The GIF keyboard is built into iOS and takes three steps to turn on
Apple includes a GIF keyboard as part of iOS, but it does not appear by default in your keyboard list. You turn it on through Settings, then access it the same way you switch between any other keyboard — by holding the globe icon at the bottom left of your keyboard. The GIF keyboard searches Giphy's library and lets you insert animated images directly into messages, emails, and most apps that accept text input.
The process is the same whether you have an iPhone 12, 14, or the latest model. You do not need to read anything from the App Store. If you have already customized your keyboards, adding the GIF keyboard straightforward adds one more option to your existing list.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, go to Keyboard, then Keyboards, then tap Add New Keyboard and select GIF to enable it.
- Once added, switch to the GIF keyboard by pressing and holding the globe icon at the bottom left of any keyboard, then selecting GIF from the menu.
- The GIF keyboard searches Giphy's database, so you type what you want to find — "cat," "celebration," "confused" — and tap the result you want to insert.
- The GIF keyboard works in Messages, Mail, Notes, and most third-party apps, but some apps may not support animated image insertion.
- If you do not see the GIF keyboard option in Settings, make sure your iPhone is running iOS 10 or later.
Step-by-step: enabling the GIF keyboard in Settings
Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Tap General, then scroll down and tap Keyboard. You will see a list of your currently active keyboards — this might include English, Emoji, and any others you have added.
Tap Keyboards (the second option in the Keyboard menu, not the first). At the top right, you will see Add New Keyboard in blue text. Tap it. A list of available keyboards appears. Scroll down until you see GIF, then tap it. The GIF keyboard is now added to your keyboard list and will appear in your keyboard switcher.
How to switch to the GIF keyboard when you need it
When you are typing in any app — Messages, Mail, Notes, or anywhere else — look at the bottom left of your keyboard. You will see a globe icon with a country code or language name next to it. Press and hold that globe icon. A menu pops up showing all your available keyboards, including GIF if you have added it.
Tap GIF to switch to it. The keyboard changes to show a search box. Type what you are looking for — "happy," "thumbs up," "thinking" — and results from Giphy appear below. Tap the GIF you want, and it inserts into your message or document. To switch back to your regular keyboard, hold the globe icon again and select your default keyboard.
What the GIF keyboard can and cannot do
The GIF keyboard searches Giphy's collection of animated images and inserts them as actual GIFs, not as links or previews. This means the person receiving your message sees the animation play, not a static thumbnail. The search works the way you would expect — type a word or phrase, and Giphy returns matching results ranked by popularity.
However, not every app supports GIF insertion. Messages and Mail work reliably. Notes, Slack, Discord, and most social media apps accept GIFs through the keyboard. Some older apps or apps with strict input controls may not recognize the GIF keyboard or may insert the image as a link instead. If you try to use the GIF keyboard in an app and nothing happens, that app likely does not support direct GIF insertion.
Removing the GIF keyboard if you do not use it
If you add the GIF keyboard and later decide you do not want it cluttering your keyboard switcher, you can remove it. Go back to Settings, tap General, then Keyboard, then Keyboards. Find GIF in the list, swipe left on it, and tap Delete. The GIF keyboard disappears from your switcher when ready.
You can add it back at any time using the same steps. There is no limit to how many times you can add or remove keyboards.
Troubleshooting: GIF keyboard not showing up
If you do not see the GIF option when you tap Add New Keyboard, check your iOS version. The GIF keyboard was introduced in iOS 10. Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update to see if an update is available. If your iPhone is fully updated and you still do not see GIF, try restarting your phone — sometimes Settings changes do not take effect until you restart.
If the GIF keyboard appears in your keyboard list but does not work when you tap it, make sure you are connected to the internet. The GIF keyboard needs a data connection to search Giphy's library. If you are on Wi-Fi or cellular and still having trouble, try switching keyboards and switching back, or restart the app you are using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the GIF keyboard without an internet connection?
No. The GIF keyboard searches Giphy's online database in real time, so you need either Wi-Fi or cellular data to search for and insert GIFs. If you are offline, the search box will not return results.
Does using the GIF keyboard cost money?
No. The GIF keyboard is free and included with iOS. Searching and inserting GIFs does not incur any charges, though data usage applies if you are on a cellular plan with limited data.
Can I search for specific types of GIFs, like only reaction GIFs?
The GIF keyboard searches by keyword, so you can type "reaction," "fail," "celebration," or any other descriptor and Giphy returns matching results. You cannot filter by category within the keyboard itself, but typing specific words narrows the results significantly.
What happens if I send a GIF to someone with an Android phone?
The GIF sends as a standard animated image file. Android phones, computers, and most devices can play GIFs, so the recipient will see the animation regardless of their device or operating system.
Can I add custom GIFs or use a different GIF source?
The built-in GIF keyboard only searches Giphy. You cannot add custom GIFs or change the source to another service like Tenor. Some third-party keyboard apps in the App Store offer alternative GIF sources, but the native iOS GIF keyboard is limited to Giphy.