Texting GIFs with an iPhone (or another iOS rig) couldn’t be easier.

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

Enter the name of the person you want to message.

Three iOS screens showing App drawer, GIF button, and Find Images field

Tap theApp drawerbutton (triangle) on the left side.

Tap the#imagesbutton (magnifying glass) on the bottom.

type your search term for a GIF.

Two iOS screens showing choosing a GIF in Messages and the Send button

Tap the GIF you want to send.

Tap theSend(arrow pointing up) button.

Missing the Images Button in iOS?

Three iOS screens showing App drawer, More button, and green plus button to add #images to Favorites

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

TapEdit, then tap the plus sign (+) to add the#imagesapp.

Send GIFs on Android

With Android devices, you have a few options for texting GIFs.

Three Android screens showing Apps, Speech Bubble, and Start buttons to text a GIF

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).

Add a GIF From a Messaging App

The first method works directly from your messaging app.

Three Android screens showing the GIF button, the Search field and the “hello” term entered into search

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

Tap thetext bubbleicon on the bottom of the screen.

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

ForAndroid Nougat: Tap theSmileybutton, then tap theGIFbutton.

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

Or, to find a specific GIF, tap thesearchbutton.

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

Tap the desired GIF.

Tap theSendbutton (looks like a paper airplane or triangle).

Tap thesmileyon the keyboard.

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

Tap to go for the GIF you want.

FAQ

making a GIF on your iPhone will require the use of aGIF-making app or website.

The process, options, and ease of use will differ depending on the system.

Then selectCreate>GIF.

SelectAdd to Photostosave the GIF to your Camera Roll.

Then select eitherSave ImageorDownload Imageto save it to your phone.

Note that these commands may differ based on your Android phone model and operating system.