How to Text GIFs on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide
Sharing GIFs is a fun and expressive way to communicate, and thankfully, it's easy to do on your iPhone. This guide will walk you through several methods, answering common questions along the way.
Method 1: Using the Keyboard (iMessage)
This is the simplest and most direct method for sending GIFs within the iMessage app.
- Open iMessage: Start a new or existing conversation.
- Access the App Drawer: Tap the App Store icon (looks like four circles) next to the text field.
- Select the GIFs App: You should see an app labeled "GIF" or a similar name. If you don't see it, you may need to add it. Scroll through the available apps and tap the "+" button next to "More Apps" to access the App Store and install the iMessage GIF app if necessary. Apple's built-in GIF option is usually pre-installed.
- Search or Browse: Use the search bar to find a specific GIF or browse categories. Once you find the perfect GIF, tap it to select it.
- Send the GIF: The GIF will appear in your message. Tap the send arrow to share it with your recipient.
Method 2: Using Other Messaging Apps
Many messaging apps besides iMessage support GIF sharing. The exact method may vary, but generally involves:
- Opening the App: Launch the app (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram).
- Accessing the Media Library: Look for an icon (often a picture or clip icon) that allows you to add media to your message.
- Selecting the GIF: Locate the GIF within your phone's photo library or through an in-app GIF search.
- Sending the GIF: Once selected, send the GIF using the app's send button.
How to Find GIFs?
There are numerous ways to find GIFs to send on your iPhone.
- Built-in iMessage App: As mentioned before, the built-in iMessage GIF keyboard offers a search function to locate GIFs quickly. You can search by keyword or browse through categories.
- Third-Party Apps: Many third-party apps specialize in GIFs, offering a wider selection and advanced search capabilities. These can often be added to your iMessage app drawer. (Remember to check reviews before installing!)
- Websites and Online GIF Libraries: You can find and save GIFs from websites and then send them using other methods like emailing them or importing into your photo library. (Note that downloading GIFs from certain websites may require an account or be subject to copyright.)
Why Can't I Find the GIF Keyboard?
If you can't locate the GIF keyboard in iMessage:
- Check for Updates: Make sure your iPhone's software and the iMessage app are up-to-date.
- Restart Your Device: A simple restart can resolve many minor software glitches.
- Check App Drawer: Ensure you haven't accidentally removed the GIF app from your iMessage app drawer. You can add it back through the "+" button.
- Reinstall iMessage: As a last resort, you might try reinstalling the iMessage app.
Can I Send Animated Stickers as GIFs?
Not directly. Animated stickers within iMessage are a separate feature from GIFs. While they appear similar, they are handled differently by the system.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to text GIFs on your iPhone. Remember that the specific steps might slightly vary depending on the app and the version of iOS you are using, but the general principles remain the same. Enjoy sharing your favorite GIFs!
