How to Open the Emoji Keyboard on iPhone & iPad (iOS)
Open the emoji keyboard directly from the iPhone or iPad keyboard using the dedicated Globe or Smiley key.
On Apple touchscreens, simply tap the Globe or Smiley button in the lower-left corner. On an iPad with an external Magic Keyboard, tap the physical Globe key or press Control + Space.
Supported Apple Devices & Features
The built-in Apple emoji keyboard is supported across all iPhone models (iOS 18, 17, 16, and earlier) and iPad models (iPadOS). It includes full support for Apple Color Emoji, skin tone modifiers, search by name, predictive text suggestions, and Memoji stickers.
Step-by-Step Instructions for iPhone & iPad
Tap into any active text field
Tap inside Messages (iMessage), WhatsApp, Safari search, Notes, or Mail to show the on-screen keyboard.
Tap the Smiley Face 😊 or Globe 🌐 icon
Located at the bottom left of your screen. If you have multiple languages installed, tap the Globe icon repeatedly until the emoji panel appears, or hold the Globe icon to choose "Emoji".
Search or swipe through categories
Use the "Search Emoji" bar at the top or swipe horizontally through categories (Frequently Used, Smileys, Animals, Activities).
Tap to insert and return
Tap any emoji to insert it. Tap the ABC button in the bottom left to return to your normal letters keyboard.
Practical Uses on iOS
Press and hold any people or hand emoji (like 👍 or 👏) on iOS to choose your preferred skin tone.
In Messages, tap the emoji button after typing text; iOS highlights words that can be converted to emojis with a single tap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the emoji key on iPhone and iPad keyboards?
On modern iPhones (with Face ID), the dedicated Emoji (😊) icon is located in the bottom-left corner of the screen below the keyboard, next to the dictation microphone. On models with a Home button or if multiple languages are enabled, a Globe (🌐) icon is shown in the bottom row next to the 123 key.
How do I add the Emoji keyboard if it is missing on iOS?
Open your iPhone/iPad Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard... Scroll down or search for "Emoji" and tap it. The emoji layout will now appear when tapping the Globe or Smiley key.
What is the emoji shortcut on an iPad with a physical Magic Keyboard?
When using an Apple Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, or third-party Bluetooth keyboard with iPad or iPhone, press the dedicated Globe 🌐 key on the bottom-left of the keyboard, or press Control + Space to open the emoji picker.
Can I search for emojis on iOS?
Yes, iOS includes an integrated "Search Emoji" field directly above the emoji layout. Type keywords such as "fire", "dog", or "happy" to find emojis instantly without scrolling through categories.
Want to copy and combine emojis online?
Use our free web Emoji Keyboard to search, copy in sequence, and explore Unicode 17.0 releases.