How to Change iPhone Message Settings

What You’ll Need

An iPhone running iOS 16 or later (some options may differ on older versions)
Your Apple ID password if you want to change iMessage settings that require sign-in

Step-by-Step

Open Settings: Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen to open the Settings app.
Go to Messages: Scroll down and tap “Messages” in the settings list. This is where most message-related options live.
Adjust iMessage and Send Options: Toggle “iMessage” on or off (if you want to use Apple’s service or not). Under “Send & Receive,” you can choose which phone numbers and email addresses you use for iMessage. Also set “Send as SMS” to on if you want messages to fall back to regular texts when iMessage is unavailable.
Change Appearance and Text Size: In Messages settings, tap “Text Size” to drag the slider for larger or smaller text. You can also enable “Bold Text” here. For bubble and background effects, go back to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size (or use the Control Center slider) and adjust the overall system text size, which affects Messages too.
Set Notification Preferences: Go to Settings > Notifications > Messages. Here you can choose alerts, sounds, badges, and whether notifications appear on the lock screen. You can also set a custom notification sound or haptic pattern.
Customize Additional Options: In Messages settings, you can toggle features like “Show Subject Field,” “Character Count,” “Blocked Contacts,” “Filter Unknown Senders,” and “Expire Messages” (if available). Also set “Keep Messages” to choose how long to retain messages (30 days, 1 year, or forever).

Common Mistakes

Changing the wrong text size: The slider in Messages settings only affects the text in the message list and conversations, not the entire system. To change all text, use Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size.
Turning off iMessage accidentally: If you toggle iMessage off, your device will send SMS instead, which may cost money and won’t have read receipts or typing indicators.
Ignoring notification settings: Many people change message settings but forget to adjust notifications separately, so they still get alerts they don’t want.
Not checking “Send & Receive”: If you have multiple Apple devices, your messages may go to the wrong number or email if you don’t select the correct ones.

Tips

Use Focus modes: You can set up Focus (like Do Not Disturb) to automatically silence message notifications during certain times or when you’re at work.
Customize per conversation: In a specific conversation, tap the contact name at the top to hide alerts, set a custom sound, or pin the conversation.
Enable “Filter Unknown Senders”: This sorts messages from unknown numbers into a separate list, reducing clutter.
Back up before major changes: If you change iMessage settings, make sure you have an iCloud or iTunes backup so you don’t lose conversations.

Troubleshooting

Messages not sending as iMessage: Check that you have an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data). Go to Settings > Messages and make sure iMessage is on. Also verify that your Apple ID is signed in under “Send & Receive.” If it still fails, toggle iMessage off and on again.
Text size changes not applying: Some apps override the system text size. In Messages, make sure you haven’t set a per-app text size (Settings > Messages > Text Size). If you want all apps to follow, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size and ensure “Per-App Settings” is off.
Notifications not showing: Go to Settings > Notifications > Messages and make sure “Allow Notifications” is on. Also check that Do Not Disturb or a Focus mode isn’t active.
Can’t find a specific setting: If you don’t see an option like “Expire Messages,” your iOS version may not support it. Update your iPhone to the latest iOS if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the bubble color in Messages?

You can’t change the bubble color for your own messages; it’s always blue for iMessage and green for SMS. However, you can change the background wallpaper in a conversation by tapping the contact name and choosing “Change Wallpaper.”

Can I change the font style in Messages?

No, you can only change the text size and boldness. The font style is fixed by iOS.

How do I stop receiving message notifications at night?

Use a Focus mode: go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb, set a schedule, and allow only certain contacts to break through.

How do I change the sound for new messages?

Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Text Tone (or Settings > Notifications > Messages > Sounds). Choose a different tone or vibration pattern.

How do I change the default message app?

If you mean the default SMS app, iOS does not allow changing it. You can only use the built-in Messages app for SMS, though you can download third-party messaging apps for their own services.

How do I make messages disappear automatically?

Some regions have “Expire Messages” in Settings > Messages, but it’s not available everywhere. Alternatively, you can manually delete conversations or use the “Keep Messages” setting to auto-delete after 30 days or 1 year.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.