Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

Easy Guide to Customize iPhone Home Screen With the New iOS Update

Are you bored with your iPhone, feel like you’re in need of an upgrade? Well, you can finally update and personalize your iPhone home screen without having to save up for a brand new handset. The new iOS 14 update allows you to fully customize iPhone home screen to make it uniquely yours. 

Finally, we can make our home screens our own. The days of a generic home screen which looks like everybody else’s are gone. It’s time to get creative!

There are probably loads of functions you didn’t even realize your iPhone could do. After all, who reads about every single update when they occur so frequently? This guide will show you how easy it is to give your iPhone home screen wallpaper a completely new and unique look that reflects your personality. 

How to Customize iPhone Home Screen

First, check you have updated the software on your iPhone

To do this, you need to go to:

Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install

Make sure the latest update is 14.3 or 14.4

1. Choose an image for your background and home screen

Choosing your iPhone home screen wallpaper is the same as it has always been. You do this by: 

Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper > Choose the image you would like > Set Home Screen 

You can also choose whether you want the same image for when your phone is locked (Lock Screen) or choose a different one. You could also download a wallpaper image from the internet if you prefer; you don’t necessarily need to use a photo you took. 

3. iPhone Widgets 

Now it’s time to add widgets. Widgets are the icons you see on the home screen for things such as weather, calendar, clock, and apps. With the old iOS, you will see them when you swipe right on your home screen.

With the new iOS, you can change the widgets’ sizes and choose where they appear on your screen. Ready for a brand new iPhone home screen layout? This is how you edit your widgets: 

  • Hold your finger down on the home screen until all the widgets start to wiggle.
  • Tap the + in the top left corner to add widgets to the home screen
  • Choose the size of the widgets and what you want to display (it could be the weather, the calendar, your location) 
  • The widgets will be moveable when they are all wiggling, so play around with them to find a design that you like 
  • You can also stack the widgets to create a scrollable stack of widgets (this is similar to creating a folder for apps) 

4. Smart Stacks

So you have stacked some of your most used widgets but need to scroll through to see the information for each one. 

How about customizing the smart stack to show information based on the time of day? 

Do this by: 

  • Holding your finger down on the widget and click edit widget 
  • You can then turn Smart Rotate on or off (This will show you the widget depending on the time of day. Say you always check the news in the morning and set your alarm at night, the rotation of the widgets will reflect this.) 
  • It also gives you the option to change the order the widgets are stacked in; just drag them into the order you want using your finger.

5. Widget customizer apps

Now you have established how to move widgets around on your home screen and change their sizes; it’s time to get creative. 

You can download a widget customizer app to customize your widgets and tie everything together in a theme. You can change the widget’s size, along with the font, color, and design. 

How to edit widgets with an app? 

  • Download a customizer app with cool widgets for iPhone such as Widgetsmith 
  • Once downloaded, select the widget you want to customize
  • Edit home screen by holding your finger down on it
  • Tap the + in the top left corner
  • Search for Widgetsmith 
  • Choose the size you would like for the widget.
  • Tap on add widget
  • The customized widget will now appear on your home screen.


Get some design inspiration and check out some of the awesome designs people have created for their home screens on iOS14. 


6. How to Change the Images on Your Apps

For a fully seamless integration of your new home screen aesthetic, you can take your customization process one step further and change your app icons’ images. You do this by either designing your own icons, using images from your phone, or purchasing icons that designers sell. 

To complete the app icon personalization, you will need to use your iPhone’s Shortcuts app (you should find this pre-installed on your phone). 

Then: 

  • Open up the Shortcuts app
  • Click on the + in the top right
  • Add action > scripting > open app > choose 
  • Select the app you wish to customize 
  • Click on the three dots in the top right-hand corner > name the shortcut > click done
  • Click the three dots on the shortcut > click the three dots again > add to the home screen. 
  • Under this, you will see Home Screen Name and Icon > click on it 
  • Select photo > click add
  • Your app image is now changed 

A Fully Refreshed Phone 

Now you know exactly how to create a chic aesthetic for your phone’s home screen. Be warned; it may take you down a wormhole, perfecting your ideal home screen will most likely take some time!

While you are in the process of updating your phone, perhaps you want to complete some other hacks. Things such as extending your phone’s battery life or clearing the memory are essential to its overall longevity. You can find some tips on how to do that here.

What have you done to customize iPhone home screen? Let us know; we would love to see how creative you have been. 

