This article explains how to text a GIF in iOS 10 and later, Android devices, and the Google Gboard keyboard.

What to Know

  • iOS: In Messages, choose App drawer > #images. Enter a search term and choose a GIF. Send as you would a text.Android: In message app, tap Smiley icon. Choose a GIF or the search button to browse. Tap desired GIF, then choose Send.Gboard Keyboard: Tap the Smiley icon. Swipe to browse GIFs, or enter a GIF search term.

Send GIFs on iOS

GIFs can help express your thoughts or reactions with hilarious visuals or sometimes they’re just silly or fun ways to communicate. Texting GIFs with an iPhone (or another iOS device) couldn’t be easier. Apple built a GIF feature into its Messages app, so selecting and sending the perfect GIF is a breeze.

  • Open the Messages app.
  • Tap the Write icon (square with a pencil) in the upper-right corner.
  • Enter the name of the person you want to message.
  • Tap the App drawer button (triangle) on the left side.
  • Tap the #images button (magnifying glass) on the bottom.
  • Enter your search term for a GIF.
  • Tap the GIF you want to send.
  • Tap the Send (arrow pointing up) button.

Missing the Images Button in iOS?

If you are missing the #images button in your app drawer, do the following to install:

Open the Messages app.

Tap the Write icon (square with a pencil) in the upper-right corner.

Enter the name of the person you want to message.

Tap the App drawer button (triangle) on the left side.

Tap the #images button (magnifying glass) on the bottom.

Enter your search term for a GIF.

Tap the GIF you want to send.

Tap the Send (arrow pointing up) button.

  • Tap the App drawer icon (triangle).
  • Swipe left on the app drawer and tap the More button (…).
  • Tap Edit, then tap the plus sign (+) to add the #images app.

Send GIFs on Android

With Android devices, you have a few options for texting GIFs. Using the built-in Messages app is very similar to iPhone’s Messages. The following steps work for Android Oreo and newer (unless otherwise stated).

Tap the App drawer icon (triangle).

Swipe left on the app drawer and tap the More button (…).

Tap Edit, then tap the plus sign (+) to add the #images app.

You can also download and send GIFs from third-party apps from the App Store for a wider selection of content.

Add a GIF From a Messaging App

The first method works directly from your messaging app.

  • Open the Apps drawer (if it’s not on your home screen).
  • Open Messages.
  • Tap the text bubble icon on the bottom of the screen.
  • Enter in the name of the person you want to text.
  • Select the Start button.
  • Select the built-in GIF button (smiley), which is located within the text entry field, by tapping it.
  • For Android Nougat: Tap the Smiley button, then tap the GIF button.
  • You’ll get an option for stickers or GIFs to browse.
  • Or, to find a specific GIF, tap the search button.
  • Enter the text you desire, then swipe to find a GIF.
  • Tap the desired GIF.
  • Tap the Send button (looks like a paper airplane or triangle).

Add a GIF Using the Gboard Keyboard

If you have the Gboard keyboard by Google, there’s another method to add a GIF.

Open the Apps drawer (if it’s not on your home screen).

Open Messages.

Tap the text bubble icon on the bottom of the screen.

Enter in the name of the person you want to text.

Select the Start button.

Select the built-in GIF button (smiley), which is located within the text entry field, by tapping it.

You’ll get an option for stickers or GIFs to browse.

For Android Nougat: Tap the Smiley button, then tap the GIF button.

Or, to find a specific GIF, tap the search button.

Enter the text you desire, then swipe to find a GIF.

Tap the desired GIF.

Tap the Send button (looks like a paper airplane or triangle).

  • Tap the smiley on the keyboard.
  • Swipe to browse stickers or GIFs (or enter search text for your desired GIF).
  • Tap to select the GIF you want.
  • Tap the Send button.

Tap the smiley on the keyboard.

Swipe to browse stickers or GIFs (or enter search text for your desired GIF).

Tap to select the GIF you want.

Tap the Send button.

  • How do I make a GIF on my iPhone?
  • making a GIF on your iPhone will require the use of a GIF-making app or website. The process, options, and ease of use will differ depending on the application.
  • How do I create a GIF on my Android phone?
  • Open the Gallery app and select all of the images you want to use for your GIF—make sure to select them in the order you want the frames to animate. Then select Create > GIF. Or open the Camera app and select Settings > Swipe Shutter > Create GIF, then swipe down and on the camera shutter button and hold to record a GIF.
  • How do I save a GIF on my iPhone?
  • Find the GIF you want to save, then press and hold on your iPhone screen until the menu appears. Select Add to Photos to save the GIF to your Camera Roll. Note that GIFs appear as static images in iOS 10 and below, but will animate in iOS 11 and newer.
  • How do I download a GIF on my Android phone?
  • Find the GIF you want to save, then press and hold on your phone’s screen until a menu window appears. Then select either Save Image or Download Image to save it to your phone. Note that these commands may differ based on your Android phone model and operating system.

making a GIF on your iPhone will require the use of a GIF-making app or website. The process, options, and ease of use will differ depending on the application.

Open the Gallery app and select all of the images you want to use for your GIF—make sure to select them in the order you want the frames to animate. Then select Create > GIF. Or open the Camera app and select Settings > Swipe Shutter > Create GIF, then swipe down and on the camera shutter button and hold to record a GIF.

Find the GIF you want to save, then press and hold on your iPhone screen until the menu appears. Select Add to Photos to save the GIF to your Camera Roll. Note that GIFs appear as static images in iOS 10 and below, but will animate in iOS 11 and newer.

Find the GIF you want to save, then press and hold on your phone’s screen until a menu window appears. Then select either Save Image or Download Image to save it to your phone. Note that these commands may differ based on your Android phone model and operating system.

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