You can create custom emoji on iPhone using Memoji, which saves as stickers you can use in Messages, FaceTime, and other apps

iPhone lets you build a personalized emoji character called a Memoji that looks like you, a friend, or anyone you imagine. Once you create it, the character appears as a sticker pack in your keyboard and messaging apps. You can customize skin tone, hairstyle, facial features, and accessories, then use your Memoji in text conversations, video calls, and even as reaction stickers during FaceTime calls.

The feature works on iPhone XS and newer models running iOS 12 or later. If you have an older iPhone, you won't see the Memoji option in your keyboard, but you can still use regular emoji and third-party emoji apps from the App Store.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Messages app, tap the emoji keyboard button, then swipe left to find the Memoji tab and tap the plus sign to start creating.
  • Customize your Memoji's skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, nose, mouth, and accessories by scrolling through options on each screen.
  • Your finished Memoji saves automatically and appears as a sticker pack in your keyboard whenever you need it.
  • You can create multiple Memoji characters and edit existing ones by tapping and holding a Memoji sticker, then selecting "Edit".
  • Memoji work in Messages, Mail, Notes, third-party messaging apps, and as reaction stickers during FaceTime video calls.

How to create your first Memoji in Messages

Open the Messages app and start a new conversation or open an existing one. Tap the emoji button (the smiley face icon) at the bottom of your keyboard. Swipe left through the emoji tabs until you reach the Memoji section — it shows a face icon. Tap the plus sign in the top left corner of that section.

Your iPhone opens the Memoji creation screen. You'll see a preview of your character in the center and customization options below. Start by choosing a base skin tone by tapping the skin tone circle at the bottom. Scroll through the available tones and tap your choice.

Next, tap "Head Shape" and scroll through options like round, oval, or square. Then move through "Hairstyle," "Hair Color," "Eyes," "Eyebrows," "Nose," "Mouth," "Ears," and "Facial Hair" (if applicable). Each section shows a preview of how your changes look on the character. Take your time — you can always go back and adjust any feature.

Adding accessories and finishing details

After you've set the basic features, scroll down to find "Accessories." Here you can add glasses, sunglasses, or a hat. Tap any accessory category to see options, then select the one you want. You can add multiple accessories — for example, both glasses and a hat.

Continue scrolling to find "Head Covering" (for hats, headwraps, or hoods), "Headwear" (for crowns or headphones), and "Piercings." Each category lets you choose one option or none at all. When you're satisfied with how your Memoji looks, tap "Done" in the top right corner. Your character saves automatically and appears in your Memoji sticker pack.

Using your Memoji in conversations and calls

Once your Memoji is created, it appears as a sticker pack in your emoji keyboard. Open Messages, tap the emoji button, swipe to the Memoji tab, and you'll see your character in different poses and expressions. Tap any pose to send it as a sticker in your message.

Your Memoji also works in other Apple apps. Open Mail, Notes, or Reminders, tap the emoji button, and your Memoji stickers appear in the same Memoji tab. In third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, you may need to access your Memoji through the sticker menu rather than the emoji keyboard, depending on how the app is designed.

During a FaceTime video call, you can use Memoji as reaction stickers. Tap the three dots menu during the call, select "Memoji," and choose a reaction pose. Your Memoji appears on screen for a few seconds as a response.

Editing or deleting a Memoji you've already created

To change a Memoji after you've made it, open Messages and tap the emoji button. Swipe to the Memoji tab, then tap and hold the Memoji you want to edit. A menu appears with options including "Edit." Tap "Edit" and you'll return to the customization screen where you can change any feature — hairstyle, accessories, facial features, or anything else.

Make your changes and tap "Done." The updated version saves automatically and replaces the old one everywhere you use it. If you want to remove a Memoji entirely, tap and hold it in the Memoji tab and select "Delete." You can always create a new one later.

Creating multiple Memoji for different moods or styles

You're not limited to one Memoji. Create as many as you want by returning to the Memoji tab, tapping the plus sign, and building a new character from scratch. Some people create a Memoji that looks like them, another with a different hairstyle or outfit, and others that are purely imaginative — animals, fantasy characters, or exaggerated versions of themselves.

All your Memoji appear together in the Memoji sticker tab, so you can choose which one to send depending on your mood or the conversation. If you have a lot of Memoji, you can scroll through them or tap and hold to see all options at once.

Troubleshooting Memoji that won't appear or save

If you create a Memoji but it doesn't show up in your keyboard, restart your iPhone. Press and hold the side button and volume button together, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then press the side button again to turn it back on. Open Messages and check the Memoji tab again.

If the Memoji creation option doesn't appear at all, check that you're running iOS 12 or later. Go to Settings, tap "General," then "About" and look at the iOS version number. If you have an older version, tap "General" again, then "Software Update" to install the latest iOS. Memoji requires an iPhone XS or newer, so if you have an older model, this feature won't be available on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Memoji in apps other than Messages?

Yes. Your Memoji stickers work in Mail, Notes, Reminders, and most third-party messaging apps. The exact method varies — some apps have a dedicated sticker button, while others let you access Memoji through the emoji keyboard. Check the app's keyboard or attachment options to find where stickers appear.

What if I want my Memoji to look more like a real person?

Memoji customization is limited to preset options for each feature. You can't upload a photo or fine-tune details beyond what the app offers. If you want a more realistic avatar, search the App Store for "avatar creator" apps, which may offer more detailed customization options.

Do other people see my Memoji the same way I do?

Yes. When you send a Memoji sticker to someone, they see the exact same character and pose you see on your screen, regardless of what device they use. The sticker is sent as an image, so it displays consistently across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Android devices.

Can I share my Memoji with friends so they can use it too?

Not directly. Memoji are tied to your Apple account and device. However, you can send Memoji stickers to friends in messages, and they can see and save those stickers. They would need to create their own Memoji if they want a similar character on their device.

Why does my Memoji look different on FaceTime than in Messages?

During FaceTime calls, Memoji appear as animated reaction stickers rather than static images. The animation and size may look slightly different from how the sticker appears in your Messages keyboard, but it's the same character. This is normal and expected behavior.