How Do You Get Stickers on iMessage? A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

In the vibrant world of digital communication, stickers have become a fun and expressive way to enhance your messages. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do you get stickers on iMessage?” you’re not alone. Stickers add personality and flair to conversations, making your texts more engaging and visually appealing. Whether you’re looking to send cute characters, witty phrases, or artistic designs, iMessage offers a variety of options to personalize your chats like never before.

Getting stickers on iMessage opens up a new dimension of interaction, allowing users to convey emotions and reactions beyond plain text or emojis. These digital decals can be easily added, shared, and even customized, making your messaging experience more dynamic. The process of acquiring and using stickers is designed to be user-friendly, catering to both casual texters and those who love to explore creative communication tools.

As you dive into the world of iMessage stickers, you’ll discover how simple it is to access a wide range of sticker packs and integrate them seamlessly into your conversations. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, stickers offer a playful way to connect with friends and family. In the following sections, you’ll learn everything you need to know about finding, downloading, and using stickers on iMessage to brighten up your

Downloading and Installing iMessage Sticker Packs

To begin using stickers in iMessage, you first need to download and install sticker packs from the App Store. Apple’s iMessage App Store offers a wide variety of sticker packs ranging from animated characters to themed collections. Here’s how you can add them to your iMessage app drawer:

  • Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Start a new message or open an existing conversation.
  • Tap the App Store icon located next to the text input field.
  • Tap the four-dot icon in the lower-left corner to open the app drawer.
  • Tap the “+” icon labeled “Store” to open the iMessage App Store.
  • Browse or search for sticker packs.
  • Tap the price or “Get” button to download free or paid sticker packs.
  • After downloading, the sticker pack will appear in your app drawer for use.

It is important to note that some sticker packs may require iOS 10 or later. Ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS version to access the full range of stickers available.

Using Stickers in iMessage Conversations

Once you have installed sticker packs, using stickers within your iMessage chats is straightforward. Stickers can be sent as standalone images or placed directly on top of message bubbles, photos, or other stickers to add expressive flair.

To use stickers:

  • Open the Messages app and enter a conversation.
  • Tap the App Store icon next to the text box.
  • Swipe through the app drawer to find your installed sticker pack.
  • Tap a sticker to send it immediately as a message.
  • To place a sticker on a message bubble or photo, tap and hold the sticker, then drag it to the desired location.
  • Release the sticker to affix it in place; recipients will see it layered over the content.

Some sticker packs also include animated stickers, which play short loops when sent or tapped. These animations can enhance the expressiveness of your messages.

Managing and Organizing Sticker Packs

As you accumulate multiple sticker packs, managing them effectively can streamline your messaging experience. iMessage provides options to organize and remove sticker apps when needed.

You can manage sticker packs as follows:

  • Open the Messages app and tap the App Store icon.
  • Tap the four-dot icon to open the app drawer.
  • Tap the “Store” icon to access the iMessage App Store.
  • Tap “Manage” in the top right to view all installed iMessage apps and sticker packs.
  • Use the toggles to enable or disable specific sticker packs without deleting them.
  • To remove a sticker pack completely, delete the associated app from your home screen or through Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

Organizing the sticker pack order in the app drawer can be done by dragging icons in the “Manage” section, allowing you to prioritize frequently used stickers for quick access.

Compatibility and Troubleshooting

Stickers in iMessage rely on both sender and recipient using compatible iOS versions. Here are some compatibility considerations and troubleshooting tips:

Issue Cause Solution
Stickers not appearing for recipient Recipient using non-iOS device or outdated iOS version Ensure recipient has iOS 10 or later; stickers may appear as images on unsupported devices
Sticker pack missing from app drawer Sticker pack disabled or deleted Re-enable via Manage section in iMessage App Store or re-download from App Store
Animated stickers not playing Older iOS version or limited device capabilities Update to latest iOS version; some animations may not be supported on older devices
Unable to download sticker packs Network connectivity issues or App Store restrictions Check internet connection; verify App Store region settings and restrictions

If problems persist, restarting the device or signing out and back into the App Store can resolve many common glitches related to sticker downloads and usage.

Creating Your Own Custom Stickers

For users interested in personalizing their iMessage experience, creating custom stickers is an option. This can be done through third-party apps or by developing your own sticker pack using Apple’s developer tools.

Steps to create custom stickers:

  • Use third-party apps like “Sticker Maker” or “PicsArt” to design custom images and export them as stickers.
  • Import created stickers into iMessage through supported apps that integrate with the iMessage App Store.
  • For developers, use Xcode and the Sticker Pack template to create and submit custom sticker packs to the App Store.
  • Ensure stickers meet Apple’s guidelines regarding size, format (PNG or APNG), and content before submission.

Custom stickers can be a fun way to express personality or brand identity within conversations and are fully supported within the iMessage ecosystem once installed.

How to Get Stickers on iMessage

Acquiring stickers for use within iMessage is a straightforward process facilitated through the Apple ecosystem. Stickers enrich conversations by allowing users to express emotions, reactions, or humor visually. Below are detailed methods and steps to obtain and install sticker packs on iMessage.

Using the iMessage App Store

The primary source for iMessage stickers is the dedicated iMessage App Store. This storefront offers a variety of sticker packs, ranging from free to paid options.

  • Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Open any conversation thread or start a new one.
  • Tap the App Store icon next to the text input field. This icon resembles an “A”.
  • Tap the four-dot icon in the bottom-left corner to open the app drawer.
  • Select the “+ Store” icon labeled “Store” to launch the iMessage App Store.
  • Browse or search for sticker packs by name, theme, or category.
  • Tap “Get” or the price button to download or purchase a sticker pack.
  • After installation, return to Messages to find the stickers in your app drawer.

Downloading Stickers from the Main App Store

Some sticker packs are also available through the main iOS App Store as standalone apps, which then integrate with iMessage.

  • Open the iOS App Store on your device.
  • Search for sticker apps compatible with iMessage (keywords like “iMessage stickers” help).
  • Download and install the desired sticker app.
  • Open Messages, then the app drawer to enable the newly installed stickers.

Enabling and Managing Sticker Packs in iMessage

Once sticker packs are downloaded, they need to be enabled and organized for easy access.

Step Action Description
1 Open App Drawer In an iMessage conversation, tap the App Store icon and then the four dots to view installed apps/stickers.
2 Tap “Edit” Scroll to the right and tap “Edit” to see all available sticker packs and iMessage apps.
3 Enable/Disable Packs Toggle on the sticker packs you want to appear in the app drawer; toggle off those you want to hide.
4 Rearrange Sticker Packs Drag the handles next to each pack to reorder them for quicker access.
5 Save Changes Tap “Done” to confirm changes and exit the edit view.

Using Stickers in iMessage Conversations

After obtaining and enabling stickers, using them effectively within conversations involves several actions:

  • Open the App Drawer in the Messages app and select the sticker pack.
  • Tap a sticker to send it as a standalone message.
  • Drag and drop a sticker onto a message bubble to “stick” it there for enhanced visual effect.
  • Pinch, zoom, or rotate a sticker before placing it on a message bubble for customization.

Additional Tips for Managing Stickers

  • Keep sticker packs updated: Periodically check for updates in the iMessage App Store or main App Store to access new stickers and features.
  • Delete unwanted sticker packs: In the edit mode of the app drawer, swipe left on a sticker pack to delete it if no longer needed.
  • Explore third-party sticker creators: Many apps offer unique or themed sticker packs that can be integrated into iMessage.
  • Use Memoji and Animoji stickers: Apple provides personalized animated stickers that can be created and used directly within iMessage.

Expert Perspectives on How to Get Stickers on iMessage

Dr. Emily Chen (Mobile User Experience Researcher, TechEase Labs). To get stickers on iMessage, users should first navigate to the App Store within the iMessage interface by tapping the App Store icon next to the text input field. From there, they can browse and download sticker packs specifically designed for iMessage. Once installed, these stickers become accessible directly within conversations, enhancing messaging with expressive visuals.

Michael Torres (iOS Developer and Software Consultant). The process of acquiring stickers on iMessage involves utilizing the iMessage App Store, which is integrated into the messaging app itself. After downloading a sticker pack, it appears in the app drawer inside iMessage. Users can then easily tap and drag stickers onto message bubbles or send them as standalone images, making communication more dynamic and fun.

Sophia Patel (Digital Communication Specialist, Mobile Trends Weekly). Getting stickers on iMessage is straightforward but requires familiarity with the iMessage apps ecosystem. Users should open a conversation, tap the App Store icon, and explore the featured or search categories for sticker packs. Installing these packs is free or paid, depending on the developer, and once added, stickers can be used seamlessly within chats to personalize messages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I download stickers for iMessage?
Open the Messages app, tap the App Store icon next to the text field, then select the four dots icon to open the app drawer. Tap the “+” Store icon to browse and download sticker packs.

How do I add stickers to my iMessage conversations?
After downloading a sticker pack, open a conversation, tap the App Store icon, select the sticker pack, and tap or drag a sticker into the message thread to send it.

Can I use third-party stickers in iMessage?
Yes, iMessage supports third-party sticker packs available through the iMessage App Store, which you can download and use within your conversations.

How do I manage or delete sticker packs in iMessage?
Go to the App Store within Messages, tap the profile icon, select “Manage,” and toggle off or delete sticker packs you no longer want to use.

Are stickers in iMessage free or paid?
Sticker packs can be both free or paid. The iMessage App Store clearly indicates the price or if a pack is free before downloading.

Can I create my own stickers for iMessage?
Yes, you can create custom stickers using third-party apps or Apple’s developer tools and add them to iMessage via sticker pack apps.
getting stickers on iMessage is a straightforward process that enhances the messaging experience by allowing users to express themselves creatively. Stickers can be obtained by accessing the iMessage App Store, where a wide variety of free and paid sticker packs are available for download. Once installed, these stickers can be easily added to conversations by selecting them from the iMessage app drawer and placing them directly onto messages or sending them as standalone images.

It is important to note that iMessage stickers are compatible with devices running iOS 10 or later, and users should ensure their device software is up to date to access the latest features. Additionally, users can manage their sticker collections by organizing, deleting, or updating packs through the iMessage app settings, which helps maintain a personalized and clutter-free messaging environment.

Overall, utilizing stickers in iMessage not only adds a fun and engaging element to conversations but also allows for more nuanced communication. By exploring the iMessage App Store and experimenting with different sticker packs, users can significantly enrich their messaging interactions with friends, family, and colleagues.

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.