How to Send GIFs in iMessage on iPhone

This guide shows you how to find and send GIFs in iMessage on your iPhone, so you can react to friends, make a point, or just add some fun to a conversation. You’ll learn the built-in methods, plus a few tricks to find the perfect animated image quickly. No extra apps are required.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone running iOS 10 or later (GIF support is built into Messages).
iMessage enabled (Settings > Messages > iMessage) and an active internet connection for the #images search.
The Messages app updated to the latest version available on your device.

Step-by-Step

Open a conversation in the Messages app. This works in both one-on-one and group chats.
Tap the App Store icon (the blue “A” icon) located next to the text input field. This opens the app drawer.
Tap the #images icon in the drawer. It looks like a magnifying glass over a photo. If you don’t see it, swipe left or right in the drawer to find it.
Search for a GIF by typing a keyword in the search bar at the top, like “happy dance” or “eye roll.” You can also browse trending GIFs shown below the search field.
Tap the GIF you want to send. It will appear in the message input field with a blue outline.
Press the send button (the up arrow in a circle) to deliver it. The GIF will play automatically in the conversation.
To send a GIF from your Photos app, first save the GIF to your camera roll (long-press on the GIF in a message, then “Save”). Then, in the Messages app, tap the Photos icon next to the text field, select the GIF, and hit send. Note that some images saved as “Live Photos” may not animate; use a dedicated GIF file.
To send a GIF from a website, copy the image (long-press on the web page) and paste it directly into the message input field, then send.

Common Mistakes

Using the camera icon instead of the App Store icon. The camera icon opens your photo library, not the GIF search.
Searching for “GIF” as a keyword. You’ll get better results by searching for the emotion or action, like “applause” or “wink.”
Sending a static image that was saved as a JPEG, not a GIF. Check the file extension in Photos – it should end in .gif.
Forgetting to tap the GIF before sending. If you don’t select it, it won’t appear in the input field.

Tips

Use the search bar – it’s powered by Giphy and has a huge library. Be specific: “excited” works better than “happy.”
Preview before sending – tap and hold a GIF in the search results to see a larger preview and confirm it’s the right one.
Save favorites – tap the star icon on a GIF in the #images search to save it to your favorites for quick access later.
Use the “+” button next to the text field to access the same #images search if you’ve hidden the app drawer.
For a reaction, you can also tap and hold on a message bubble, then tap the “Tapback” heart or other icons – but that’s not a GIF, it’s a quick reaction.

Troubleshooting

#images icon is missing: Go to Settings > Messages > iMessage and ensure it’s on. Then restart the Messages app (swipe up from the bottom and close it). If it still doesn’t appear, go to the App Store and update the “Giphy” app (it’s integrated).
GIF sends but doesn’t animate: This usually happens when you send a static image saved as a GIF. Check the file in Photos – if it’s a Live Photo, it won’t animate in iMessage. Also, make sure the recipient’s phone supports GIFs (any iPhone with iOS 10+ does).
Search returns no results: Check your internet connection. If you’re on cellular, ensure Messages has cellular data access (Settings > Cellular > Messages).
GIF sends as a file or link: This can happen when copying from a website. Try saving the GIF to Photos first, then sending it as an image.
Recipient sees a still image: Ask them to tap the image to play it. In some older iOS versions, GIFs appear as stills until tapped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send GIFs in a group chat?

Yes, the #images search works in both one-on-one and group conversations. The GIF will appear as an animated image for all participants.

Do I need a third-party app?

No, the #images search is built into iMessage and uses Giphy. You can also send GIFs from your photo library or copied from websites without any extra apps.

Why is my GIF not moving?

If you sent a file that isn’t a true GIF (e.g., a Live Photo or a static JPEG), it won’t animate. Also, check that the recipient’s device is running iOS 10 or later. Tap the image in the conversation to play it if needed.

Can I save a GIF from iMessage to my Photos?

Yes, long-press on the GIF in the conversation, then tap “Save.” It will be saved as a GIF file in your Photos app, and you can send it again later.

How do I delete a GIF I sent?

You can’t delete a message for everyone after it’s sent, but you can long-press on the bubble and tap “More,” then select the message and tap the trash icon to delete it for yourself (or for everyone if you use “Undo Send” within 2 minutes on iOS 16+).

Can I send GIFs from my camera roll?

Yes, if you have a GIF saved in Photos, tap the Photos icon in Messages, select the GIF, and send. Just make sure it’s a real GIF file, not a Live Photo.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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