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How to Get GIFs on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

GIFs have become a fun and expressive way to communicate, especially on iPhones through Messages, Safari, and third-party apps. However, many users become confused when the GIF keyboard disappears or are unsure how to save and send GIFs properly. If you’ve ever wondered how to get GIFs on iPhone, you’re not alone. From missing features to playback issues, minor glitches can make sharing GIFs a frustrating experience.

GIFs on iPhone

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to access, save, and use GIFs easily. Additionally, we’ll demonstrate how to enhance your visuals using Toolsmart AI’s Background Remover when you need clean images.

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Part 1: How to Access and Use GIFs on iPhone

1.1 Use the Built-In “#images” Keyboard in Messages

The easiest way to get a GIF on iPhone is through the Messages app. Tap the App Store icon beside the text field, then tap #images to search and send a GIF.

Go to #images on the iPhone test field

1.2 What If #images Is Missing?

If you don’t see it, here’s how to get it back:

Open Settings > Messages > iMessage Apps
Tap More (...) > Edit, then enable #images

If it still doesn’t show (especially on iOS 18), try restarting your phone or reinstalling iMessage apps. The how to get GIFs on iPhone fix depends on your region, as #images may not be available in all countries.

1.3 Use the GIPHY App or Other Third-Party Alternatives

Apps like GIPHY or Tenor let you browse, save, and share GIFs easily. After downloading:

Search for a GIF.
Tap Share and choose Messages, WhatsApp, or Copy to paste it elsewhere.

Share GIFs through the GIPHY App

1.4 Saving GIFs from Safari or Google Search

To save a GIF:

Long-press on the image.
Tap Save Image.
It saves to Photos, but playback might not animate unless opened in supported apps.

Saving GIFs from Browser

After saving, open it to verify it still plays. If it appears as a still image, try using a different browser, such as Chrome, or download it directly from GIPHY.

Part 2: Best Tools to Get GIFs on iPhone

Platform	Access Method	Pros	Cons
Messages (#images)	Built-in the iMessage app	Fast, simple, no extra app needed	It may not be available in all countries
GIPHY App	App Store download	Huge library, easy sharing	Needs internet, may lag
Safari/Google	Search and long-press to save	No app needed, works for any GIF online	Sometimes saves as a still image, no animation

I use GIPHY often because it's quick and has trending options. Sometimes I’ve saved a GIF from Safari, only to find it doesn’t move, it just becomes a still photo. It’s essential to test playback or use apps like GIPHY or Messages that support animation. Additionally, sending a GIF on iPhone becomes easier once you become accustomed to these methods.

GIPHY App

Part 3: Supplementary Recommendation – Toolsmart AI Background Remover

Why It Matters

GIFs are fun, but sometimes you need clean static images for work or editing. That's where Toolsmart AI comes in. This tool does not support GIF files; it only supports PNG, JPG, JPEG, or BMP.

Toolsmart AI Background Remover

Tool Overview

Tool Name: Toolsmart AI Background Remover
URL:https://www.toolsmart.ai/feature-background-remover/

Go to Toolsmart AI Background Remover

Features

Removes backgrounds instantly
Keeps high resolution
Simple drag-and-drop interface

Toolsmart AI removes backgrounds instantly

Pros & Cons

Easy to use
No login needed
Doesn’t work with GIFs

Use Cases

Perfect for when you want to turn a saved GIF frame into a clean image for thumbnails, presentations, or profile pictures.

Step-by-Step Guide

Go to theToolsmart AI Background Remover.

Go to Toolsmart AI Background Remover

Upload a PNG, JPG, JPEG, or BMP image.

Uploading an Image

The tool auto-removes the background.

Auto-removing the background

Click Download to save your edited image.

Click the Download button

FAQs

Q1: Why is the GIF keyboard missing on my iPhone?
It might be disabled under Messages settings or affected by iOS updates. Enable #images again or try a third-party app.

Q2: Can I download GIFs directly to Photos?
Yes, long-press the Save Image button in Safari. But it might not play unless opened in Messages or supported apps.

Q3: What apps help find and manage GIFs?
Use GIPHY, Tenor, or Apple’s #images in Messages. For editing static frames, Toolsmart AI is a helpful tool.

Q4: Can I edit a GIF after saving it?
Not directly in iPhone Photos. Convert a frame to JPG or PNG, then edit it using Toolsmart AI.

Q5: Why does a saved GIF sometimes not move?
iOS Photos often displays GIFs as still images unless viewed in Safari or third-party apps like GIPHY.

Q6: Can I use Toolsmart AI for animated content?
No. Toolsmart supports only image files, such as JPG or PNG, not GIFs. Convert your file first if needed.

Summary

In this guide, we covered everything you need to know about how to get GIFs on iPhone. You learned how to access the built-in #images keyboard, use third-party apps like GIPHY, and save GIFs from Safari. We also explained how to resolve issues such as missing keyboards or non-animated GIFs. Whether you're sending a GIF in text on iPhone or browsing fun content, these tips will help.

For editing static images, Toolsmart AI Background Remover is an excellent tool for the job. It’s perfect when you need clean, professional visuals from saved GIF frames.

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