Google Messages' new chat wallpaper feature suffers disappearing themes and lag
Google Messages users are reporting that the app's newly rolled-out chat themes can vanish or reappear unexpectedly, with wallpapers also loading slowly. Google suggests checking for an update.
The feature, which lets users set a custom background for individual chats, began reaching users in August after months of testing. On Reddit, some users who recently had the feature said it was gone, while others said it disappeared and then suddenly reappeared. In one thread, a Google representative advised users to check the Play Store for a Messages app update, as a fix may already have been released.
Beyond the disappearing option, wallpapers are not loading instantly. There appears to be a delay of one to two seconds between opening a chat and the wallpaper loading in. Android Authority says it observed the same lag on its Pixel 6 Pro. A separate user report claims the screen freezes when trying to select a theme or back out of the theme selector.
Android Authority has contacted Google for comment and said it would update the article when new information becomes available.