Invisible Ink Texting on iPhone: Using iMessage Effects

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Hide your messages in plain sight with this simple trick

Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: October 15, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Using Invisible Ink
|
• Troubleshooting
|
• Video
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• Q&A

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With iOS 10+, you can add the Invisible Ink effect to texts you send through the Messages app, making the recipient of your message tap it to see the text or image. This wikiHow article will teach you how to easily add the Invisible Ink effect to texts on your iPhone.

How to Send a Message in Invisible Ink

1. Type a message or select a picture to send in the Messenger app.
2. Tap and hold the ↑ Send icon next to your message.
3. Select Invisible Ink from the list of effects.
4. Tap the ↑ Send icon next to Invisible Ink to send your message.
5. Swipe your finger across an Invisible Ink message to reveal the text.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Using Invisible Ink

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1. 
   1
   Open Messages and type a message you want to hide and send. You can hide any message using the Invisible Ink feature. When the message is sent, the recipient will have to "wipe away" the blurry pixels to reveal the text. The Invisible Ink feature works with pictures messages as well as text.

   • This only works in the Messages app in iOS 10 or later. For instructions on updating to the latest version of iOS, see Update iOS.
   • Your recipient will only see the Invisible Ink effect if they are also on an iOS device (iPhone or iPad).
   • You can also blur out pictures with the Invisible Ink effect. Tap the + icon to the left of the text field at the bottom of the screen, tap Camera or Photos, and take or select an image to send. It will appear in the text field. Don’t send it yet.
2. 
   2
   Press and hold the ↑ Send button. It’s to the right of the text field where you type your message. This will open a menu of text effect options. If the menu doesn't appear, see the next section.

   • If the Send icon is blue, your recipient is using iMessage on an iOS device and will be able to see the Invisible Ink effect. If it’s green, they’re using some other form of texting (e.g., SMS/MMS or RCS) and will just see a regular text message.
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3. 
   3
   Select the Invisible Ink option. This will display what the text message or photo will look like with the Invisible Ink effect.

   • If you don’t see the Invisible Ink option, make sure to select the Bubble tab at the top of the screen.
4. 
   4
   Tap the ↑ Send icon again to send the message. If you're happy with your message and the Invisible Ink, you can tap the blue arrow to send the message. You’ll see the Send arrow right next to Invisible Ink in the effects menu once you select the effect. The recipient will need to wipe the message to read it.

   • To cancel, tap the X icon next to your message instead.
5. 
   5
   Use Invisible Ink to send a discreet message or image. If you don't want the recipient to accidentally show the message to other people nearby, you can hide it with Invisible Ink with instructions to open it in private. The recipient can then swipe the message to reveal when they are alone.
6. 
   6
   Use Invisible Ink to share a surprise. Because the recipient can't see the message right away, you can create a sense of anticipation. Use some text in combination with an Invisible Ink picture for the perfect birthday or other surprise announcement.

   • This is also a great way to hide spoilers in case your recipient isn’t quite ready to see them!
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Section 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting

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1. 
   1
   Check if iMessage is enabled on your phone. Invisible Ink is an iMessage effect, so you can’t use it if you don’t have iMessage enabled (even if you’re using the Messages app). To enable iMessage:

   • Open the Settings app and go to Apps > Messages. (In some older versions of iOS, Messages is in the main Settings menu, not in Apps.)
   • Toggle iMessage on.
   • Tap Send & Receive and make sure your phone number is listed and checked under You Can Receive iMessages to and Reply From.
2. 
   2
   Make sure your recipient is using an iOS device. If your recipient is on an Android, they won’t be able to see your Invisible Ink effect. They also need to have iMessage enabled.
3. 
   3
   Check your accessibility settings if you can’t see Invisible Ink. If you (or your recipient) can’t see the Invisible Ink effect on your device, you might have Reduce Motion enabled. Here’s how to check:

   • Open the Settings app and tap Accessibility. It’s in the second group of settings in the most recent version of iOS.
     • In older versions of iOS, go to Settings > General > Accessibility.
   • Tap Motion. It’s in the Vision section of the menu.
   • Make sure Reduce Motion is toggled off at the top of the menu (the switch should be grey). Check that Auto-Play Message Effects is toggled on (the switch should be green).
4. 
   4
   Ensure you are running iOS 10+. You'll need iOS 10 or later in order to use Invisible Ink and other effects in Messages. The iPhone 4S and earlier models do not support iOS 10.

   • Open the Settings app, select General, then tap About. Find the iOS Version entry to see which version of iOS you are using.
   • Check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. From there, you can update to the latest version of your current iOS or upgrade to the newest iOS that’s supported by your phone.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I read the text so that it doesn't go back to invisible ink?

  

  Community Answer

  No matter what it will always go back to invisible, but if you keep swiping the text it will delay the message going away for a minute or two.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  Does this work on Android?

  

  Community Answer

  No, Android does not have this text option.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
• Question

  How do I read an invisible text?

  

  Community Answer

  Swipe over the text. It should fix the pixels and let you read your message.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 9 Helpful 7

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