Unable to send GIFs through iMessages

I am trying to send GIFs through iMessages to both other iPhone users and Android users on my iPhone 12 but I keep getting this message: "Could not share image - This file type is not supported." I have tried forced close of the iMessages app, I have tried powering down the phone and I have confirmed that my iOS version is up to date. This just became a problem about 3 weeks ago.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 12, iOS 17

Posted on Feb 20, 2024 9:47 AM

Reply
13 replies

Feb 20, 2024 10:09 AM in response to lobsterghost1

I am trying to add the GIF through the images app in messages. Let me clarify. Forget I said anything about imessages. I am using the Messages app on my iPhone 12 and trying to include a GIF from the images app, using + Images menu item. I have been doing this for years on this phone and never had a difficulty regardless of who I was sending to, or what kind phone they had. All of a sudden, three weeks ago I started getting the error message when I click on a GIF to include in my text message. "Could not share image - This file type is not supported."


An example: My husband who has an iPhone 12 on the same network, in the room with me, sent me an animated GIF from the images app, but when I tried to add that same GIF into a reply to him minutes later, I received the following error message: "Could not share image - This file type is not supported." This problem is not related to the type of phone the recipient.

Feb 20, 2024 10:17 AM in response to KimCat72

Did you copy the Gif your husband sent you, or did you pull the same Gif down from #images in the message app?


And sometimes a simple Forced Restart can fix odd issues.


On your iPhone:


  • Press and quickly release the volume up button
  • Then immediately press and quickly release the volume down button
  • Them immediately press and KEEP HOLDING the side power button and keep holding it past the slide to power off and keep holding it until your screen goes dark and keep holding it until you see the Apple Logo, then let go
  • Sign back in and then try again with a Gif to your husband

Feb 20, 2024 10:00 AM in response to KimCat72

KimCat72 wrote:

I am trying to send GIFs through iMessages to both other iPhone users and Android users on my iPhone 12 but I keep getting this message: "Could not share image - This file type is not supported." I have tried forced close of the iMessages app, I have tried powering down the phone and I have confirmed that my iOS version is up to date. This just became a problem about 3 weeks ago.

Are you pulling the GIFs from the Message app on your iPhone? Tap the + sign next to the enter text box, then scan down to the red icon #Images, which is where Apple lets you choose a Gif you might want to include in a message.


As to not being able to send such messages to iPhone or Android users, there is no iMessage app and iMessage only applies to messaging with other iPhone owners via the Messages App. But if you are messaging with someone who owns an iPhone who may not be signed into iMessage on their iPhone or you are sending messages to someone who owns an Android phone, the message, including any attachment will be sent via your carrier either SMS or MMS. So, open the Settings App on your iPhone and then find Messages and scan down to make SMS and MMS are turned on. If they are and you still are unable to send such images to someone, you need to contact your carrier to make sure they haven't inadvertently made a change to your carrier settings which would prevent you from sending SMS/MMS messages.

Feb 20, 2024 10:12 AM in response to Neonnyt

Neonnyt wrote:

Due to IOS updates you may not still be able to?

But I understand your pain as I can’t as well and IDK why???

Please explain why you believe iOS updates are or could prevent someone from sending a gif with a text message? I have absolutely no issue doing so and just did a few minutes ago on iPhone 15 Pro Max, running iOS 17.3.1. If you like the Author is having an issue, please read my response with more details above on things to check for your iPhone.

Feb 20, 2024 10:41 AM in response to Neonnyt

Neonnyt wrote:

Because Apple is better than Android so Android can’t possibly keep up with apples amazing technologies

There are some great Android phones out there. I think it's arguable that Samsung displays may be better. Motorolas used to have unparalleled battery life. And there are some features that Android has that I think Apple would do well to add to iOS.

it’s a malishicistic malfunction.

What does "malishicistic" mean?


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Unable to send GIFs through iMessages

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.