How to install animated stickers in WhatsApp

Before you start: what do you want to achieve?

Installing stickers can mean several things: sending a GIF in a chat, saving a reaction as a favourite, or building a collection inside a sticker app. The GIF download is for sharing quickly. WebP keeps quality and works with compatible tools. WhatsApp Direct exists for people who don't want to install anything and prefer to receive the sticker right in the chat.

Android: the quick way with GIF

1. Open the page of the sticker you want to use.
2. Tap Download GIF.
3. Open the downloaded file or share it from the browser.
4. Choose WhatsApp and select the chat.
5. Save the sticker to favourites if you want to reuse it.

This is the most comfortable route for quick use. No folders to understand, no external apps to install.

iPhone: what to keep in mind

On iPhone the experience depends on the browser, the iOS version and how WhatsApp receives the file. If Safari saves the GIF to Files, open the download and share from there. If an app doesn't recognise WebP, go back to the sticker page and use GIF. If you'd rather skip all the steps, WhatsApp Direct delivers the sticker without hunting through downloads.

Saving favourites inside WhatsApp

When you receive or send a sticker in WhatsApp, long-press on it. Depending on your phone you'll see an option like add to favourites, save or a star. That's the easiest way to reuse it without searching for the file again. The exact wording changes between Android, iPhone and app versions, but the idea stays the same: long-press, save, reuse.

Sticker apps and WebP

Some apps let you build sticker packs from WebP images. It's a more advanced path, useful if you want to organise many reactions with good quality. Use only well-known apps, review their permissions and avoid tools that ask for excessive access.

Common errors and quick fixes

The sticker doesn't move

Try the GIF version and avoid sending it as a screenshot — a screenshot kills the animation.

I can't find the download

Check Downloads, Files or Photos. On iPhone, check the Files app, then try downloading again and watch the browser notice.

WhatsApp doesn't recognise WebP

Use the GIF version or a compatible sticker app. And if you don't want to install anything, use WhatsApp Direct on compatible stickers.