The Messages application for iPhone or iPad has its own App Store, where you can search for apps and extensions specifically for iMessage. For example, you can use stickers or gifs in Messages, but also connect productive apps such as banking or document apps. You can install or permanently remove the iMessage apps via the Messages application.
The iMessage apps are easy to use and often linked to a ‘full-fledged’ iOS application. However, there are also apps that can only be used in the Messages application itself. iOS will therefore not separately install an app on the home screen of your iPhone or iPad.
Remove iMessage apps and stickers
By default, iOS or iPadOS will display all available extensions in the plus menu next to the text field in a conversation. If you install an application that also has an iMessage app, it will be visible behind the more button. If you want to hide or remove an extension, follow the steps below.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to ‘Messages’
- Tap ‘iMessage Apps’
Do you have iOS/iPadOS 16 or earlier? You do this via the Messages app itself â–¸ open a conversation â–¸ Swipe left in the app drawer â–¸ Tap the more button (three dots).
An overview opens with a list of all available iMessage applications and stickers. At the top of the list you will find the iMessage apps that can only be used in the Messages app. Using the minus button you can permanently remove these apps from your iPhone or iPad.
Below this list you will find an overview of iMessage extensions that are linked to an app. Behind the extension you will find a switch, turn it off to remove (hide) the app from the overview.