With iOS 10 or later, you can add special effects to your messages. One of them is Invisible Ink. The recipients of messages sent with this effect must slide their finger to make the text or images appear. You can access the functionality using the 3D Touch on the Submit button. If you can't get the desired result, you probably need to unlock the option in the Accessibility settings.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Using Invisible Ink
Step 1. Open Messages and type the text you want to hide and send
Thanks to the Invisible Ink feature, you can make the content of your messages disappear. Once the SMS is sent, the recipient will have to swipe over the blurred pixels to reveal the text. You can use this effect with images as well.
The effect is only available on the Messages app, in iOS 10 or later. For instructions on how to update to iOS 10, read Update iOS
Step 2. Firmly press (iPhone 6+) or long press (iPad, iPhone 5) the blue up arrow
The text effects menu will open. If it doesn't appear, read the next section.
- Hard pressure is available on devices with 3D Touch, such as the iPhone 6. To open the menu, press harder than you normally use.
- If your device does not have 3D Touch, press and hold the arrow for a few seconds, until the menu appears.
Step 3. Select the "Invisible Ink" option
You will see the message transform thanks to the effect.
Step 4. Press the blue arrow again to send the message
If you are satisfied with the message and the effect of the invisible ink, press the arrow and send it. The recipient has to rub their finger to make the words appear.
Step 5. Use invisible ink to send a private image or message
If you do not want the recipient to inadvertently show the content of the communication to close people, you can hide it with this feature, giving instructions to open it privately. The recipient can swipe the message with their finger to reveal it when they are alone.
Step 6. Use invisible ink to share a surprise
Since the recipient will not be able to see the content of the message right away, it is the ideal effect to create expectation. Use a caption in combination with an invisible ink hidden image for birthday greetings or a surprise announcement.
Part 2 of 2: Troubleshoot
Step 1. Open the Settings app
If you don't see the menu appear, it may be blocked by the Accessibility settings.
Step 2. Select "General", then "Accessibility"
You will find the item in the first group of menu options.
Step 3. Press "Reduce Motion"
You will find the entry in the second group of options.
Step 4. Disable "Reduce Motion"
You need to turn off this setting to use Invisible Ink (and other effects).
Step 5. Make sure you are running iOS 10 or later
The operating system must be updated to use invisible ink and other effects in Messages. Models older than iPhone 4S do not support iOS 10.