Justin Drake Carroll Gaming Systems

Why Does My PS4 Overheat? 5 Tricks to Cool Down Your Console

Picture this, you are playing the new Assassin’s Creed Valhalla game, and your PS4 overheats and crashes. And in the middle of a battle, that is not going to be good for anyone.

So what do you do? How do you fix it? You are probably going to ask yourself, why does my PS4 overheat? 

Gamers are gonna game, but when your console gets too hot, it can put an end to your fun. Find out all the reasons why your PS4 might be overheating, and how to solve them! 

1. Restart The System 

Things just need to rest sometimes. Your PS4 is no different. The system could be overheating simply because it needs a bit of a break. Especially if you have been playing on it for a longer period. 

All you have to do is turn off the console itself and wait. Let the console return to its normal temperature. Then continue gameplay. 

When you start playing again the system should not overheat. If it does start to get hot again there could be another mechanical problem with the console. 

Also, ensure that the room is not too hot. It might be time to open a window or let some fresh air into the room. 

2. Thermal Paste Replacement 

One of the more drastic measures that you can take when trying to stop your PS4 from running hot is replacing the thermal paste. 

Thermal paste is a substance that you apply to a processor before installing the fan or cooling solution. It allows for the best transfer of heat within the system.

If the thermal paste is not working the transfer of heat between the CPU and the heat-sink has gotten weaker. This is why your PS4 gets hot quickly. 

You will have to take apart the system to reapply the paste. So, while this is doable on your own it is always best to have the professionals who have done this before complete this for you. 

They will know how to apply it properly without you going and watching any YouTube videos and possibly doing more harm than good to your gaming system. 

3. More Ventilation 

The reason that your PS4 is overheating could simply be because there is no proper ventilation in or around your console. Do you have your PS4 up against a wall? Or the system is left by a radiator or a heating vent? 

Those are all things that can block the vents that let the hot air escape or even add more heat. An example would be if you have your PS4 on the same shelf with all of your movies. You cram the movies up against the side of the console with no space in between them. 

Remove anything surrounding the system and give it room to breathe. Vertical stands with cooling fans are also available for purchase and seem to be very popular right now. It could be worth the investment if you are playing games for long hours. 

4. Time for an Update

Sometimes if your PS4 is overheating when you are playing a particular game, it can mean that the game software itself is overheating the system. If the game is new there could be something in the game code that is causing your system to run at its highest capacity. 

What you need to do is check in the settings if there is a new update for the game. If there is, install it right away. Go to the main menu and look for and select the game you are currently playing. 

Select the option that says “check for update”. If there is anything to install let it process and then try to play the game. Your PS4 should not overheat again. 

There could also be a PS4 system update that needs to happen. While you are updating the games it is also a good idea to update the system. 

To do that you go to the setting on the main screen of the PS4. Then you will be able to select “system software update” from there you check for any updates. 

5. Clean the Fan

So much dust, hair, and other particles can end up in the vents or your PS4 as well as on the fan that is meant to cool the system. This prohibits the fan and vents from doing their job and cooling the PS4. 

The fan provides cooling to the CPU and the graphics card. Two of the things that have to work the hardest. You never want anything to block the airflow. 

Take canned air and gently blow the dust off of the PS4. You can also use compressed air or even a hose attachment of a vacuum to get the dust out of the vents. 

It is not unheard of to take the PS4 completely apart to get the dust off of the cooling fan and inside the vents. Now, if you have no idea where this fan is or what to do, it is time to call in the professionals. 

Why Does My PS4 Overheat? Fix the Problem for Good Today

You have tried everything. You have restarted the system, you have cleaned out as much dust as possible, even updated everything. Most of the time this will work. 

But on the occasion that it does not, it is time to call in the professionals. At Fruit Fixed we offer fast repairs with the most professional technicians and a lifetime warranty. 

If you are still left wondering, “why does my PS4 overheat”, we can make sure your device is repaired and you are gaming again soon. Contact us to start a repair and get your PS4 back to battle-ready today. 

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

How Do I Reinstall iOS on iPhone? A Simple Guide

Are you looking to reinstall iOS on iPhone?

There are now around a billion people who have an iPhone for themselves. The marketing behind the Apple iPhone made it possible for everyone to find something they like in their main smartphone line. However, this means that there are people who are new to the brand, and to their operating system.

