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Send a photo in a text message on iPhone (4-Step Visual & Voice Guide)

Use the plus (+) button in Messages to share a picture with family or friends.

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Step 1 of 4 • Tap the (+) button

Open your text conversation and tap the (+) button.

In the Messages app, open the conversation with the person you want to text. Look at the bottom-left corner right beside the “Text Message” or “iMessage” box and tap the gray circle with a plus sign (+).

🔍 What to look for on your iPhone screen: Gray circle with a plus (+) to the left of the text box

🏮 Lanny’s pointer tip: “Tap the (+) button next to the message box!”

👉 Try it now: Tap the (+) button on your iPhone, then return here.

💡 Helpful Note: On newer iOS versions, Apple moved the camera and photo buttons inside this single (+) menu to keep the bottom bar tidy.

Step 2 of 4 • Choose Photos

Tap “Photos” from the menu that pops up.

A colorful list of choices appears. Tap Photos (next to the colorful pinwheel flower icon) to browse the pictures already on your phone.

🔍 What to look for on your iPhone screen: “Photos” with the colorful flower icon

🏮 Lanny’s pointer tip: “Tap Photos with the colorful pinwheel icon!”

👉 Try it now: Tap Photos in the menu on your phone.

💡 Helpful Note: If you wanted to snap a brand-new picture right now instead, you would tap “Camera” right above Photos.

Step 3 of 4 • Pick your picture

Tap the photo you want to include.

Tap the picture (or pictures) you want to share. A blue checkmark appears on the photo and inserts it directly into your message box at the top.

🔍 What to look for on your iPhone screen: Blue circle with a checkmark on your chosen photo

🏮 Lanny’s pointer tip: “Tap your photo to drop it into the message!”

👉 Try it now: Tap the photo you want to send so it appears in your message box.

💡 Helpful Note: Picked the wrong picture by accident? Don’t worry—it hasn’t been sent yet! Just tap the small (X) on the corner of the preview.

Step 4 of 4 • Tap the Send arrow

Tap the upward arrow to send it.

You can type a short note below the photo if you like, or send just the picture. When you are ready, tap the round circle with the upward arrow on the right side of the message box.

🔍 What to look for on your iPhone screen: Solid circle with a white upward arrow (↑)

🏮 Lanny’s pointer tip: “Tap the ↑ arrow to whoosh it on its way!”

👉 Try it now: Tap the upward arrow to send your photo.

💡 Helpful Note: Remember: the photo is only sent once you tap that upward arrow.

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Common Ways People Ask This Question

Whether you searched Google, Bing, ChatGPT, or asked Siri, this 4-step guide answers all of these everyday iPhone questions:

  • “How do I send a picture in a text message on iPhone (iOS 18)?”
  • “Where did the camera and photo button go in iPhone Messages?”
  • “How to use the + button in Messages to attach and text a photo”
  • “Step-by-step guide to texting a photo from iPhone Photos library”

Recommended Next Guide: Take and share a screenshot

Capture an exact picture of whatever is on your iPhone screen right now.

All 28 Free Visual & Voice iPhone Guides on TapLantern

Click any question below to read the calm 4-step guide or launch Lanny’s interactive phone simulator: