Searching for GIFs on an iPhone is easy thanks to the GIF keyboard and built-in search features in iOS. GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format) are short, soundless animated images that can add humor and visual interest to text conversations. The iPhone makes finding the perfect reaction GIF simple with just a few taps. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to search and send GIFs directly from your iPhone messaging apps.
Prerequisites
Before you can start searching for GIFs, you’ll need:
- An iPhone running iOS 10 or later
- The GIF keyboard enabled
- The iMessage or other messaging app where you want to send GIFs
Enabling the GIF keyboard is easy – just go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and tap ‘Add New Keyboard’. Search for ‘GIF’ and select the GIF Keyboard option.
Searching GIFs in iMessage
iMessage has GIF search built right in for finding the perfect moving image without leaving your conversation. Here’s how to search GIFs in iMessage:
- Open an iMessage conversation and tap the text field to bring up the keyboard
- Tap the globe icon on the lower left of the keyboard
- Select the GIF keyboard from the options
- The GIF keyboard will open up – tap the magnifying glass icon to open Search
- Type in a keyword or phrase describing the GIF you want
- Results will populate – scroll to browse and tap a GIF to send it
Some tips for searching GIFs in iMessage:
- Keep searches short using 1-2 keywords
- Make searches as specific as possible for better results e.g. “laughing baby”
- Tap and hold a GIF to preview before sending
- Frequently used GIFs can be ‘favorited’ for quick access
Example GIF Searches
| Search Term | Sample GIFs |
|---|---|
| Laughing | People laughing hysterically |
| Face palm | Someone doing a face palm |
| High five | Two people high fiving |
Searching GIFs in Third-Party Apps
The GIF keyboard can also be used to search for GIFs within other messaging apps installed on your iPhone. The process is the same:
- Open a conversation in the app
- Tap the text field to open the keyboard
- Tap the globe icon and select the GIF keyboard
- Use the magnifying glass to search and select a GIF
Popular third party apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Slack, and Snapchat all support the GIF keyboard. The GIF selection may be slightly different but the overall search experience remains the same.
Third-Party App GIF Search Tips
- GIF search in WhatsApp only works in latest versions
- Facebook Messenger has a dedicated GIF button in text field
- Slack has both GIF search and GIF command using /giphy
- Snapchat does not allow keyword search – you have to browse All GIFs
Searching GIFs from Safari or Other Apps
You can lookup and share GIFs even when you’re not within a messaging app using your iPhone’s built-in Safari search engine. Here’s how:
- Open Safari and tap the search bar
- Type your keyword followed by “GIF” e.g. “party GIF”
- Tap one of the GIF results to open it
- Long press on the GIF to bring up sharing options
- Tap the Share button and select a messaging app to send to a contact
This shares the direct link to the GIF rather than inserting the animation directly into the message. Your contacts can tap to load and view it.
You can use a similar process to search and share GIFs from any app using Safari search. Just make sure to include the keyword “GIF” to get animation results.
Safari GIF Search Tips
- Images must be hosted on supported sites like Giphy or Tenor
- Some messaging apps may preview the GIF link automatically
- Use keywords like “GIF stickers” for personalized animations
- Touch and hold on a GIF to download and save it to your Photos
Troubleshooting GIF Search Problems
While searching GIFs on your iPhone is normally straightforward, you may occasionally encounter issues like:
- Can’t find the GIF keyboard – Make sure it is enabled in your device Settings
- Keyboard switches away from GIFs – Tap globe icon to select it again
- No GIF results found – Use more specific keywords in your search query
- Can’t insert GIFs in app – Make sure you have latest app version
- Can’t share Safari GIF links – Check the app supports previewing links
If GIF search stops working completely, try force quitting and reopening your messaging apps to refresh things. In rare cases, you may need to reboot your iPhone or toggle GIF keyboard off and on again.
Getting Help with GIF Search Issues
If you continue having problems searching for GIFs on your iPhone, a few troubleshooting steps to take:
- Check for any iOS updates and install if available
- Contact the developer of third-party messaging apps
- Try searching GIFs in iMessage instead
- Post in Apple Support Communities forums
- Contact Apple Support via phone, chat or email
Apple’s support channels can provide personalized help getting your GIF keyboard working again. Make sure to clearly describe the issue and what steps you’ve tried already.
Conclusion
Searching and sending GIFs on an iPhone has never been easier thanks to the dedicated GIF keyboard and deep integration with messaging apps. Whether you’re reacting in iMessage, Slack, Snapchat or any other app, you can find the perfect animated GIF for the moment in just a tap or two. Mastering GIF search on iOS takes your messaging game to the next level.
So next time you need to express yourself with more than just words, use these tips to liven up the conversation with fun GIFs. Just try not to get too carried away animated looping images!