HT206894: Use message effects with iMessage on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Learn about Use message effects with iMessage on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Lfsawyer

Q: I am unable to use special effects in Messages on my iPhone 7.    Anybody else have this problem?

I have made sure Reduce Motion is turned off.  If I try to press and hold the blue arrow, nothing happens.

iOS 10

Posted on Sep 18, 2016 9:01 AM

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Q: I am unable to use special effects in Messages on my iPhone 7.    Anybody else have this problem?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by chris_g1,

    chris_g1 chris_g1 Sep 19, 2016 10:28 AM in response to Lfsawyer
    Community Specialists
    Sep 19, 2016 10:28 AM in response to Lfsawyer
    Hi, Lfsawyer!


    Thanks for reaching out via the Apple Support Communities. Based on your post, I understand that full screen effects are not working for you in iMessage after updating to iOS 10, even though you've verified that Reduce Motion is turned off. I've really been enjoying all of the new iMessage effects, and want you to be able to enjoy them, too--I'd be happy to help!


    I have a few troubleshooting steps I can recommend. Before beginning, create a backup of your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes. You can get instructions on doing so here: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

    Then, try the following in order, testing after you complete each step. Stop when the issue is resolved.
     
    1. Restart your iPhone, following the instructions here: Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
       
    2. Reset your iPhone settings under Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. None of your personal data (contacts, pictures, Calendar events, Reminders, etc) will be removed, however customizable settings (wallpaper and screen brightness, alert sounds, Date & Time settings, etc) will be reverted back to their factory defaults. Also, saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords will be removed, as well as previously used APN or VPN settings.
       
    3. Restore your iPhone to factory settings, using the steps in this article: Use iTunes on your Mac or PC to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to factory settings

      Once the restore is completed, set your iPhone up as a new device (meaning without your backup, at least temporarily). You can sign into iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud, and the iTunes and App Store with your Apple ID. Then, test your ability to send effects.

      If you can send those full screen effects after the restore, go ahead and put your backup onto the iPhone using this article: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup

    Happy messaging!
  • by ashbarrington,

    ashbarrington ashbarrington Oct 5, 2016 7:37 PM in response to chris_g1
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Oct 5, 2016 7:37 PM in response to chris_g1

    I also have this problem - I've tried everything above to no avail. I got my iPhone 7 this morning and I'm already mad at it.

  • by TheJuiceisLoose,

    TheJuiceisLoose TheJuiceisLoose Oct 7, 2016 11:17 AM in response to ashbarrington
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 7, 2016 11:17 AM in response to ashbarrington

    Me too!  I've tried everything mentioned in this article.  It works for one or two messages after I did the factory reset and then it stops bringing up the screen to select the effects.  I hold down the button and nothing happens.