To get emojis on Android, open any app where you can type, tap a text field, then tap the emoji icon on the keyboard to choose an emoji. This works on Gboard, the default keyboard for most Android devices, and on the Pixel Tablet’s on-screen keyboard.
How to get emojis on Android with the stock keyboard
Google’s Gboard is the standard keyboard for Android, and it includes a built-in emoji picker. To use it:
- Open any app where you can write, such as Gmail, Keep, or a messaging app.
- Tap in a text field to bring up the keyboard.
- Tap the emoji icon (usually a smiley face or a globe) on the keyboard.
- Browse or search for the emoji you want, then tap it to insert it into your text.
- Tap Send if needed to deliver your message.
From the same emoji picker, you can also tap the GIF tab to choose and send an animated GIF. This is the documented path for Android devices using Gboard, and it works across all apps that accept text input.
On a Pixel Tablet, the process is similar: open the on-screen keyboard, tap the Emoji key, then tap the emoji or graphic you want to insert. The Pixel Tablet page is specific to Pixel Tablet and its on-screen keyboard settings.
How to customize your emoji keyboard settings
Gboard offers settings to control how emojis appear while you type. To adjust them, go to the keyboard’s settings menu, then navigate to Emojis, Stickers & GIFs. Inside this menu, you will find two key toggles:
- Emojis in symbols keyboard:
- Emoji fast-access row: When enabled, a row of recently used emojis appears at the top of the keyboard, allowing you to tap them directly without opening the picker.
These settings let you tailor how often you see emojis and how quickly you can reach them, which is especially useful if you frequently use emojis and custom keyboards. Pixel Tablet keyboard settings are under Settings > Emojis, Stickers & GIFs and include toggles for Emojis in symbols keyboard and Emoji fast-access row.
Installing a third-party keyboard for more emojis
If your default keyboard lacks the emoji variety you want, you can download a third-party keyboard app from the Google Play Store. The general process is:
- Search for a keyboard app like Gboard (which is also available as a separate download) or another popular option.
- Install the app from the Play Store.
- Open your device’s Settings, go to Language & input, and select the new keyboard as your default input method.
- Open any app with a text field, the new keyboard should now appear, with its own emoji button.
Specific steps vary by app and are not officially documented by Google for every third-party keyboard. However, most follow this pattern: install, enable in settings, then use the emoji key inside the keyboard. Note that if you are curious how to add custom emojis to iPhone, Apple’s documented method is to go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > Emoji, a different process entirely. Apple's instructions apply to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open emojis on Android?
Open any app with a text field, tap the field to bring up the keyboard, then tap the Emoji icon (usually a smiley face or globe) on the keyboard. This works on Gboard and most stock Android keyboards.
Can I use GIFs from the same place as emojis?
Yes. In Gboard, the emoji picker also includes a GIF tab. Tap GIF from the emoji area, choose a GIF, and it will be inserted into your text just like an emoji.
Will my emojis look the same on other Android devices?
Emojis are generally compatible across Android devices, but their appearance can vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer’s software version and emoji font. The meaning remains the same.
Do I need to update my phone to get new emojis?
New emoji sets are included in major Android system updates. To get the latest emojis, keep your device updated by checking for system updates in Settings. You can also install a third-party keyboard that may offer newer emoji sets sooner.
Are there any Android version or carrier restrictions for emojis?
No documented restrictions exist in official Google support pages. Emoji access through the keyboard’s emoji button works on all Android devices that support Gboard or a similar stock keyboard.