The iPhone iOS is the main operating system that most mobile Apple devices use. Without it, most devices won’t be able to run most of the iPhone’s features. The only problem is that new users aren’t aware that simple wipes and resets can uninstall the iPhone iOS.

To reinstall this essential iPhone operating system, read what’s below. We’ve prepared a simple guide for you to follow so you can get your iPhone working again!

Reinstalling Through iTunes

The best way for you to reinstall your iOS is with the help of your computer. This gives you the means to interact with an interface to be able to make the restoration process easier. It’s ideal if you have a desktop Mac or MacBook since these can access the programs you need to use without any issue.

Connecting your iPhone to a computer also makes it possible for you to reinstall your iPhone iOS through iTunes. This method needs you to have backed up your phone before the wipe, though. 

To do this, all you need to do is hook it up to your device and check the “Summary” tab in iTunes. See when the last backup was, and see if the data it contains is up to date. If not, click on the “Back Up Now” to start a manual backup.

Once you’re done with the wipe, you can go back to your iTunes account to restore your iOS. Connect your device once again, and click on the “Restore iPhone” option to finish the job. 

If a newer version of the Apple iOS version is available during the process, iTunes will present you with a “Restore and Update” option. This way, your phone won’t be an update behind as you restore it.

Restoring Using Recovery Mode

There are instances where your iPhone won’t get recognized by iTunes. Even when connected to a computer, you still won’t be able to access it. This may be because of the USB Restricted Mode being active on the device before wiping the phone. 

What’s great is that you can bypass this with ease. All you need to do is input a passcode you’ve set before. You also need your Apple ID to allow your computer to access your iPhone.

Even with this, though, there may be times when iTunes still won’t recognize your smartphone. This can also be the case when your phone won’t remain on after the wipe.

In this case, you will need to restore your phone while it’s in recovery mode. To access the recovery mode, all you need to do is switch your iPhone on while holding down the Home button. You should do this while your phone is also connected to your chosen device.

After a while, a prompt should present itself asking you to connect to iTunes to enter your phone’s recovery mode. Wait a bit more, and you’ll see a prompt asking you to restore your phone. Here, the reinstallation of your Apple iPhone operating system can begin.

Reinstalling Without a Computer

If you don’t have any device to plug your iPhone into for restoration, you may have trouble restoring your iOS. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to do so. It only means that you’ll lose a great deal of data when restoring without the help of a computer. 

To do this, you must first confirm that your iPhone isn’t in recovery mode. Wiping your phone while in recovery mode means that you won’t be able to boot it properly. You’ll need the help of a computer to make sure it boots well.

Once you’ve confirmed that you’re good to go, the first step is to open the Settings app. Choose the “Reset” option all the way down under the “General” tab. From there, choose the “Erase All Content and Settings” option to wipe your phone.

Doing this wipes your phone’s memory. It’s a great way to go back and start from the iPhone’s factory settings. This is often the option to go for when something’s duplicating files in your iPhone.

It’s also a great way to clear your memory. Doing this is one of the few ways you can prevent common phone problems.

You’ll be starting with the base version of your operating system when you do this. It’s nothing that a simple iPhone iOS update can’t fix, though.

What to Do Before Restoration

Before restoring your iPhone’s OS, it’s best that you deactivate your iPhone’s Find My iPhone feature. This is because the feature is one that allows would-be thieves from accessing your phone. After a complete wipe, your phone won’t recognize anything, making it think that someone stole it.

With this feature active, you won’t be able to access anything from your iPhone. It will make it impossible for you to use any of your phone’s features until you log back in.

With you wiping all your data from your phone, though, there’s no way for the iPhone to tell if your account is the one synched to it.

To prevent this from happening, you should also get an Apple ID in case you get locked out. Again, connecting to a desktop device will help you access your iPhone should you get locked out of it.

Reinstall iOS on iPhone Today

You need not go through tons of trouble if you’ve wiped your phone clean. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to reinstall iOS on iPhone without any trouble. Reinstall your operating system and make full use of your iPhone today!

If your iPhone problems go beyond missing operating systems, then you’re going to need to have a professional look at it. Get your iPhone repaired with us and we’ll see what we can do to fix it!

Justin Drake Carroll Uncategorized

How to Unlock iPhone if Screen Is Broken: 4 Possible Ways

More than 100 million people use iPhones in the United States.  

Today more than ever, our iPhones are an essential part of our daily lives. 

But despite doing everything we can to keep our phones safe, accidents sometimes happen. 

