Gboard GIF Keyboard/4G & Messaging Functionality

[Chris I]

I'm trying to send GIFs using the GIF keyboard on the Gboard on my Galaxy S8, but the GIFs won't load. The recently used ones load, but when I search for more, it only loads them as images and it won't allow me to choose the GIFs. Any ideas?

I think it may have something to do with my 4G. I have noticed things not loading as quickly as usual. Any basic steps to improve 4G functionality.

Also, I have noticed I don't always get text messages right away. I have opened my messaging app at times and receive multiple notifications the moment I open the app. Judging by the messages, it isn't coincidence that I'm receiving the notifications as I open the app.

Any help for making the phone run better would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[svim]

Regarding Gboard GIF selections not showing up properly, it needs to be determined if it's something with the Gboard app itself or online connectivity so GIFs can be displayed. Have you tried using WiFi and does the same problem occur, or is WiFi working out and it's just with 4G?
The former would indicate an issue with the Gboard app or your phone, the latter with your 4G connectivity.

If you haven't just rebooted your phone in a while, that's always the first thing to try. You might also want to go into your Settings >> Apps menu, find the Gboard app listing, open it, and do a 'Clear cache'.
If you're still thinking it's some kind of cellular/4G issue, try re-seating the SIM card. You also mentioned issues with texting and such. When using just your 4G are you having other issues with email, streaming video content, or other online things in general?

 

[Chris I]

I have a feeling it's a connectivity issue. I don't have issues when I'm on WiFi, but when I'm using 4G it seems like things sometimes randomly struggle to work. I'll try re-seating the SIM card and see if that helps. Thanks!

 

[svim]

Where are you located? Perhaps you're having 4G connectivity issues because you live in an area that's marginally within the coverage range of your carrier's nearest cell tower. If you live in a more rural area or even in a more urban location but surrounded by a lot of buildings that can reduce the signal strength that you're receiving. Try installing this OpenSignal app to measure your cellular network speed. It also includes a local map (tied into Google Maps) that will show the towers closest to you (filterable by carrier).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.staircase3.opensignal&hl=en_US
or go to the OpenSignal web site and check its cell coverage map. (Note it's based more on crowd-sourced data, so it reflects actual user measurements, as opposed to the carrier-based maps. The advantage being it's more focused on actual coverage ranges, with the disadvantage of not having as much data to accumulate in areas with less dense populations.)
https://opensignal.com/networks
If you're getting a pretty consistent 4G signal (focus more on the download speed and latency in this instance), at least you can eliminate that as a lessor factor to that Gboard >< GIF problem.

... and as an aside, I've found this article on Gboard tips to be pretty useful:
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3048523/android/android-keyboard-shortcuts.html