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How can I get my iMessage special effects to work on my iPhone 8 and the Reduce Motion is turned off

I have an iPhone 8 running iOS 11.2.6 for some weird reason the iMessage special effects has stopped working and I’ve checked the Reduce Motion function and it’s off. Does anyone know how I can get it to work again? I’ve also tried doing a hard reset by turning the phone off and on.

Posted on Mar 16, 2018 1:36 AM

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1 reply

Mar 16, 2018 3:16 PM in response to ja118

Hey ja118,

I see that message effects aren't working correctly with your iPhone 8. I know this is a fun feature to use when sending iMessages, and I have a few troubleshooting steps I can recommend.

First, turn iMessage off then back on in Settings > Messages. Be sure to wait about a minute before toggling iMessage back on again. Once you're done, test for the issue once more.

If the issue persists, I recommend that you reinstall iOS on your device. Before you proceed, please backup your data using the steps below:
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Once you've verified that your backup is current, follow the steps below to reinstall iOS on your iPhone. Keep in mind that this article was written for a different issue, but these steps will still be helpful.
  1. Connect your device to a computer and open iTunes. If you don't have a computer, try to borrow one, or go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.
  2. While your device is connected, force it to restart.
    • On an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
    • On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery-mode screen.
    • On an iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery-mode screen.
  3. Don't release the buttons when you see the Apple logo. Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.
    User uploaded file
  4. When you get the option to restore or update, choose Update. iTunes will try to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
    User uploaded file

iTunes will download the software for your device. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit recovery mode and you'll need to repeat steps 2 and 3.

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen - Apple Support


Cheers!

How can I get my iMessage special effects to work on my iPhone 8 and the Reduce Motion is turned off

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