Emoji keyborad

iOS devices have a built-in emoji keyboard, but Apple doesn't show it by default. See the steps below on how to activate this keyboard.

Emoji are more than just silly little smiley faces. These lovable icons have become a universal language ingrained in our messages, and an integral part of communication.

If you spend a lot of time conversing through text, you may want to punctuate your messages with colorful animals or planes.

Until iOS 5, you could only access an emoji keyboard by downloading third-party apps. Luckily, iOS devices now have a built-in keyboard for these illustrated characters. But the downside is that Apple doesn't show this special keyboard by default.

Follow these easy steps to unlock the emoji keyboard on your iOS devices.

1. Open Settings and tap 'General.'

2. Select 'Keyboard' and tap on the 'Keyboards' submenu.

After you complete these steps, you will see a list of keyboards that are installed in your phone. 

3. Select 'Add New Keyboard' to open the list of available keyboards. Choose 'Emoji.'

A screenshot of step 3.

Congrats, you have now expanded your texting options with your new emoji keyboard.

To use it, open any app that allows you to type messages, such as iMessage, Mail, Notes or Twitter. When you tap on the text entry field, you'll see a globe icon to the left of the spacebar key. Select the globe, and your emoji keyboard will appear.

A screenshot of how to use emoji.

Tap the icons along the bottom of the keyboard to switch emoji themes. As you swipe left or right in each theme, you'll see there are additional emoji to choose from. The first category, marked by a clock symbol, saves the emoji you recently used.

Remember, if your recipient does not have an emoji-supported device, then they will see empty symbols.

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BONUS: 5 Emoji Meanings That Will Surprise You