WhatsApp has introduced a few changes to how its group chats work. Namely, each participant is now given a unique color most of the time to help differentiate between users with similar or identical names. For most, this is a helpful feature to help recognize different friends in group chats. In addition, your name might have a different color depending on the group chat you're in.

You might be wondering how to change your name color for others to see in group chats. We’ve done some research, and here’s what we found out.
1. How to Change Your Name Color on WhatsApp
By default, chats with other people won’t use color-coded names. The reason for this is simple: since you know the other person you’re chatting with, there’s no need to put names or colors next to their messages to identify them. Name colors will only appear in group chats.
2. How to Change Your Name Color in a WhatsApp Group
Your name color might differ between various group chats you’re in. However, there’s no reliable method to change your name color in group chats. WhatsApp hasn’t made an official announcement on how they’re assigned, and there are no visible settings to change group chat color, so we’re left with only possible workaround methods.
Method |
Description |
Rejoin the Group |
Leaving the group and joining it again may reset WhatsApp’s color assignment algorithm. You'll get a different color, but there’s also a chance of ending up with the same color. |
Change Profile Picture |
Changing your profile picture might influence your name color in group chats, as WhatsApp could be using colors from your profile picture palette. |
Alter Your Contact Name |
Having a unique contact name may help. If you share the same name as someone else, WhatsApp will likely assign different colors to each name to avoid confusion. |
3. How to Change Your Contact Name in WhatsApp
If you just want to change your contact name on WhatsApp, follow these simple steps:
- Open the WhatsApp app.

- Select the three dots on the top right corner.

- Tap on Settings in the dropdown menu.

- Tap on your profile picture at the top.

- Tap on your current WhatsApp name.

- Remove the current name in the textbox and replace it with your desired name.

Changing your contact name might change your group chat color as WhatsApp will try to ensure that users with the same name don’t have the same color.
4. Additional FAQ
How Are Colors Assigned to WhatsApp Names?
WhatsApp uses a combination of its own algorithms and color extraction techniques from users' profile pictures to assign colors. The common understanding is that WhatsApp has access to 256 different colors from which it assigns one for each user in a group chat. The Palette API from Google extracts the most commonly used colors from your profile picture.
How Do You Change the Font in WhatsApp?
WhatsApp allows basic font size adjustments:
- Go to WhatsApp.
- Tap on the three dots on the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Chats.
- Tap on Font Size.
- Choose between Small, Medium, and Large.
You can also use special formatting features to enhance visibility:
- Bold: Enclose words with *
- Italics: Use _ before and after text.
Strikethrough: Use ~ before and after the text.
- Combined styles can also be used.
- For Monospace font, place three backticks ``` on either side of your message.
Can You Change the Color of WhatsApp Text Messages?
While WhatsApp doesn’t allow changing message colors directly, you can adjust the background color of your chats. Follow these steps:
- Go to More options (three dots).
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Chats.
- Choose Wallpaper and select your preferred option.
Note: Some third-party applications may change text box colors but can harm your device's security.
What’s Up?
Changing the color of your name in WhatsApp group chats can be trickier than you might have anticipated. With limited ways to control color assignment, many efforts may not yield the desired results. However, WhatsApp remains an excellent chatting app for communication.
What color do you have in group chats? How did you manage to change it? Let us know in the comments section below.
PetLover22 -
I’m going to make my name bright pink! So excited about this
David P. -
I might try changing my name to a funny color for Halloween
Gloria -
Helping my mom change her name color on WhatsApp later! Thanks for the guide!
Alex -
Wow, I’m impressed! Will definitely share this with all my WhatsApp groups
RoboKate -
Can’t believe it took me this long to discover how to do this. Thanks a ton!
Lucas -
What a great tip! I was skeptical at first but now I’m convinced this is the way to go
Holly -
This is a game-changer! Makes my chats way more engaging!
Hannah -
I love how personalized WhatsApp can be. It makes chatting more enjoyable
Sarah123 -
Can anyone help me? I tried changing my name color but it didn’t work for me. Any tips?
Elena -
Quick question, does the name color change stay if I reinstall WhatsApp
Amy -
Can someone share if the name color change works on both Android and iOS? Just curious!
Claire -
So quick and easy! I appreciate your guide, really helpful
James -
Such a small change, but it makes a big difference! I’m thrilled
Oliver -
I changed my name color to purple, feels so good! Anyone else tried other colors
JohnDoe -
I love the idea of customizing the name color in WhatsApp! It's such a neat feature
Grace -
I’m so happy I found this. It’s nice to personalize my chat experience!
Linda G. -
Wow, I didn’t know there were ways to change the name color! Time to try this out!
Buddy123 -
I did this yesterday and my friends were so impressed! Thanks for showing me how!
Emma -
Thanks for sharing this! I always wanted to change my name color in WhatsApp and now I know how to do it!
Chris <3 -
I just changed mine to a deep blue! It looks amazing! Thanks for the info
Mark -
This was super helpful. I’ve been looking for a way to stand out in group chats!
Tommy Tech -
Nice post! Would love to see more tips about WhatsApp hacks in the future
Petunia -
My name is now bright red! Looks so cool, thanks for the inspiration
Dave the Tech Guy -
Anyone knows if this affects message visibility? Asking for a friend
Finn -
I didn’t think I needed this feature until now. Definitely going to give it a shot!
Liam -
Just tried it! It works like a charm! Can’t believe I waited so long to do this.
CatMeow -
OMG, I finally did it! My name is now neon green! Love it!
SunnyDaze -
LOL, I thought this was a prank! But it really works! Thanks
Mike Johnson -
Great tutorial! I never knew it could be this easy. Changing my name color really makes my chats more fun
Vanessa -
This is such a cool feature! I feel like my WhatsApp will look so different now
Jessie -
This is awesome! I can’t wait to show my friends how to do it too