You'll need iMessage – an Apple feature – to send message effects. Find out the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS texts. Depending on your network provider, messaging rates may apply when sending SMS/MMS. If you use iMessage when Wi-Fi is unavailable, mobile data rates may apply.
Send a message with effects
With message effects, you can use bubble effects to change the way your message bubbles will look, or you can use full-screen effects to animate the screen. You can even add a Memoji sticker with bubble effects or full-screen effects.
Add a bubble effect
- Open Messages and tap the Compose button to start a new message. Or go to an existing conversation.
- Enter your message or insert a photo, then touch and hold the Send button .
- Tap the grey dot to preview bubble effects.
- Tap the Send button .
To replay a message effect you've received, tap the Replay button under the message. If you can't receive bubble effects, check your Reduce Motion settings.
Add a full-screen effect
- Open Messages and tap the Compose button to start a new message. Or go to an existing conversation.
- Enter your message.
- Touch and hold the Send button , then tap Screen.
- Swipe to the left to see full-screen effects.
- Tap the Send button .
To replay a message effect you've received, tap the Replay button under the message. If you can't receive full-screen effects, check your Reduce Motion settings.
Send a message with Camera Effects
With Camera Effects, you can liven up your conversations even more. Quickly create and share a photo or video with Memoji, filters, text, fun stickers and more. Follow these steps:
- Open Messages and tap the Compose button to create a new message. Or go to an existing conversation.
- Tap the Camera button .
- Tap the Effects button , then select one of the effects, such as Memoji* or an iMessage app. You can add more than one effect to a photo or video.
- After you've selected the effect you want to use, tap Done.
- Tap the Send button or tap Done to add a personal message. If you don't want to send the photo, tap the icon in the top right-hand corner of the photo.
You'll need a compatible iPhone or iPad to use Memoji.
Respond to a message with expressions
With Tapback, you can reply to messages quickly with expressions, such a thumbs up or a heart. Here's how:
- Open a conversation in Messages.
- Double-tap the message bubble or photo you want to respond to.
- Select the Tapback you want to send.
You can also use Tapback in group messages. To see who's replied with a Tapback, tap it.
Send a handwritten message
You can personalise your messages by adding a note in your own handwriting. Your friends and family will see the message become animated, as if it were being written in front of them. To send a handwritten note, follow these steps:
- Open Messages and tap the Compose button to start a new message. Or go to an existing conversation.
- If you have an iPhone, turn it sideways and tap on the keyboard. On an iPad, there's no need to turn it sideways – just tap on the keyboard.
- Write your message or select one of the options at the bottom of the screen.
- If you need to start again, tap Undo or Clear. When you've finished, tap Done. Then tap the Send button .