Open the Camera app and find Memoji in the effects menu

To create a Memoji on your iPhone, open the Camera app and tap the effects icon — it looks like a smiley face with a star. Swipe left through the effect options until you see the Memoji section. On iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer), you can create a Memoji directly from this menu. On older iPhones with Touch ID, you'll need to use the Messages app instead.

The effects icon appears at the bottom of the screen when you're in selfie mode. If you don't see it, make sure you're using the front-facing camera by tapping the camera flip icon in the corner.

Key Takeaways

  • Memoji works on iPhone X and newer models with Face ID, or on iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later.
  • You create a Memoji by opening the Camera app, tapping the effects icon, and selecting the plus sign next to Memoji.
  • You customize skin tone, hairstyle, facial features, and accessories through a series of scrollable menus.
  • Once created, your Memoji appears in Messages, FaceTime, and Mail, and you can create multiple different Memoji characters.

Customize your appearance in the editing menu

After you tap the plus sign next to Memoji, a customization screen appears. Scroll through the options at the bottom to change skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, facial hair, and accessories like glasses or headwear. Each category has multiple choices — tap any option to see it applied to your Memoji in real time.

You can adjust as many features as you want before saving. The preview shows you exactly what your Memoji will look like, and you can tap back to previous categories if you want to change something. There's no limit to how many times you can adjust before you're happy with it.

Save your Memoji and use it across apps

Once you've finished customizing, tap the checkmark or "Done" button to save your Memoji. It now appears in your Memoji list whenever you open the effects menu in the Camera app. You can create as many different Memoji as you want — each one saves separately.

Your Memoji shows up automatically in Messages when you're composing a text. Tap the Memoji icon in the keyboard to send your character as a sticker, or use it in a Memoji video message. You can also use Memoji in FaceTime calls, where it replaces your face during the video, and in Mail when composing messages.

Create Memoji in Messages if you're using an older iPhone

If you have an iPhone with Touch ID instead of Face ID, you can't use the Camera app method, but you can still create Memoji through Messages. Open a conversation, tap the Memoji icon in the keyboard (it looks like a smiling face), then tap the plus sign to create a new one. The customization process is the same as the Camera app method.

This works on iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), iPhone 11, and all newer models. Older iPhones don't support Memoji at all, so if you have an iPhone 8 or earlier, this feature isn't available on your device.

Edit or delete a Memoji you've already created

To change a Memoji after you've saved it, open the Camera app and tap the effects icon. Find your Memoji in the list, then tap and hold it until a menu appears. Select "Edit" to open the customization screen again. Make any changes you want, then tap "Done" to save the updated version.

To remove a Memoji you no longer want, tap and hold it in the effects menu and select "Delete." This removes it from all your apps. You can always create a new one later if you change your mind.

Use Memoji stickers and Memoji video messages

In Messages, you can send your Memoji as animated stickers. Open a conversation, tap the Memoji icon in the keyboard, then tap your Memoji character. A menu of sticker poses appears — tap any one to send it as a single sticker, or swipe through to see more options. You can send multiple stickers in one message.

For a Memoji video message, tap and hold the send button (the arrow) in Messages after selecting your Memoji. Choose "Memoji Video Message" to record a short video where your Memoji mimics your facial expressions and voice. This creates a personalized video clip you can send to contacts.

Troubleshoot if Memoji isn't showing up

If you don't see the Memoji option in your Camera app effects, check that you're using a compatible iPhone model. Memoji requires iPhone X or newer with Face ID, or iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. If you have a compatible phone, restart the Camera app by closing it completely and opening it again.

If Memoji still doesn't appear, restart your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down, wait a few seconds, then power it back on. If the feature is still missing after a restart, check that your iOS is up to date by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's Memoji or share mine with another person?

You can't directly transfer a Memoji to another iPhone, but you can send Memoji stickers and video messages to anyone through Messages. The recipient sees your Memoji in the message, but they can't edit or use it themselves. Each person creates their own Memoji on their own device.

What's the difference between Memoji and Animoji?

Animoji are preset characters like animals and objects that come built into your iPhone. Memoji are custom characters you create to look like yourself or however you want. Both work the same way in Messages and FaceTime, but Memoji gives you much more control over appearance.

Can I use Memoji in FaceTime calls?

Yes. During a FaceTime call, tap the effects icon (three dots in a circle) and select your Memoji. Your face will be replaced by your Memoji character during the call, and the other person will see your Memoji instead of your actual face. You can switch back to your real face anytime by tapping the effects icon again.

Do I need an internet connection to create or use Memoji?

No. Memoji creation and use happen entirely on your iPhone and don't require an internet connection. However, you do need internet to send Memoji stickers or video messages through Messages or FaceTime, since those are being transmitted to another person.

Can I change my Memoji's name?

Memoji don't have custom names — they're identified by their appearance in your effects menu. If you create multiple Memoji, you can tell them apart by looking at them, but you can't label them with text names. You can create as many different versions as you want if you need to keep track of different styles.