You can create a custom emoji called a Memoji directly in your iPhone's camera app or Messages

Apple calls custom emojis Memoji, and they're built into iPhones running iOS 12 or later. You make them in the Camera app or Messages app, and they use your iPhone's front-facing camera to read your face and expressions. Once you create one, you can use it in messages, FaceTime, Mail, and anywhere else your iPhone lets you insert emoji.

The process takes about two minutes. You don't need any third-party apps, and you don't upload anything to Apple's servers — your Memoji lives only on your phone unless you choose to send it to someone else.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Camera or Messages, tap the emoji icon, and select the smiley-face button to start creating a Memoji.
  • Customize skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, nose, mouth, and accessories by scrolling through options on the screen.
  • Your Memoji is saved automatically once you finish customizing it and can be used anywhere you insert emoji.
  • You can create multiple Memoji on the same phone, each with different appearances.

Creating a Memoji in the Camera app

Open the Camera app on your iPhone. Swipe left until you see the row of circular icons at the bottom of the screen — these are camera effects. Tap the smiley-face icon (it looks like a face with a plus sign). This opens the Memoji creation screen.

You'll see your face on screen and a list of customization options below it. Tap each category — Skin Tone, Hairstyle, Head Shape, Eyes, Eyebrows, Nose, Mouth, Ears, and Accessories — and scroll through the choices. Your Memoji updates in real time as you make changes. When you're done, tap Done in the top right corner. Your Memoji is now saved.

Creating a Memoji in Messages

Open Messages and start a new conversation or open an existing one. Tap the app drawer icon (four dots in a circle) at the bottom left of the keyboard. Tap the Memoji icon — it looks like a smiling face. Tap the plus sign to create a new Memoji.

The same customization screen appears. Make your choices, then tap Done. Your Memoji is saved and ready to use in any message on your phone.

Customizing your Memoji's appearance

When you're in the creation screen, you can adjust these features: skin tone, hairstyle, head shape, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, ears, and accessories like glasses, hats, or piercings. Each category has multiple options — scroll left and right to see them all.

You can also add a face covering (like a medical mask or ski mask), change your lip color, add facial hair, and adjust the size of individual features. The preview on screen shows exactly what your Memoji will look like, so you can see changes as you make them.

Using your Memoji in messages and other apps

Once your Memoji is created, you can send it as a sticker in Messages. Open a conversation, tap the app drawer, tap Memoji, and your saved Memoji appears. Tap it to send it as a sticker. You can also hold down on your Memoji to see different expressions — happy, sad, surprised, angry — and send the expression you want.

In FaceTime, you can use your Memoji as your video during a call. Start a FaceTime call, swipe up from the bottom, tap the effects icon (three circles), and select your Memoji. Your face will be replaced by your Memoji during the call. You can also use Memoji in Mail and Notes by tapping the emoji keyboard and selecting your Memoji from the Memoji tab.

Editing or deleting a Memoji you've already created

To edit a Memoji, open Camera or Messages, tap the emoji icon, and find your Memoji in the list. Tap and hold on it, then select Edit. Make your changes and tap Done. The updated version replaces your old one.

To delete a Memoji, tap and hold on it in the Memoji list and select Delete. You can create a new one anytime — there's no limit to how many you can make.

Memoji vs. Animoji: what's the difference

Memoji are custom emoji that look like you (or however you design them). Animoji are pre-made animated characters — animals, objects, and creatures — that come built into your iPhone. Both use your face to animate expressions, and both work in Messages and FaceTime.

Animoji are already on your phone and don't require creation. Memoji let you design something that matches your appearance or style. You access both through the same emoji icon in Camera or Messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Memoji on Android or send it to someone with an older iPhone?

Memoji work best on iOS 12 and later. If you send a Memoji sticker to someone with an older iPhone or an Android phone, it may appear as a static image or emoji instead of an animated sticker. The person receiving it will still see something, but not the full animated effect.

Does Apple see my Memoji or store it on their servers?

No. Your Memoji is stored only on your iPhone. Apple doesn't have access to it unless you choose to send it to someone else through Messages or another app. The creation process happens entirely on your device.

Can I make a Memoji that doesn't look like me?

Yes. You can customize every feature independently, so you can create a Memoji that looks completely different from you — a different skin tone, hairstyle, facial features, or accessories. There's no requirement that it match your actual appearance.

What iPhones support Memoji?

Memoji work on iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and all newer models. You need iOS 12 or later. Older iPhones like iPhone 8 and earlier don't support Memoji because they lack the front-facing camera technology needed to track facial expressions.

Can I share my Memoji with someone else so they can use it on their phone?

Not directly. You can send Memoji stickers in messages, but the person receiving them can't import your Memoji into their phone. They would need to create their own Memoji with the same customizations if they wanted an identical version.