To add a GIF keyboard to your iPhone, you have two straightforward options: download a third-party app like Giphy or Tenor, or use Apple's built-in #images feature, no extra downloads required. The fastest method is using #images directly inside the Messages app, but if you want a dedicated keyboard with more search options, installing a third-party app takes less than two minutes to set up.
Method 1: Use Apple's built-in #images feature
If you don't want to download anything, Apple's #images feature lets you search and send GIFs right from the Messages app. To use #images, open the Messages app, tap the Plus button (+), then tap Stickers, and select #images. Tap any GIF to insert it directly into your message, then hit send. This method works entirely within Apple's ecosystem, so there’s no extra setup or keyboard switching involved.
Method 2: Download a third-party GIF keyboard
For a more robust GIF experience with dedicated keyboard access, download a third-party app like Giphy or Tenor. These apps offer larger libraries, trending GIFs, and advanced search filters. Tap the app icon, then press the "Get" or "Install" button. Verify with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password, and wait for the download to finish. Once installed, you'll see the app icon on your home screen, but you still need to enable its keyboard in Settings.
Enable the new keyboard in Settings
After downloading, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. This is where all your active keyboards are listed, including the default English keyboard and any third-party ones. Tap "Add New Keyboard," then select the downloaded third-party GIF keyboard from the "THIRD-PARTY KEYBOARDS" list. If you don't see it immediately, make sure the app is fully installed and try again.
Grant full access and switch keyboards
Now that the keyboard is added, you need to grant it Full Access to unlock all features like GIF search and trending categories. A prompt will explain that this allows the keyboard to transmit what you type, including GIFs, to the recipient, this is required for the keyboard to function. Tap "Allow" to confirm. To use it, open any messaging app like Messages or WhatsApp, tap the globe icon (🌐) next to the space bar repeatedly until your GIF keyboard appears. Browse categories, search for keywords, or tap a GIF to insert it instantly into your text field.
Bonus: Send Memoji stickers as GIFs
If you want another built-in option, Memoji stickers are automatically created from your Memoji characters and function similarly to GIFs, available in the Emoji keyboard and Messages app. These animated stickers can be sent as standalone messages or dragged onto text bubbles, and they work without any third-party apps. To access them, open Messages, tap the App Store icon next to the text field, then tap the Memoji sticker icon (the monkey face). Pick a character, choose a sticker, and send it, they move and react just like GIFs, adding a personal touch to your conversations.
