Why emoji look different on each device
An emoji is a standard Unicode character, but Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft and some apps each draw their own version. A 😬 on iPhone can look a little different on Android. The meaning is the same, but the mood can shift, so check how a key emoji looks on the platform your audience uses most.
New emoji arrive about once a year. Until a phone gets the update, it shows a blank box or a question mark instead.
Typing emoji on a computer
Your computer has a built-in picker too:
- Mac: press Control + Command + Space.
- Windows: press the Windows key + period.
- Chromebook: press Search + Shift + Space.
- Linux: varies; on many desktops it's Control + period or Super + period.
Using emoji well in captions and bios
Emoji work best as signposts. One at the start of each line in a bio makes it easy to scan, and 👇 or 🔗 points people to your link. In captions, a few emoji add tone, but a wall of them is hard to read and screen readers read every one aloud by name.
Put emoji after words, not in place of them. “Book a call 📅” is clearer than “📅 a call”, and the words still show up in search.
Emoji and character limits
Most apps count an emoji as one character, but some count it as two or more, especially flags, skin tones and family emoji, which are built from several characters joined together. If you're close to a limit, check your text in a character counter first.
Searching the list
Search matches emoji names and common nicknames, so “lol” finds 😂 and 🤣, “link” finds 🔗 and 👇, and “celebrate” finds 🎉 and 🥳. Type more than one word to narrow it down, like “red heart” or “green circle”.
Use the group menu to browse when you don't know the name, and the tray's Undo last button to take off the last emoji without breaking a flag or skin tone in half. The list covers the emoji people use most, not every one of the 3,700 or so that exist.
Frequently asked questions
How do I copy an emoji?
Click it. It's copied straight away, so you can paste it anywhere with Control + V or Command + V, or long-press and Paste on a phone.
Why does an emoji show as a box?
The device or app doesn't have that emoji yet. Updating the phone or app usually fixes it.
Are my recently used emoji saved?
Only while the page is open. Nothing is stored, so the list clears when you leave or reload.
Can I use emoji in my Instagram name?
Yes, in your display name and bio, but not in your @username, which only allows letters, numbers, periods and underscores.