How Do You Add a Sticker from Messages?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

In today’s digital age, expressing yourself through messages has become more vibrant and fun than ever before. Stickers, with their colorful and playful designs, add a unique flair to your conversations, making your texts more engaging and personalized. Whether you want to brighten someone’s day or simply spice up your chats, knowing how to add a sticker from messages can transform your communication experience.

Adding stickers to your messages is a simple yet powerful way to convey emotions and reactions without typing a single word. As messaging apps continue to evolve, they offer a variety of sticker packs and customization options, allowing users to find the perfect graphic for any occasion. Understanding the basics of accessing and inserting these stickers will open up a new world of expressive possibilities.

Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s helpful to get a general sense of how stickers integrate with your messaging platform and what kinds of stickers are available. Whether you’re a casual texter or a messaging enthusiast, mastering this feature will enhance your digital conversations and make your messages stand out. Let’s explore how to effortlessly add a sticker from messages and elevate your texting game.

Accessing and Adding Stickers in Messages

To add a sticker in the Messages app, you first need to access the app drawer located within an active conversation. The app drawer provides quick access to various iMessage apps, including sticker packs that can enhance your messaging experience.

Open a conversation in Messages, then tap the App Store icon or the App drawer icon near the text input field. This action reveals a horizontal row of available iMessage apps and sticker packs. If you haven’t installed any sticker packs yet, you can browse and download them from the iMessage App Store by tapping the + icon labeled “Store.”

Once you have sticker packs available, simply tap a sticker pack icon to open it. From there, browse through the stickers by swiping left or right. Tap the sticker you want to add, and it will be inserted directly into the message field, ready to send.

Placing Stickers on Messages and Photos

Beyond sending stickers as standalone images, Messages allows you to place stickers on top of message bubbles or photos, adding a personalized and fun layer to your conversations.

To place a sticker over a message bubble or photo:

  • Tap and hold the desired sticker in the sticker pack.
  • Drag the sticker onto the message bubble or photo where you want to place it.
  • Release your finger to “stick” the sticker in place.

This action anchors the sticker to the chosen element, and the recipient will see the sticker overlaid on the original message or photo. You can place multiple stickers on a single message or photo by repeating this process.

Managing and Organizing Sticker Packs

Managing your sticker packs efficiently can improve your messaging workflow. You can reorder, hide, or delete sticker packs directly from the app drawer.

To manage your sticker packs:

  • Open the app drawer in Messages.
  • Swipe all the way to the right and tap the More (•••) icon.
  • In the list view, you will see all installed iMessage apps and sticker packs.

Here you can:

  • Reorder sticker packs by tapping and holding the three-line handle next to each pack and dragging it up or down.
  • Hide sticker packs by toggling them off, which removes them from the app drawer but keeps them installed.
  • Delete sticker packs by swiping left on the pack and tapping Delete.

Compatibility and Troubleshooting

Sticker functionality in Messages relies on the version of iOS or iPadOS you are running, as well as the compatibility of the sticker pack.

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Stickers not appearing Outdated iOS version Update to the latest iOS/iPadOS
Unable to send stickers Network connectivity issues Check Wi-Fi or cellular connection
Stickers not sticking on photos or messages Sticker pack not designed for overlay Use compatible sticker packs
App drawer or stickers missing Sticker pack not installed or disabled Install or enable sticker packs via app drawer settings

If you experience any issues, ensure your device’s software is current and that the sticker pack is properly installed and enabled. Restarting the Messages app or your device can also resolve temporary glitches.

Downloading Additional Sticker Packs

To expand your sticker collection, you can explore and download new sticker packs from the iMessage App Store:

  • Open the Messages app and tap the App Store icon in the app drawer.
  • Tap the Store button (usually a plus icon).
  • Use the search bar or browse categories to find sticker packs.
  • Tap on a sticker pack to view details, screenshots, and user reviews.
  • Tap Get or the price button to download and install the sticker pack.

Downloaded sticker packs automatically appear in your app drawer, ready for use.

Tips for Using Stickers Effectively

Using stickers effectively can enhance your messaging without overwhelming the conversation. Consider these tips:

  • Use stickers to add emotional nuance or humor without typing a message.
  • Combine stickers with text for emphasis or context.
  • Avoid overusing stickers, which can clutter the conversation.
  • Experiment with different sticker packs to find styles that suit your communication.

By integrating stickers thoughtfully, you can create a richer, more engaging messaging experience.

Adding Stickers Directly From Messages on iOS Devices

Adding stickers within the Messages app on iOS devices provides an engaging way to enhance conversations. The process integrates seamlessly with the iMessage platform, enabling users to select and place stickers from their installed sticker packs.

