper airplane icon instead of the Messenger chat icon, chat themes may not be available in your region.

Put an end to boring Instagram chats

Instagram's default background and chat bubbles are bland.Chat threads let you use Instagram DMs as canvases.So why not paint a little color and get creative?That way, even if your friends are boring you, you'll have something nice to watch.

However, since you and the other party will see these changes, it's best not to change the chat topic too often or without consulting the other person.