Do you want to know how to unlock your iPhone if your screen is broken? The good news is that you can do it, and we’ve got four possible ways for you to try. 

Unlock Using Touch ID 

Touch ID uses your fingerprint to unlock your iPhone. This means you won’t have to enter your passcode on the screen. For this method, you need to set Touch ID up in advance (before your screen is broken)! 

The Touch ID sensor is on your Home button. Before you begin, make sure your Home button and your finger are clean and dry. 

On your iPhone, select “Settings” and then “Touch ID & Passcode”. You’ll then be asked to enter your passcode for security reasons. 

Choose “Add a Fingerprint”, and hold you iPhone as you normally would. Depending on what’s best for you, you can choose to use your thumb or a finger for the Touch ID. 

You will see instructions on the screen. Hold your thumb or finger on the Touch ID sensor until you feel a vibration, or you are asked to move. You will be asked to continue lifting and resting your thumb or finger on the sensor so it can capture your entire fingerprint. 

Once you have finished, you’ll be able to quickly and easily rest your chosen thumb or finger onto the Home button to unlock your iPhone. This is perfect to use if your screen is broken, and you can’t unlock it using your passcode. 

Unlock Using iTunes 

Have you ever synced your iPhone to a trusted computer? If the answer is yes, you can use iTunes to unlock your iPhone if your screen is broken. 

Start by opening iTunes on your computer. You can then connect your iPhone to the computer as you normally would, using a USB cable. 

Once the computer has detected and recognized your iPhone, you’ll be able to select “Summary”. You can then choose the “Restore iPhone…” option. You’ll be asked to confirm the “Restore” option before the process begins. 

By choosing this method, your iPhone will restore to factory settings. This means that the passcode will be removed, and you’ll be able to access your device. 

However, be warned that this factory reset will remove all data and settings from your iPhone. These can be restored if you’ve previously and recently backed your iPhone up to iTunes or iCloud. 

Unlock Using iCloud 

This method of unlocking your iPhone will work if you have previously enabled the “Find My iPhone” feature. This can be done in your Settings app, or on iCloud.  

To unlock your screen using iCloud, begin by going to iCloud via your computer or iPad browser. You can then log in to your iCloud account using your Apple ID and password. 

Select the “Find iPhone” button. Click on “All Devices” and you will see a drop-down menu. Make sure you select your iPhone from this list. 

You can then choose the “Erase iPhone” option. This deletes all of the content on your phone, including your screen passcode, meaning you can access your iPhone. 

Again, this option wipes your phone. This means that everything you have added will be deleted, including contacts, photos, and notes. 

That’s why it’s important to regularly back up your iPhone. If you do, you’ll then be able to restore your iPhone, reinstalling all of your content.  

Unlock Using Siri 

Another way to unlock your iPhone when you’ve broken your screen is to use Siri. This method does not involve wiping your iPhone, but it isn’t the most reliable method. But it may be worth trying! 

Press and hold down your Home button. This will activate Siri. 

Ask Siri to “Turn on VoiceOver”. Then press the Home key again to go to the main unlock screen. 

Some of your touch screen may still work, so use the section that still responds to touch. On the password page, swipe left or right, moving your VoiceOver cursor to select the numbers of your passcode. You can then double-tap to select each number. 

VoiceOver will also read out the number that your cursor is on, which is helpful if your cracked screen makes it difficult to see. 

You then swipe to select the “Enter” or “Done” button, and double-tap to submit the password. 

It’s then best to plug your iPhone into your computer, and backup to iTunes or iCloud. That way, you can be sure that you won’t lose anything in the future.  

How to Unlock Your iPhone if Your Screen Is Broken

We understand how important your phone is to you. That’s why we understand how frustrating and difficult it can be if you can’t use it. 

If you’ve broken your screen and you can’t unlock your phone, try these four methods. And remember to regularly back your iPhone up to iTunes or iCloud! 

If you’re still not sure how to unlock your iPhone if your screen is broken, please get in touch with us. We can help you access your phone, and get your screen repaired so it’s as good as new. 

Justin Drake Carroll iPhone

Oops! I Dropped My iPhone in the Toilet! What Can I Do?

The average American drops their phone four times a week. 

Perhaps yours has slipped out of your hands and into the water, and not just any water. You dropped your iPhone in the toilet, and you want to know if — and how — you can fix it ASAP. 

The good news is, there are a few methods to try to restore your phone to its former functioning self. Here’s what to do.

