Add atribute in xml:
<android.support.design.widget.TabLayout
....
app:tabBackground="@drawable/tab_color_selector"
...
/>
And create in drawable folder, tab_color_selector.xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<selector xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
<item android:drawable="@color/tab_background_selected" android:state_selected="true"/>
<item android:drawable="@color/tab_background_unselected"/>
</selector>