Guide to Creating and Using Custom Emojis on Your Android Phone

Want to add a personal touch to your digital conversations? Custom emojis can bring your messages to life and make them more enjoyable to send and receive. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of creating and using custom emojis on your Android phone, from downloading emoji maker apps to using built-in features and third-party keyboards.

How to Create Custom Emojis on Your Android Phone

Creating custom emojis on your Android phone is a fun and easy process, allowing you to express yourself in unique ways. Here’s how to do it:

Using Emoji Maker Apps

For a more creative approach to custom emoji creation, download an emoji maker app:

Download an Emoji Maker App: Search for apps like Custom Emoji Maker, Emojiqua, or Emoji Builder in the Google Play Store.

Create Your Emoji: Open the app and follow the prompts to design your own emoji. Use the tools provided to customize features like facial expressions, hair accessories, and outfits.

Save and Share: Once you're satisfied with your creation, save it. Most apps allow you to share your custom emojis directly to messaging apps or social media.

Using Gboard to Create Custom Stickers

For those who prefer to use Gboard for creating stickers that resemble emojis:

Install Gboard: Make sure you have Gboard installed and set as your keyboard.

Open a Messaging App: Start a conversation in any messaging app.

Access Stickers: Tap on the emoji icon, then select the sticker icon usually found in a square with a folded corner.

Create Stickers: Tap on the or New button to create your custom sticker.

Using Samsung's Emoji Features

If you have a Samsung device, you may have additional emoji features:

Open the Samsung Keyboard: Go to any app where you can type.

Tap on the Emoji Icon: Open the emoji panel.

Select Stickers: Look for the sticker section and create or customize stickers based on your preferences.

Important Notes and Compatibility

Custom emojis created in these apps may not appear as traditional emojis in all messaging platforms. They may be shared as images or stickers instead. Always check the app's privacy policy if you are sharing personal photos.

Before creating custom emojis, ensure your Android version supports emoji. Here’s a quick check:

Open the Settings menu for your Android: Tap on the Settings app in your Apps list.

Scroll to the bottom of the Settings menu: You may need to tap on an additional menu to view the Android version.

Find your Android version: You’ll see it displayed. Devices running 4.4 or later can use the Google Keyboard for emoji support. Earlier versions require different steps.

Using Google Keyboard on Android 4.4 and Later

For users with Android 4.4 and later, follow these steps to use Google Keyboard:

Open the Play Store: The Google Keyboard includes full support for all emoji characters.

Tap the Google Play search bar: Type Google Keyboard in the search field.

Tap Install: If installed, tap on the app in the list of results, then tap Install.

Accept the installation prompt and wait for installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Enable the Google Keyboard: Open your devices Settings menu, scroll to Personal > Language Input, and tap Default in the Keyboards Input Methods section, then select Google Keyboard.

Open an app and use the keyboard: Use the Google Keyboard to insert emoji characters in your messages.

Using iWnn IME on Android 4.3

For Android 4.3 users, enabling the black-and-white emoji keyboard is straightforward:

Open the devices Settings menu:

Scroll down to the Personal section:

Check the iWnn IME box: This will enable the black-and-white emoji keyboard for your device.

Open an app and type: Press and hold the Space bar on your keyboard, then tap the Category button to change emoji categories, and then tap an emoji character to insert it.

Using Samsung Galaxy Devices (S4 and Later)

For Samsung Galaxy devices like the S4 and later, the process is straightforward:

Open an app: Press and hold the Gear or Microphone button, located to the left of the Space bar on your keyboard. On S4 and S5, this will be a Gear button, and on S6, it will be a Microphone button. On S7, tap the Smiley Face button directly.

Tap the button: This will switch the keyboard to emoji input options.

Tap categories: View the different types of emoji by tapping the categories at the bottom of the keyboard and swiping left and right to change pages. Tap an emoji to insert it.