Immediately After You Drop the iPhone in the Toilet…

You probably have already done so, but pull your phone out of the water as fast as you can. 

Your phone may have powered down when it hit the water. Do not try and turn it back on, as this can short-circuit the phone.

Don’t plug it into a charger, either. If, somehow, your phone was plugged in when it fell into the toilet, unplug it as gently and carefully as you can.

Next, get as much of the water out of your phone as possible. This may require you to take off the case and open the SIM compartment, as well. Check the charging port and any other divots where water might be able to gather. 

The biggest danger is that water will seep into your phone and damage its function. So, wipe down your device and, once it is turned off, give it a good shake to remove water hiding in these areas. 

Keep Your iPhone Off to Prevent Water Damage

Once you’ve completed all the initial steps in water damage prevention, you may be tempted to turn your phone right back on. Ignore this instinct, at least right away. 

If you turn your phone on and there’s still a bit of water in there, it can cause the phone to short-circuit. And this may be irreparable damage to your device, even if you seek out professional iPhone repair.

Perhaps your phone has managed to stay on, even after falling into the toilet. You have two options: you can leave it on and hope that you don’t get any notifications that will light up the screen. Or, you can power it down and hope that the brief moment of activity doesn’t cause the device to short-circuit.

Most experts suggest opting for the latter. If you’ve somehow managed to drop your phone while on airplane mode, that’s a fine option, too — no need to power it down while it dries.

Grab Some Uncooked Rice…

You may have heard of this DIY solution for fixing dry phones. If not, here’s the rundown on how dry rice can help save your water-damaged iPhone.

Rice is a desiccant, meaning it will pull the water out of your device. Pour some grains into a large bowl, then place your phone in the rice. Cover it completely, and leave it for 48 hours. 

Yes, being without your phone for two days is a big ask, especially in today’s tech-centric world. But leaving it with ample time to dry could be the difference between saving your phone and having to invest in a new one.

Just be sure to check your phone’s ports after you put it in rice for this stretch of time. The grains and dust can get in there, so you might have to clean your iPhone a second time once it’s done drying out. 

If you don’t have rice on hand, some people have had success in placing their phone in front of a fan for a long period of time, too. Just don’t use a hairdryer or any fan with heat. The high temperatures can cause internal damage to your phone, exactly the situation we’re trying to avoid by turning off your phone and leaving it to dry slowly.

…Or Grab a Few Packets of Silica Gel

Sneakerheads, you’re in luck — all of those empty shoeboxes may contain the ticket to fixing your water-logged iPhone. 

Those silica gel packets that you find in every shoebox are designed to keep your new footwear moisture-free as they travel from humid places. If you have enough of them to cover your iPhone, then you’ve got a much less messy way of pulling moisture out of your device. Leave them in place for 48 hours.

You can also purchase silica gel packets at craft stores, or you can check into shoe stores and purse shops to see if they have any of them laying around. It’s worth asking if you prefer to try out this method, which is cleaner and sometimes more efficient than rice.

After 48 Hours, Test Out Your Work

You’ve left your phone to dry in rice or surrounded by silica packets. All there’s left to do now is see if it will turn on. 

There’s no telling whether or not your handiwork will save your phone until you try turning it on. But the truth is, water can cause serious damage to your device. It is especially adept at ruining batteries. 

Keep in mind that, even if your phone turns on, it may still be damaged in ways you can’t see. So, make sure you back up your device regularly in case it goes kaput in the weeks or months after coming back to life. 

Get Expert Help if You Need It

Of course, if you’ve dropped your iPhone in the toilet, you have another option for fixing it — you can ask a professional for help. 

A pro can take the repair process one step further, expertly dismantling your device and checking for water and damage inside of your phone. They can fix it from there, or they can give you the unfortunate news that your phone is unfixable. In most cases, though, they’re able to do more to salvage your device than a bowl of rice can. 

So, if you’ve got a water damaged iPhone and need help, reach out to someone who can really help. We can repair Apple products and a slew of other smartphone brands, too. Contact us today to get started. 

Justin Drake Carroll Apple

Send These Secret Codewords to Create Cool iMessage Effects

A whopping 200,000 iMessages are sent every second. So, it may seem hard to make yours stand out from the fray.  Luckily, some secret iMessage effects can spruce up even the simplest of texts. These little tricks can make someone laugh or smile — and they will certainly make your message memorable. 

