iPhone X iOS 12.1.3 - GIFS not showing

Hi All,

i cannot loads gifs in iMessage - not matter what I do and it’s annoying me hugely.

Some times I get cached gifs show up, then as I scroll - I get greyed out vexes where gifs should be. If I search for gifs - I just get all boxes greyed out. I have attached a picture. This happens on mobile AND WiFi connections.

I have reset my phone - erased all settings and started a fresh - no good.

I have removed the #images from the “three dot menu” and then re added 30 minutes later - no good.

I have a 256gb phone and there is 180gb free.

I’m at a loss - could anyone help?