A guide to using Emoji on your phone
Have you seen tiny pictures in text messages from your family and friends but have no idea what they are or where to find them? We’re here to help – they’re called Emoji, and you’re about to learn how to use them to add more fun to your texts.
First of all, here’s how you turn the Emoji feature on:
Apple – Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Add New Keyboard > Emoji
Android – Open Settings > Language and input > Google Keyboard settings > Add-on Dictionaries > Download and install Emoji for English Words
We’ve chosen some of our absolute favourite Emoji (there are dozens of them) that we think you’ll find the most useful.
Happy face: This guy’s just happy to be here. So if you want to show someone that you’re excited to see them for coffee later, or that you’re just in a good mood – this is your go-to Emoji.
Winking face: If you’re just sending someone a short text to let them know you’re thinking of them, or that you’ve got a great joke to tell them next time you see them, this winking Emoji is perfect!
Tongue out face: Are you feeling a little cheeky? Look no further because this Emoji is ready for action.
Sleep: Are you texting someone but it’s time to go to bed? This is a fun way to tell them you’ll speak to them tomorrow. It gets the message across – I’m going to get my beauty sleep.
Dog & cat face: Is it just us who sends greetings to our friends from our four-legged friends? Oh good, we’re not alone. So you won’t mind if we point out these cute Emoji that are puuurfect for just such an occasion.
See/hear/speak no evil: Everyone knows what these monkeys are for. When you want to tell someone that their secret is safe with you – insert any or all of the See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil monkeys.
Shamrock: Do you want to wish someone good luck? Why not button your message with this little shamrock for extra good vibes.
Thumbs up: A quick way to show someone you agree with what they say.
Sparkles: For those special occasion text messages. Wishing someone a happy birthday? Congratulating a friend on a job well done? Add a little sparkle for, well, a little extra sparkle.
Tulip: Just another way to brighten up a text message. This one’s especially good if you’re sending a text to someone who is feeling under the weather or a little down.
If you're excited to start using Emoji, you might want to read our article about 10 surprising yet funny text acronyms.