How to Use the New iMessage Effects in iOS 10.2

An Apple logo hangs above the entrance to the Apple store on 5th Avenue in the Manhattan borough of New York City, July 21, 2015. Reuters/Mike Segar

The iOS 10.2 update has brought Apple fans bundles of joy, but the most fun-filled feature to use has got to be the iMessage screen effects. The feature allows users to send messages accompanied by animated backgrounds. Here’s a quick guide on how to make the most out of the iOS 10.2 screen effects and how to get them working in case of iMessage errors.

Important reminders

Sending greetings like “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Birthday” shall trigger iOS 10.2 to spontaneously add the appropriate screen effect. Pre-installed screen effects like balloons, confetti and others are also available. Not only can users send a screen effect from the Messages app, they can also do so from the new interactive notification screen and even from the lock screen. Unfortunately, the effects do not work on the Messages app on Mac.

How to use the new iMessage effects in iOS 10.2

Step 1: Launch the Messages app on the Apple device (iPhone/iPad) and type in a greeting or message.

Step 2: Firmly press the Send button (the one with the upward arrow sign).

Step 3: At the “Send with Effect” section, select the Screen tab, which should be at the right of the Bubble tab.

Step 4: Swipe left or right to choose an effect. A total of seven screen effects are presently available: balloons, confetti, fireworks, lasers, shooting stars and the new ones, love and celebration.

Step 5: After choosing an effect, hit the Send button at the right side and it’s done.

How to disable the new iMessage effects in iOS 10.2

Tap the Close or X button just below the message to call off the screen effects.

How to fix the iMessage errors and fully use the screen effects

Solution 1: Turn off Reduce Motion

Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion, then turn it off if it’s enabled. Check to see if it’s working. If the problem hasn’t been solved, try solutions 2 and 3.

Solution 2: Disable/enable iMessage

Launch the Settings app and tap Messages. Turn off iMessage for a few seconds then turn it on again.

Solution 3: Make sure that iMessage is getting delivered from the device’s phone number

Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. At the “Start new conversations from” section located at the bottom, make sure that the correct phone number is indicated.

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