Open the emoji keyboard
You can find the emoji keyboard in any app that uses the standard keyboard. Tap in a text field, then tap
. If you have multiple keyboards turned on, touch and hold
, then select Emoji.

Use the icons at the bottom of the keyboard to switch emoji themes, or swipe left and right to view more. Tap
to see emoji you've used recently.
In iOS 8.3 and later, you can change the skin tone of some emoji. Tap and hold an emoji to see different skin tone variations. When you choose a skin tone, it will be saved as the default.

In iOS 9 and later, you'll see a new flag category, as well as full support for Unicode 7.0 and 8.0 emoji, including a unicorn, taco and more.

If you don't see the emoji keyboard
Make sure that the emoji keyboard is turned on:
- Tap Settings > General > Keyboard.
- Tap Keyboards.
- Tap Add New Keyboard.
- Tap Emoji.
Learn more
Find out why emoji might look different or display unexpected characters on non-iOS devices (other mobile phones, computers, or apps).