How to Open the Emoji Keyboard on Android
Open the emoji panel directly from your Android keyboard on Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and other Android devices.
Unlike desktop computers with physical key chords, Android provides an instant touch-activated emoji button located beside the spacebar on all major keyboard apps (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, Microsoft SwiftKey).
Supported Android Keyboards & Hardware
Android supports emojis natively across Android 14, 13, 12, 11, and earlier versions. The exact visual appearance of emojis depends on your device manufacturer and system font. The method below works on all standard Android keyboard apps including Google Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, and Microsoft SwiftKey.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Android
Tap inside any text message or input box
Bring up your virtual on-screen keyboard inside WhatsApp, Chrome, Messages, Instagram, or Notes.
Tap the Smiley Face 😊 key
Tap the dedicated emoji key next to the spacebar. If you see a comma instead, long-press the comma to reveal the smiley face.
Search or browse by category
Use the search box above the emojis to type keywords or tap category tabs (Smileys, Food, Animals, Flags).
Tap any emoji to insert
Tap your chosen emoji to insert it. Tap the ABC button to return to the standard alphabetical keyboard.
Practical Uses on Android
Enhance Instagram posts, TikTok captions, and YouTube comments with expressive emojis directly from your keyboard.
Send quick reaction emojis in WhatsApp, Telegram, and SMS chats without switching apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the emoji button located on Android keyboards?
On most Android keyboards (such as Google Gboard and Samsung Keyboard), the dedicated smiley face (😊) button is located at the bottom row, immediately to the left of the spacebar. On some configurations, it may be combined with the comma (,) key or the Return key.
What if I cannot see the emoji button on my Android keyboard?
Open your device Settings > System > Languages & Input > On-screen Keyboard. Tap your active keyboard (e.g. Gboard) > Preferences, and enable "Show emoji-switch key". If combined with comma, simply touch and hold the comma (,) key until the smiley face appears.
Can I search for emojis on Android?
Yes! Once you tap the emoji icon, look for the magnifying glass icon or the "Search emoji" bar above the emoji grid. Type any term (like "fire" or "pizza") to locate the exact emoji immediately.
Does Android support physical Bluetooth keyboards for emojis?
If you connect a physical external keyboard to an Android tablet or phone, you can press Alt + Space or Ctrl + Space (depending on the keyboard app) to switch layouts, or tap the on-screen emoji button on the assistive bar.
Need emojis not yet available on your Android version?
Use our free web Emoji Keyboard to access all brand-new Unicode 17.0 emojis with 1-click clipboard copy.