Secret iPhone codewords that unlock iMessage effects - including lasers and fireworks

You can amplify your iMessages by sending cool effects with simple codewords all built into your iPhone. 

There are a wide array of unique effects including lasers, balloons, fireworks, and confetti - but there are secret codewords that trigger the illuminating background. 

The feature has been available for quite some time, but Apple fans have been posting about the fun feature recently on social media. 

How to send an iMessage screen effect

Screen effects only work between devices supporting iOS, so both you and your contact need to be using an iPhone.

Then by writing the codeword the effect will automatically go through with the message, which will show up on your phone too after the iMessage has been delivered. 

Screen effect codewords

In total there are nine effects you can send messages from.

Confetti

Confetti rains down multi-coloured confetti pieces. To get this effect message: 

congratulations

Felicitations 

Selamat (an Indonesian word meaning happy, peaceful or safe)

Balloons

Balloons of various colours rise up from the bottom of the screen. To get this effect message:

Happy Birthday

Feliz cumpleanos (Spanish for happy birthday)

Bon Anniversaire (French for happy birthday)

Fireworks

Typing fireworks leads to an explosion of fireworks on the screen. Get this effect by typing: 

Happy New Year

Happy Chinese New Year (which creates red fireworks too) 

Happy Diwali

Happy Lunar New Year

Laser

This effect displays a laser light show. To get this effect write: 

Pew Pew

Shooting star

The shooting star effect fires a shooting star across the screen. To get this effect write: 

Eid Mubarak

Other screen effects without code words are: