To create a Memoji, open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad, start or open a conversation, tap the Memoji or Animoji area in the app drawer (swipe up if needed), tap the plus button, customize each feature category, and tap Done to save it to your collection. Memoji is Apple’s personalized avatar feature for Messages, FaceTime, and stickers, letting you design a digital version of yourself with options like skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, glasses, and body.
What is a Memoji?
Memoji is Apple’s personalized avatar feature for Messages, FaceTime, and related sticker use on supported Apple devices. Apple describes Memoji as personalized avatars you can design with features like skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, glasses, body, and more. You can create multiple Memoji to use in different contexts, making them a fun way to express your personality in digital conversations.
How to create a Memoji on iPhone
- Open the Messages app.
- Open an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Tap the App Store icon next to the text input field, then tap the Memoji icon (smiling yellow face).
- Tap the plus button to create a new Memoji.
- Tap each feature category, such as Skin and Hairstyle, and choose the options you want.
- Tap Done to save the Memoji to your collection.
How to create a Memoji on iPad
- Open Messages.
- Open a conversation.
- Tap the Memoji area, then tap Memoji if needed; you may have to swipe up.
- Tap each feature category and choose the options you want.
- Tap Done to save it.
The process is identical to the iPhone version, as documented by Apple’s support pages.
How to customize your Memoji
You can customize features such as skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, glasses, body, and more. You can adjust facial features like shape of eyes, nose, mouth, color and size of eyes, add freckles or beauty marks, and adjust skin tone opacity. To make small changes to outfit or appearance without starting over, duplicate an existing Memoji, then adjust the options you want. This lets you create multiple variations for different moods or occasions.
How to use Memoji in Messages
To send an animated Memoji message, open or start a conversation in Messages. Tap the Memoji or Animoji button in the app drawer, swipe and pick the Memoji you want, then tap record to capture your facial expressions and voice for up to 30 seconds. Tap stop, then tap send to share it. Note that Animoji are animated animal and creature avatars, while Memoji are personalized avatars you design yourself.
How to use Memoji stickers
Your Memoji automatically becomes sticker packs that live in the keyboard and can be used in Messages, Mail, and some third-party apps. Memoji stickers can be used in social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger. To send a Memoji sticker in Messages, open a conversation, tap the Memoji sticker area, choose a sticker, then tap send. You can also touch and hold a Memoji sticker to peel and stick it onto a message bubble. This works alongside your emojis and custom keyboards setup to give you more ways to express yourself.
How to use Memoji in FaceTime
Make sure you have a compatible iPhone or iPad Pro. Start a FaceTime call, and when the call begins, tap the three-dot button in the bottom left corner to access the Effects menu, then find the Memoji section. Tap the Memoji you want to use, and continue the call with your customized Memoji mirroring your facial expressions. During a FaceTime call with Memoji, you can tap your Memoji to trigger specific animated expressions and movements like smile, laugh, wink, stick out tongue, wave, blow kisses, raise eyebrows. Tap to return to FaceTime without a Memoji when you’re done.
How to edit or delete a Memoji
To manage existing Memoji, access your Memoji collection from the Messages app drawer. You can manage and edit Memojis by going to the Memoji section in your device's Settings app. Tap a Memoji to open it, then tap the edit button to change features like hairstyle or accessories. Duplicate a Memoji to create variations with different outfits or appearances. To delete a Memoji, tap the edit button and choose the delete option to remove it from your collection. Understanding common emoji meanings & text abbreviations can also help you decide when to use a Memoji sticker versus a standard emoji in your conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a Memoji on an Android device?
No, Memoji is Apple’s personalized avatar feature and is not a native Android feature. It is available only on supported Apple devices like iPhone and iPad Pro.
What devices support Memoji in FaceTime?
FaceTime Memoji requires a compatible iPhone or iPad Pro. Memoji creation requires iOS 13 or later, and specific models: iPhone X and later, iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th gen). Apple’s support pages specify that the feature works on devices with the necessary hardware for facial tracking.
How long can I record a Memoji message?
You can record a Memoji message for up to 30 seconds, capturing your facial expressions and voice before sending it in Messages.
Can I use Memoji stickers in apps other than Messages?
Yes, Memoji stickers can be used in Mail and some third-party apps, as Apple notes that sticker packs live in the keyboard and are accessible in supported apps.
How do I make a copy of my Memoji to change its outfit?
Open your Memoji collection, tap the Memoji you want to duplicate, then tap the duplicate option. You can then edit features like outfit or appearance while keeping the original version.
