You don’t add Apple’s built-in GIF picker as a keyboard in Settings. To search for and send a GIF, open a conversation in Messages, tap the Add button, choose #images, search, select a GIF, then tap Send. Apple’s instructions are for Messages; they don’t establish that this picker works in every third-party app.
Use #images to send a GIF in Messages
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Open Messages and start a conversation or open an existing one.
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Tap the Add button, then tap #images. If it isn’t visible, swipe up in the app drawer.
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Tap Find images, enter a search term, and choose a result or tap the search key.
#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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Tap the GIF you want to add it to your message, then tap Send.
Apple describes #images as a way to find “hundreds of trending GIFs”; that is a qualitative description, not an exact count. Apple Support’s GIF instructions were published September 30, 2025.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Why you can’t find a GIF keyboard in Settings
Apple’s built-in GIF search is a Messages feature, not a keyboard you install through keyboard settings. Those settings are for adding or changing language keyboards. The built-in emoji keyboard is a separate feature for emoji, Memoji, and stickers. See Apple’s guides to adding or changing iPhone keyboards and using emoji, Memoji, and stickers.
If #images is missing
The feature is not available in every country or region. Apple lists availability in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, India, Singapore, the Philippines, and Japan. Check Settings > General > Language & Region and make sure your iPhone is set to a supported language and region. Apple also identifies #images as a Messages app and notes that it is unavailable in some locations in its guide to using iMessage apps.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
If #images is supported in your region but not immediately visible, open the Messages app drawer with the Add button and swipe up to look for it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Save a GIF you received
In Messages, touch and hold the GIF, then tap Save. GIFs selected from #images animate only in Messages on Apple devices, according to Apple’s instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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