You can send GIFs (short, looping videos) via Apple’s iPhone® texting app, Messages! There are hundreds of funny GIFs, but some GIFs are inappropriate. Covenant Eyes cannot monitor GIFs on iPhone®, so some people disable GIFs (also called #images) on an iPhone® to protect their loved ones.
To disable GIFs, follow this two-part process:
PART ONE: Turn off #images in Messages.
- Open the Messages app and then open a new text message.
- Tap the “A” App Store® icon to open the “Favorite Apps” bar.
- The “Favorite Apps” bar will appear. Swipe left across the bar until you locate the “More” option. (The icon is three gray dots.)
- On the next screen, tap the “Edit” option in the top left corner.
- To remove #images from the Favorites bar, tap the red minus sign next to #images. After you tap the minus sign, tap “Remove from Favorites.”
- Under MORE APPS, #images will be visible. Turn the toggle switch off for #images to disable it. To remove the ability to use #images, read on to Part Two!
PART TWO: Disable the Option to Reinstall #images.
Apple provides free device controls called Screen Time for iPhone® and iPad®. If you disable the “Installing Apps” feature in Screen Time, you can prevent the member from reinstalling #images.
- If you’re familiar with Screen Time settings, go to the Settings app > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps > Don’t Allow.
- If you’re unfamiliar with Screen Time settings, read How do I set up Screen Time on iOS 15? and turn “Installing Apps” off.