For iMessage Effects, Type the Right Phrase

To trigger an exciting iMessage effect, you have to know which phrases to type. Your iPhone is called a smartphone for a reason. It’s smart enough to recognize when you’re saying something exciting or congratulatory, and it’ll send the screen effects all on its own. 

You can probably guess what a few of these might be. But some surprising keywords will trigger a light show – think along the lines of “pew pew.”  

1. Happy Birthday

Here’s one of the more obvious ones. If you type and send the words “Happy Birthday,” your iMessage screen will celebrate accordingly. 

Once you press send on a “Happy Birthday” text, balloons will fly up from the bottom of the screen all the way to the top. In other words, your iPhone knows that it’s party time.

2. Congratulations

Similarly, your phone knows what to do when congratulations are in order. 

If you send the word “Congratulations” or even “Congrats,” your phone will blast some confetti – on screen, of course – when the recipient reads their message. 

3. Happy New Year

Here’s another phrase that makes us all think of celebrating. If you’re iMessaging your loved ones at midnight to say “Happy New Year,” then expect a display on your phone screen. 

You can probably guess what the screen effect will be here: these three words trigger a fireworks show in your iMessage. 

4. Happy Chinese New Year!

iPhones don’t just celebrate the holidays of the Western world. If you text someone to say “Happy Chinese New Year!,” your phone will give you another light show. But this time, the fireworks show has a red-and-gold motif to match the celebration’s colors. 

Just make sure you include the exclamation point, as the complete phrase is what triggers the iMessage effect.

5. Selamat

On that note, your iPhone recognizes an Indonesian word, as well. Selamat is part of the phrase said when people break their Ramadan fast — certainly a cause for celebration. 

If you text someone the word “Selamat,” they will get the same confetti shower that comes with the word “Congratulations.” 

6. Pew Pew

Not all secret screen effects have to do with holidays, though. You may just want to make someone laugh with an iMessage display. 

Well, that’s where this iMessage trick comes in. If you type “pew pew” on your iPhone and press send, your screen will see some colorful lasers darting across it.

This trick’s a great one for impressing your friends – send “pew pew” to the group chat and see who is impressed by your cool iMessage trick. 

Pick Your Own iMessage Screen Effects

If none of the above fits what you’re trying to say, you’re in luck. You can still send iMessage with effects, you just have to know where to find them. 

You’ll start by typing your message in the text box as you normally would. When you finish, don’t tap the arrow as you normally would. Press it and hold it. 

When you do, you’ll be sent to another screen, one full of text effects. At the top, you’ll see two options: bubble and screen. 

Bubble Effects

The first set, the bubble effects, will change the way your text bubble looks it arrives in the recipient’s inbox. Your options are: 

  • Slam, which makes your text into a giant bubble that drops dramatically into place and creates a dust cloud before returning to its traditional size
  • Loud, which also makes your text bubble larger and shakes it so that the reader really pays attention to it
  • Gentle, which maintains the same bubble size, but makes your text slightly smaller
  • Invisible ink, which turns your text into a bubble full of floating particles until the recipient taps it to reveal the message inside

You can get great use out of these text effects, but they’re not the only ones you can have up your sleeve. 

Screen Effects

You can also swipe over to the Screen Effects tab to find some more options. As you can probably guess, these fill the screen, rather than simply changing up the text bubble itself. 

These are your choices under the screen effects tab: 

  • Echo, which fills the screen with a flurry of text bubbles to make sure the reader really sees your message
  • Spotlight, which turns the screen black, then places an orb of bright white light over your text
  • Balloons, the same ones that float up when you send the words “Happy Birthday”
  • Confetti, the colorful shower that you see if you text someone and say “Congratulations”
  • Love, during which a giant, red, heart-shaped balloon inflates and floats away from behind your text
  • Lasers, which creates a light show from behind your text bubble, just as the words “pew pew” do
  • Fireworks, which turns the screen black and sets off a virtual fireworks show, just like sending “Happy New Year” does
  • Celebration, another fireworks show, but with golden fireworks — the same you see if you send “Happy Chinese New Year!”

Once you select your effect, all you have to do is press the arrow next to it to send your message. 

Send Messages With Flair

Now that you know these iMessage effects — some more secret than others — it’s time to send some messages with flair. 

You can’t do that if your iPhone is broken, though. Click here to learn more about our repair services, then call us to see how we can help restore your device and get you back to texting ASAP.