To add emojis to text messages, you use the emoji keyboard built into your iPhone or Android device. This keyboard gives you access to hundreds of expressive icons that you can insert directly into any text conversation.
How to add emojis to text messages on iPhone
- Open your messaging app and tap a text field to bring up the keyboard.
- Tap the Emoji button (a smiley face) or the globe icon to switch to the emoji keyboard.
- Browse emojis by swiping left or right through categories, or tap a category symbol below the keyboard to jump to a specific type.
- Tap any emoji to insert it into your message.
- To view and select emoji variations like different skin tones, touch and hold an emoji, then drag your finger to the preferred variation and release.
If the emoji keyboard is not visible, enable it by going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard, then select "Emoji." This process is part of the emojis and custom keyboards setup on your device. To return to the standard alphanumeric keyboard from the emoji keyboard, tap the 'ABC' button.
How to add emojis to text messages on Android
Using Gboard (Google Keyboard)
- Open any text field to display the keyboard.
- Tap the smiley face icon located next to the space bar to access the emoji keyboard.
- Use the search bar at the top to find specific emojis by typing keywords.
- Tap an emoji to insert it into your message.
Using Samsung Keyboard
- Tap a text field to bring up the keyboard.
- Access the emoji panel by tapping the smiley face or globe icon, or by long-pressing the Enter key, Space bar, or microphone key.
- Browse or search for emojis, then tap to insert.
Tips for using the emoji keyboard
On an iPhone, as you type, suggested emojis that can replace words may appear above the keyboard. Tap a suggestion to insert the emoji instead of the word. To return to the ABC keyboard at any time, tap the "ABC" button. In third-party apps like WhatsApp, the emoji keyboard works the same way: tap a text field, then tap the smiley face or globe icon to access emojis. If you want to add custom emojis to iPhone, you would need to use a third-party keyboard app that supports custom emoji creation, as the built-in emoji keyboard does not offer this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do emojis look the same on iPhones and Android phones?
No, different platforms have their own emoji designs. iOS and Android devices use separate emoji sets, so an emoji sent from an iPhone may appear slightly different on an Android phone and vice versa.
Can I use emojis in messaging apps other than the default text app?
Yes, emojis work in virtually any app that accepts text input, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Telegram. You access the emoji keyboard the same way you do in your default messaging app.
Are there hidden emojis I can unlock?
Some emojis have hidden variations. On iPhone, pressing and holding certain emojis reveals alternative versions, such as different skin tones or gender options. On Android, Gboard's Emoji Kitchen can combine two emojis to create new ones.
Why don't I see the emoji keyboard on my phone?
On iPhone, the emoji keyboard must be enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > Emoji. On Android, ensure your keyboard app (like Gboard or Samsung Keyboard) is updated and that the emoji feature is enabled in the keyboard's settings.
Can I search for emojis instead of browsing?
Yes, both iOS and Android (Gboard) emoji keyboards include a search bar. Type a keyword like "pizza" or "heart" to quickly find the emoji you want without scrolling through categories.
