Fireworks in text messages are animated bursts that appear when you send or receive certain words or phrases
On iMessage (Apple's texting service for iPhone, iPad, and Mac), typing specific words triggers a full-screen animation when you send the message. The word "fireworks" itself, along with words like "congrats," "happy birthday," "happy new year," and "happy holidays," will set off animated explosions across the recipient's screen when they open your message. Android phones using Google Messages have a similar feature with different trigger words.
This is not a hidden code or a hack — it is a built-in feature that Apple and Google added to make celebrations feel more visible. The animation plays automatically; neither you nor the person receiving the message has to do anything to make it happen. It works only when you send the exact trigger word or phrase, and only if both people are using compatible messaging apps.
Key Takeaways
- On iMessage, typing "fireworks," "congrats," "happy birthday," "happy new year," or "happy holidays" and sending the message will trigger a full-screen animation on the recipient's phone.
- The animation plays automatically when the message arrives — the recipient does not have to tap anything or change any settings.
- This feature works only on iMessage between Apple devices and on Google Messages on Android; it does not work on all messaging apps or between iPhone and Android.
- You can also send screen effects by pressing and holding the send button before you send, which gives you a menu of animations to choose from.
How to send a message with the fireworks effect on iPhone
Open the Messages app and start typing your message. Include one of the trigger words — "fireworks" is the most direct choice, but "congrats," "happy birthday," "happy new year," or "happy holidays" will also work. Type your message normally around the word; for example, "Congrats on the promotion!" or "Happy birthday, hope you have a great day!"
Tap the send button (the arrow icon). When the recipient opens the message, the fireworks animation will play across their entire screen. The animation lasts a few seconds and then disappears. You will see the animation too if you are looking at your own phone when you send it, though the effect is most noticeable on the recipient's end.
How to send screen effects on iPhone without a trigger word
If you want to send an animation but do not want to use one of the specific trigger words, you can choose from a menu of effects. Type any message you want. Instead of tapping the send button, press and hold it (or swipe left and hold, depending on your iOS version).
A menu will appear with options like "Slam," "Loud," "Gentle," "Invisible Ink," and "Confetti." Tap the effect you want. Some effects, like "Confetti," create a shower of falling objects; others like "Slam" make the text hit the screen with impact. Select your choice and then tap send. The effect will play when the recipient opens the message.
How to send fireworks on Android with Google Messages
Open Google Messages (the default texting app on most Android phones, though some carriers use their own). Type your message and include a trigger phrase. Google Messages recognizes phrases like "happy birthday," "congrats," "happy new year," "happy holidays," "I love you," and "thank you."
Send the message normally. When the recipient receives it, an animation will play on their screen. The specific animation varies by phrase — "happy birthday" triggers confetti, while other phrases may trigger different effects. Like iMessage, this works automatically without any extra steps from either person.
Why the animation might not appear
The most common reason the effect does not show up is that the recipient is not using a compatible app. If you send a message with a trigger word to someone on Android from an iPhone, the message arrives as a regular text without animation. Similarly, if the recipient has an older version of iMessage or Google Messages, they may not see the effect.
Another reason is that the exact trigger word or phrase may have changed. Apple and Google update these lists occasionally, and different regions or iOS versions may recognize different words. If you type "fireworks" and nothing happens, try sending a message with "happy birthday" or "congrats" to test whether the feature is working at all.
Some messaging apps do not support screen effects at all. WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and other third-party apps do not have this feature, even if you type the trigger words. The effect only works in iMessage on Apple devices and in Google Messages on Android.
What the recipient sees and how to turn it off
When a message with a trigger word arrives, the recipient's phone will display a full-screen animation that plays automatically. They cannot prevent the animation from playing just by receiving the message — it is part of how the app handles that message. However, they can turn off the feature entirely in their settings if they find it distracting.
On iPhone, go to Settings, then Messages, and toggle off "Filter Unknown Senders" or look for animation settings in the same menu (the exact location varies by iOS version). On Android with Google Messages, open the app, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, then Notifications, and look for options related to animations or effects. Turning off animations will prevent all screen effects from playing, not just fireworks.
Other screen effects and celebration animations
Fireworks is one of several animations available in iMessage. Confetti, balloons, lasers, and hearts are other full-screen effects that trigger automatically with certain words or phrases. You can also access a full menu of effects by pressing and holding the send button, which lets you choose exactly which animation you want to send with any message, regardless of the words you typed.
Google Messages has a similar system. In addition to automatic animations triggered by phrases, you can long-press the send button to choose from a menu of effects. The exact effects available depend on your phone model and Android version, but most modern phones offer at least confetti, balloons, and fireworks animations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send fireworks to someone on Android if I have an iPhone?
No. iMessage effects only work between Apple devices. If you send a message to an Android phone, it will arrive as a regular text message without any animation, even if you use a trigger word like "fireworks." The recipient would need an iPhone or iPad to see the effect.
Do I have to use the exact word "fireworks" or will similar words work?
You need the exact word or phrase. Typing "firework" (singular) or "fire works" (two words) will not trigger the animation. The recognized trigger words are specific: "fireworks," "congrats," "happy birthday," "happy new year," and "happy holidays" on iMessage. Google Messages recognizes a slightly different list.
Can the person receiving the message turn off just the fireworks effect without turning off all animations?
No. On both iMessage and Google Messages, animation settings are all-or-nothing. Turning off animations disables all screen effects, including fireworks, confetti, balloons, and others. There is no way to block only fireworks while keeping other effects on.
What happens if I send a message with a trigger word to a group chat?
The animation will play on the screen of everyone in the group who is using a compatible device and app. If the group includes both iPhone and Android users, only the iPhone users will see the effect. Android users in the group will see the message as plain text.
Can I use fireworks effects in other messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger?
No. Fireworks and other screen effects are exclusive to iMessage on Apple devices and Google Messages on Android. WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Messages, and other third-party apps do not support these animations, even if you type the trigger words.