📋 Verified Walkthrough
iPhone & iPad • Messaging

How do I send photos in a text message to family?

Direct Answer

Open your Messages app, open the conversation with your family member, tap the plus (+) or camera icon next to the typing box, select your photo, and tap the blue/green arrow to send.

Why You Might Want to Do This

  • To share pictures of your garden, pets, trips, or grandchildren directly with family.
  • To show someone a document or item you have a question about.

Before You Start

  • Make sure the photo you want to send is already taken and saved in your Photos app.
  • Know the name or phone number of the person you are texting.

Sending photos over Wi-Fi or cellular data uses standard messaging and does not charge extra on modern phone plans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Open the Messages app

    Tap the green icon with a white speech bubble labeled "Messages" on your Home Screen.

    👀 Green icon with white speech bubble.

  2. 2

    Open or start a conversation

    Tap the name of the person you want to text. If starting a new message, tap the square icon with a pen in the top-right corner and type their name.

    👀 Tap their name or tap the pen icon top-right.

    3. ✅ Success Checkpoint: You're Doing Great

    If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.

  3. 3

    Tap the plus button (+) next to where you type

    To the left of the "iMessage" or "Text Message" typing bar at the bottom, tap the small plus sign inside a circle (+).

    👀 Circle with a plus (+) symbol next to the typing field.

  4. 4

    Tap "Photos"

    A menu will pop up. Tap the top colorful icon labeled "Photos." Your recent picture library will appear.

    👀 Colorful flower/pinwheel icon labeled Photos.

  5. 5

    Tap the photo you want to send

    Tap once on the photo you want. A small blue checkmark will appear on it, and the photo will appear in your message box.

    👀 Tap thumbnail → Blue checkmark appears.

  6. 6

    Tap the Send arrow

    If you want to add a message, type it below the picture. When ready, tap the round blue (or green) button with an arrow pointing up.

    👀 Round button with upward arrow on the right side of the text box.

If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting

If you see an App Store icon or grey camera icon instead of a plus (+)

On iOS 16 or earlier, tap the grey Photos icon directly below the typing line to view your pictures.

If the message fails and shows a red exclamation mark (!)

Tap the red exclamation mark and tap "Try Again." Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or has cellular bars at the top.

Good to Know

  • You can select multiple photos at once by tapping several pictures before pressing send.
  • Photos sent to other iPhone users (blue bubbles) retain full crystal-clear quality.