How to make your Instagram DM purple
By Kushagra Kumar, founder of Shre. Updated 1 July 2026.
Instagram lets you change the color of a chat, including the purple gradient many people ask about, using the built in theme feature.
This guide shows exactly how to set it and what to know about how themes work.
To make an Instagram DM purple, open the chat, tap the person's name at the top, tap Theme, and choose the purple option. The theme applies to that conversation for both people.
Change a chat to purple
The purple look comes from Instagram's chat theme feature. Here is how to set it.
- Open the conversation you want to change
- Tap the person's name or the info icon at the top
- Tap Theme
- Select the purple option from the list
- Tap done or back to save
The color now applies to that chat's message bubbles.
The theme applies to both people
One thing to know is that a chat theme is shared. When you set a conversation to purple, the other person sees the purple theme too, not just you. Instagram usually shows a small note in the chat when a theme changes. If you want a personal color that only you see, the theme feature does not do that, since it is designed for the whole conversation.
Explore other themes
Purple is just one option. Instagram offers a range of chat themes and gradients you can switch between anytime. Feel free to try a few, since changing the theme does not affect your messages, only their appearance. You can always switch back to the default look from the same Theme menu.
If you do not see the theme option
If the Theme option is missing, make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version, since features roll out over time. Group chats and certain accounts may also show different options. Restarting the app after updating usually brings newer features into view.
Managing DMs at scale
Chat themes are a fun personal touch. If you use Instagram for business and handle a high volume of DMs, appearance matters less than speed. Shre is an Instagram AutoDM platform that sends a DM automatically when someone comments a keyword on your posts or Reels, so you can answer everyone quickly. It runs on Instagram's official Graph API. See how DM automation works.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I make my Instagram DM purple?
You may need to update your app to the latest version, since the theme feature rolls out over time. Also confirm you are tapping the person's name to open chat settings, then Theme.
Does changing the DM color affect the other person?
Yes. A chat theme is shared, so when you set a conversation to purple, the other person sees the same theme in that chat.
Can I make only my side of the chat purple?
No. Instagram's theme feature applies to the whole conversation, not to one person's side. Both people see the same color.
How do I change the theme back?
Open the chat, tap the person's name, tap Theme, and select the default or any other option. You can switch themes as often as you like.
Related
Source and reference: Instagram Platform, Meta for Developers. Shre sends messages through the official Instagram Graph API within Instagram's rules.