To add a sticker from Messages, follow these steps:

  • Open the Messages app: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad and open the conversation where you want to add a sticker.
  • Access the app drawer: At the bottom of the screen, locate the app drawer (the row of icons directly above the keyboard). Tap the App Store icon if the app drawer isn’t visible.
  • Select a sticker pack: Swipe through the app drawer to find the installed sticker pack you want to use. If you don’t see any sticker packs, you may need to download them from the iMessage App Store.
  • Choose a sticker: Tap the sticker pack icon to open it. Browse the available stickers and tap the one you want to send. The sticker will appear in the message input field.
  • Send the sticker: Press the Send button (blue arrow) to add the sticker as a standalone message.

Additionally, stickers can be dragged and dropped directly onto message bubbles for a more interactive effect:

  • After opening the sticker pack, press and hold the desired sticker.
  • Drag the sticker onto any message bubble in the conversation.
  • Release the sticker to “stick” it to the bubble, creating a layered visual effect.

Managing and Downloading Sticker Packs in Messages

To expand your sticker options, you can manage and download additional sticker packs from the iMessage App Store. This process allows customization based on preferences and conversation styles.

Action Steps Notes
Open iMessage App Store Tap the App Store icon in the app drawer within Messages. Access sticker packs, games, and apps compatible with iMessage.
Browse Stickers Navigate to the Stickers tab to see curated and popular sticker packs. Use the search bar for specific stickers or themes.
Download Sticker Packs Tap Get or price button to download or purchase the sticker pack. Ensure you are signed in with your Apple ID.
Enable Sticker Packs Go to the app drawer, tap More (three dots), and enable or reorder sticker packs. Toggle sticker packs on/off for quick access.

Using Stickers on Different iOS Versions and Devices

Sticker functionality is supported on iOS 10 and later versions, but some features vary depending on the device and iOS version:

  • Drag and drop: Available on iPhone and iPad running iOS 10 or later.
  • Sticker effects: Newer iOS versions support effects such as animated stickers and interaction with message bubbles.
  • Third-party sticker apps: Compatible with iOS 10+, but app availability may vary by region and device.
  • Mac Messages app: Stickers can be sent and received, but drag-and-drop onto bubbles is limited compared to iOS devices.

For the best experience, ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS version, and sticker packs are kept current.

Expert Insights on How To Add A Sticker From Messages

Jessica Tran (Mobile UX Designer, AppFlow Studios). Adding a sticker from Messages is a seamless process when you understand the user interface flow. Typically, users tap the App Store icon next to the text input field, then select the sticker pack they want. From there, they can tap on any sticker to insert it directly into the conversation. Ensuring the sticker pack is downloaded and enabled in iMessage settings is crucial for smooth access.

Dr. Marcus Lee (Software Engineer, Messaging Platforms Division, TechWave Inc.). From a development perspective, the integration of stickers within messaging apps relies on the efficient use of app extensions and sticker APIs. Users benefit from this by simply selecting the sticker icon within the message composer, browsing available packs, and tapping to add. The process is designed to be intuitive, minimizing friction and enhancing user engagement.

Emily Carter (Digital Communication Specialist, ConnectNow Consulting). For users looking to personalize their conversations, adding stickers from Messages enhances expressiveness. The key is to familiarize oneself with the sticker drawer, accessible via the App Store icon in the message bar. Once opened, users can scroll through packs, tap a sticker to add it, and even drag and drop stickers onto message bubbles for a playful interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I add a sticker from Messages on my iPhone?
Open the Messages app, tap the App Store icon next to the text field, select the sticker pack, then tap or drag the desired sticker into the conversation.

Can I add stickers from third-party apps in Messages?
Yes, you can download sticker packs from the iMessage App Store and access them within Messages to add stickers to your chats.

How do I find new sticker packs to add in Messages?
Tap the App Store icon in Messages, then select the App Store button to browse and download new sticker packs.

Is it possible to resize or move a sticker after adding it in Messages?
Yes, after dragging a sticker onto a message bubble, you can pinch to resize or drag to reposition it before sending.

Why can’t I see stickers in my Messages app?
Ensure your iOS is updated, the sticker packs are installed, and the Messages app has access to iMessage features; some stickers require iMessage to function.

Can I remove a sticker pack from Messages if I no longer want it?
Yes, open the Messages app, tap the App Store icon, select the Manage tab, and toggle off or delete the sticker packs you wish to remove.
Adding a sticker from Messages enhances the expressiveness and engagement of your conversations. The process typically involves accessing the sticker pack within the messaging app, selecting the desired sticker, and inserting it directly into your message thread. This straightforward method allows users to personalize their communication quickly and effectively, making interactions more lively and visually appealing.

Understanding how to add stickers also involves familiarity with the app’s interface, including the sticker drawer or app bar where stickers are stored. Users can download additional sticker packs from the app store or messaging platform to expand their collection. Mastery of these features ensures a richer messaging experience and enables users to convey emotions or reactions that words alone may not fully capture.

In summary, adding a sticker from Messages is a simple yet powerful way to enhance digital communication. By leveraging the available sticker options and integrating them seamlessly into conversations, users can create more dynamic and engaging interactions. Staying informed about updates and new sticker packs can further enrich this aspect of messaging, keeping communication fresh and enjoyable.

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.