How do I disable #images in iPhone® Messages (texts)?

You can send GIFs (short videos) via Apple’s texting app, Messages, on iPhone®! There are hundreds of funny GIFs, but some are mature. Covenant Eyes cannot monitor GIFs on iPhone®. To completely disable #images on an iPhone®, follow this two-part process:

PART ONE: Turn off #images

  1. Open the Messages app and then open a new text message.
  2. Tap the “A” that represents the App Store® logo.
  3. The “Favorite Apps” bar will appear. Swipe left across the bar until you locate the “More” option. (The icon is three gray dots.)
  4. On the next screen, tap the “Edit” option in the top left corner.
  5. To remove #images from the Favorites bar, tap the red minus sign that appears next to #images. After you tap the minus sign, an option to the right will appear that says “Remove from Favorites.” Tap on it.
  6. Under MORE APPS, #images will be visible. Turn the toggle switch off for #images to disable it. To completely remove the ability to use #images, read on to Part Two!

PART TWO: Disable the option to re-install #images

  1. If you disable the option to Install Apps, the member will not be able to install any new apps or reinstall #images.
  2. 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.
  3. If you’re not familiar with Screen Time settings, follow the steps in How do I set up Screen Time on iOS 14 or 15?.

Feel free to contact our Member Care team for free assistance.

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