How to Enable Emoji on iOS

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.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

BONUS: 5 Emoji Meanings That Will Surprise You

How to Enable Emoji on iOS

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.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

BONUS: 5 Emoji Meanings That Will Surprise You

iOS 8 Keyboard tricks

Adding Emoji keyboard: Go to Settings > General > keyboards > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard. Scroll down and select the Emoji keyboard (it's after the Dutchkeyboard) - :)

Picking your Emoji colour: In iOS 8.3 Apple has added a load of new emoji and in particular emoji that has skin tones. To access them go to the emoji keyboard in any app and long press on the one you want to use. If it as alternative options they will show. Apple then lets you set the colour you want to use so you don't have to make a choice every time. 

Adding third party keyboards: Install the app and follow the instructions in the app. At some point it will ask you to go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and add the third-party Keyboard.

Accessing additional keyboards beyond Emoji: If you have more than threekeyboards installed the keyboard will show a globe icon next to the spacebar. In any app that has a keyboard tap on that globe icon and then again to reveal the nextkeyboard you've got installed.

Hiding or showing auto suggestions on QuickType keyboard: The new AppleKeyboard shows word suggestions on what you type. If you don't use this you can hide it to give you more space on the screen. gently press and hold at the top of the auto-suggest bar and drag it towards the top row of keys. You can bring it back by dragging up from the top of the keyboard if you change your mind.