You cannot change background color on Google Slides mobile. The Google Slides mobile app does not include a feature to change a slide's background color, a limitation confirmed by Google's own help documentation and the app's official App Store listing.
Can you change background color on Google Slides mobile?
No. The feature to change a slide's background color is not available in the Google Slides mobile app for either iPhone or Android. Official sources from Google Help and the App Store listing confirm that the app cannot perform this action.
Why the mobile app does not support background color changes
The mobile app is designed for on-the-go editing with a simplified interface. It offers limited theme options and text/gradient adjustments, but full background customization, including changing a slide's solid color, requires the desktop version. This is because the mobile app prioritizes core editing functions over the more complex layout and design controls found in the web or desktop application. On mobile, you can tap the three dots menu icon in the top right corner, then select "Change background," and use the "+" icon to create a custom color. To change the background color of a specific slide, tap the slide, then three dots menu > Change background. To revert to the original background color, go to three dots menu > Change background > Reset button.
How to change background color on Google Slides desktop (the workaround)
The only documented method to change a slide's background color is through the desktop or web version of Google Slides. Follow these steps:
- Open your presentation in Google Slides on a computer.
- Select the slide you want to modify.
- Go to the menu bar and click Slide, then Change background.
- In the dialog box, click the color box next to Colour.
- Choose a color from the palette, or click Add under Custom to enter a hex code or adjust color, hue, and transparency. Then click OK.
- To apply the color to only the selected slide, click Done.
Applying one background color to all slides
To apply the chosen background color to every slide in your presentation, use the Add to theme option. After selecting your color in the Change background dialog, click Add to theme instead of Done. This sets the color as the default background for all slides in that presentation.
What you can customize in the Google Slides mobile app
While you cannot change the background color, the mobile app does allow other customizations. You can apply limited theme options, format text, and adjust gradients where available. The experience is comparable to changing wallpapers and themes on phones, you can select from preset options but cannot freely set a custom solid color background. For full background control, you must use the desktop version. To set an image as a background on mobile, go to three dots menu > Change background > Image tab > Upload from device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an image as the background on Google Slides mobile?
No. The mobile app does not support setting an image as a slide background. This action, like changing the background color, is only available in the desktop/web version.
Will changing the background color affect text readability?
Yes. If you change the background color on desktop, ensure sufficient contrast with your text. Dark backgrounds work best with light text, and light backgrounds with dark text. Test your presentation on different devices to confirm readability.
Can I change the background color of only one slide on desktop?
Yes. When using the desktop version, select the specific slide, follow the Slide > Change background path, choose your color, and click Done. This applies the color only to that slide, leaving others unchanged.
Can I revert to the original background color on desktop?
Yes. In the Change background dialog, you can reset the background to the default by selecting the original theme color or clicking a reset option if available. Alternatively, you can remove any custom color by choosing the theme's default background option.
