What an avatar is and where to use it on iPhone
An avatar is a digital image or character that represents you. On iPhone, you can create an avatar called a Memoji — a customizable cartoon version of yourself — or use a photo as your avatar in Messages, FaceTime, and other apps. Memoji appears in your contacts, during video calls, and when you send messages to people who have iMessage.
You can also set a static photo as your avatar in Settings, which shows up when people call you or see your contact card. The method you choose depends on whether you want an animated cartoon character or a regular photo.
Key Takeaways
- Memoji is a cartoon avatar you create in the Messages app by tapping the smiley face icon and selecting the Memoji option.
- You can customize your Memoji's skin tone, hairstyle, facial features, and accessories to match your appearance or create something entirely different.
- Your Memoji will appear in Messages, FaceTime, and your contact card when you share it with others.
- If you prefer a photo avatar instead, go to Settings, tap your name, then Photo, and choose an image from your library.
- Memoji requires an iPhone XS or newer; older models can only use photo avatars.
Creating a Memoji in Messages
Open the Messages app and start a conversation with anyone, or create a new message. At the bottom of the screen, look for the row of app icons to the left of the text field. Tap the smiley face icon (this opens the emoji and sticker menu). In the menu that appears, swipe left until you see the Memoji tab — it looks like a cartoon face.
Tap the plus sign in the Memoji section to create a new one. Your iPhone will open the Memoji editor, which shows a cartoon face that mimics your current expression. This is your starting point. You can now customize every part of your avatar.
Take your time going through each option. Scroll down to see all the customization choices: skin tone, hairstyle, facial features, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and accessories like glasses, hats, or piercings. Tap each category to see the available options and select what you want. Your Memoji updates in real time as you make changes.
Customizing your Memoji's appearance
The customization options in Memoji are extensive. Start with skin tone — tap it and choose from a range of options. Next, pick a hairstyle from dozens of choices, then adjust the hair color. Move through facial features like eyebrows, eyes, nose shape, and mouth.
You can also add accessories such as glasses, sunglasses, hats, masks, or face markings. Some accessories are seasonal or themed, so scroll through to see what is available. If you want your Memoji to look like you, use the front-facing camera as a reference. If you want something creative or playful, ignore your actual appearance entirely — Memoji works either way.
Once you are satisfied with your Memoji, tap Done in the top right corner. Your new avatar is now saved and ready to use. You can create multiple Memoji if you want different versions for different moods or occasions.
Using your Memoji in conversations
After you create a Memoji, it appears in the Memoji section of the emoji menu whenever you open Messages. To send your Memoji in a message, open the emoji menu, tap the Memoji tab, and tap your avatar. You can send it as a sticker, or tap and hold it to see animation options — your Memoji can wink, laugh, or make other expressions.
Your Memoji also shows up automatically in FaceTime calls and in your contact card when you share it with others. People who receive your contact information will see your Memoji as your profile picture in their Messages app and during video calls, as long as they have iMessage.
If you want to change or delete a Memoji, open the emoji menu, tap and hold the Memoji you want to edit, then select Edit or Delete. You can have up to 32 Memoji on your iPhone at once.
Setting a photo as your avatar instead
If you prefer a regular photo instead of a cartoon Memoji, you can set a photo as your avatar in Settings. Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap Photo. Choose Take Photo to use your camera, or Choose Photo to pick an existing image from your library.
Crop and position the photo how you want it, then tap Done. This photo becomes your avatar across Apple services — it shows in Messages, FaceTime, and your contact card. You can change it anytime by following the same steps.
Troubleshooting Memoji problems
If you do not see the Memoji option in Messages, your iPhone may not support it. Memoji requires an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or newer. If you have an older model, you can only use a photo avatar. Check your iPhone model in Settings by tapping General, then About.
If Memoji is available but not showing up in the emoji menu, try closing Messages completely and reopening it. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer iPhones) to close the app, wait a few seconds, then tap Messages again. If the problem continues, restart your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on.
If your Memoji looks blurry or distorted during FaceTime, the issue is usually on the other person's end or a network connection problem, not your avatar itself. Try ending the call and calling back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's Memoji or download Memoji from the internet?
No, Memoji are created directly on your iPhone and stored locally. You cannot download or import Memoji from other sources. However, you can create a Memoji that looks like someone else, and you can share your Memoji with others by sending it in Messages — they will see it in their Messages app, but they cannot use it as their own.
What happens if I delete a Memoji?
Once you delete a Memoji, it is removed from your emoji menu and cannot be recovered. Any messages where you sent that Memoji will still show the sticker, but you will not be able to send it again. If you want to use it later, you will need to recreate it.
Can I edit a Memoji after I create it?
Yes, open the emoji menu in Messages, tap and hold your Memoji, then select Edit. Make any changes you want and tap Done. Your changes update everywhere your Memoji appears.
Will my Memoji show up for people who do not have iMessage?
No, Memoji only works in iMessage conversations. If you send a message to someone with an Android phone or a non-iMessage account, they will not see your Memoji — the message will send as a regular text or photo instead.
Can I make my Memoji animated or change its expression?
Your Memoji mimics your facial expressions during FaceTime calls automatically. In Messages, you can tap and hold a Memoji sticker to see animation options like winking or laughing. You cannot create a custom animation, but the built-in expressions give your avatar some movement.