How to Change Your Emoji on Your iPhone?
Changing your emoji on your iPhone is simple but depends on what you mean by “change.” This article explains how to change the default emoji keyboard to a different set (like Memoji) and how to customize Memoji.
Understanding Emoji on Your iPhone
Emoji have become an integral part of digital communication, adding personality and emotion to text messages, emails, and social media posts. Apple’s iPhone offers a built-in emoji keyboard that provides access to a wide range of standard emoji. However, you might want to explore options to personalize your emoji experience further. This could involve:
- Using Apple’s Memoji, personalized animated emoji that mimic your facial expressions.
- Adding a new emoji keyboard, if available and desired through third-party apps.
- Customizing your Memoji appearance.
This guide focuses primarily on options available directly within iOS, offering steps to navigate the settings and customization features.
Choosing Your Emoji Style
While you can’t directly replace the standard Apple emoji with entirely different designs within the default keyboard, you can leverage Memoji. Memoji allows you to create personalized avatars that can be used as stickers and, with certain features, animated emoji.
Creating and Customizing Memoji
Here’s how to create and customize your own Memoji on your iPhone:
- Open Messages app: Start by opening the Messages app.
- Start a new message or open an existing conversation: Tap the compose button or select an existing thread.
- Access the Memoji stickers: Tap the Memoji Stickers button (it looks like a monkey). If you don’t see it, tap the App Store icon, then the Memoji icon.
- Create a new Memoji: Scroll to the left and tap the “+” button.
- Customize your Memoji: Customize features like skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, mouth, and accessories. Explore all options to achieve your desired look.
- Save your Memoji: Tap “Done” in the upper right corner to save your creation.
Once created, your Memoji will be available in the Memoji Stickers panel for use in Messages and other compatible apps.
Using Memoji as Emoji
Your Memoji creations automatically generate stickers that you can insert into messages. You can also use certain Memoji (those modeled after your face) to create animated emoji that react to your facial expressions in real-time video messages within the Messages app. To do this, select the Memoji you wish to use as an animated emoji in the Memoji stickers menu and record your message.
Considerations When Choosing Emoji
While the native ability to completely “change” the standard Apple emoji is limited, the options available through Memoji offer significant personalization. Remember that other users might not be able to see Memoji stickers if they don’t have the latest version of iOS. It will appear as a static image rather than an animated sticker.
Troubleshooting Emoji Issues
If you encounter issues with your emoji keyboard or Memoji, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches.
- Update iOS: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
- Reset Keyboard Dictionary: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary.
- Check Keyboard Settings: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and ensure that the “Emoji” keyboard is enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I completely replace the standard Apple emoji with different designs on my iPhone?
No, you cannot completely replace the standard Apple emoji with different designs directly within the default keyboard settings. Apple’s system is designed to render standard emoji from its internal system. The best alternative is to use Memoji.
How do I add a new emoji keyboard to my iPhone?
While rare, some third-party apps may offer custom emoji keyboards. Download the app from the App Store, then go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard. If the app’s keyboard is listed, add it. Be cautious with third-party keyboards, as they may request access to your typing data.
Is it possible to use Android emoji on my iPhone?
There is no direct way to use Android emoji on your iPhone. Emoji are rendered based on the operating system. You might find apps that convert text to images that look like Android emoji, but these are not true emoji and won’t be displayed as emoji by other users.
How can I customize my Memoji further than the standard options?
Apple provides a wide range of customization options for Memoji, including skin tone, hair, eyes, mouth, accessories, and more. While not infinite, the options are extensive. Third-party apps might offer some limited alternatives, but proceed with caution.
What happens if someone I send a Memoji to doesn’t have iOS?
If you send a Memoji sticker to someone who doesn’t have iOS or is using an older version, they’ll likely see it as a static image instead of an animated sticker. The animation will not be visible on non-Apple devices.
How can I delete a Memoji I no longer want?
Open Messages, access the Memoji stickers, tap the “…” button to open options, tap “Edit,” then tap the red minus sign next to the Memoji you want to delete. Confirm by tapping “Delete.”
Are Memoji available on all iPhone models?
Memoji support requires an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera for face tracking, typically iPhone X and later. However, Memoji stickers can be sent and received on older iPhones.
Why is my emoji keyboard missing on my iPhone?
Ensure that the Emoji keyboard is enabled. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. If “Emoji” is not listed, tap “Add New Keyboard” and select “Emoji.”
Can I use my Memoji in FaceTime calls?
Yes, you can use your Memoji in FaceTime calls. During a call, tap the screen to bring up the controls, then tap the Memoji icon and select the Memoji you want to use.
How do I create stickers from regular photos on my iPhone?
While not technically an “emoji,” you can create stickers from photos using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram or through shortcuts. These apps often allow you to cut out parts of photos to create personalized stickers.
Are there any privacy concerns associated with using Memoji?
Memoji themselves do not directly raise significant privacy concerns. However, be cautious about the information you share through your Memoji creations, especially if you include personal details. Always review the privacy policies of any third-party apps you use to create or share Memoji.
How do I access the advanced Memoji customization features, like adjusting the head size?
Apple offers a robust set of features for creating Memoji including shapes for your head, nose, mouth and more. When in the editing menu to create a Memoji you will see all the categories for modification and be able to make personalized adjustments.