Previously, for those who installed the app, the GIF Keyboard GIF collection was accessible by tapping the “+” icon inside a conversation in the Messages app, then tapping More or swiping up on the screen. However, based on testing, it is no longer visible as an option in the new expandable menu, and many users online claim that it disappeared after updating their device to the latest iOS.
So, where is he now? Upon further inspection – confirmed by some users online – it appears that the GIF keyboard shortcut has migrated under the Stickers option. Here’s how to get to it:
- Open the conversation in the Messages app.
- Tap the “+” icon in the lower left corner of the screen.
- Hit Stickers.
At the top of the sticker drawer are all your Messages-compatible apps that also have their own stickers. Simply keep scrolling through the options by swiping to the left until you see the GIF Keyboard icon. To change the position in the sticker options bar, tap Edit, long-press the hamburger icon next to the GIF keyboard, and drag it to the top of the queue. After you press Done, the GIF keyboard should appear immediately when you select the Stickers option from the main expandable menu.
The reason the GIF keyboard shortcut has been moved inside the Messages app is simple: Apple is sticking to its plan to bring a more organized interface to text messages. Based on testing, other third-party apps that also offered their own set of stickers also disappeared from the main expandable menu. Like the GIF keyboard, they have now been moved to the Stickers section. Of the sticker-compatible apps, only Memoji still appears in the main menu since it doubles as a camera app.