How to use Apple Genmoji to create new types of Emoji

For decades, choosing emoji was limited to what was available on your smartphone’s keyboard. Every year brings a new emoji – I like it”face with bags under the eyes,” although it is still circulating. However, there are times when the pre-installed options are not specific enough. Thankfully, Apple has a solution, and it’s called Genmoji.

with the help of Apple Intelligenceyou can create custom emojis directly from your keyboard using text prompts or even a person’s photo from your Photo library. Below I break down all the steps to create your own Genmoji.

Check out our iOS 18 overview For a complete list of all the key features of Apple’s latest operating system. Be sure to check out our other Apple guides, including The best iPhone, Best iPhone 16 Accessoriesand The best iPad.

Enable Apple Intelligence

Before you begin, you’ll want to check that you have access to Apple Intelligence. It launched with iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, but Genmoji launched specifically in iOS 18.2. Go here to check your software version Settings > General > About. If it says iOS 18.2 or later, you’re good to go. If you need to update, backup your device first.

If you still don’t have access to Genmoji, make sure Apple Intelligence is enabled (it should be by default). go away Settings > Apple Intelligence and Siri and turn it on Apple Intelligence. It should be noted that Apple Intelligence only available on select iPhones– this iPhone 16 range, iPhone 15 Proand iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Screenshots courtesy of Brenda Stolyar via Apple Intelligence

Enter your request

1. When the Messages window is open, tap the emoji icon (smiley face) or the keyboard icon (globe) to access the emoji keyboard.
2. Click on the upper right corner of the keyboard Genmoji icon (pink and blue smiley face with plus sign).
3. Type a few words or phrases in the text box that describes what you’re looking for and click It’s over.
4. Swipe and tap Genmojis with habitats add in the one you want to use. The emojis will then appear in your inbox and stickers.
5. You can also create Genmojis based on pictures of people in your Photos app. Start by typing a query like “Julian is celebrating his birthday” and tap “Select Person” select from the list of contacts that appears and select a specific person. From there, you’ll see the various Genmojis placed upon request. hit add when you find the one you want to use.

Refine your genmoji

You can also modify your original command to create new versions of the original Genmoji.

1. Tap the text box in the Genmoji window.
2. Write a refined version of your request or a completely new version. For example, instead of “dog with birthday hat” you can change it to “dog with birthday cake”. After that, it will automatically reload the new versions.