Android lets you switch emoji designs without changing your keyboard
Your Android phone comes with a default emoji set built into the system. You can change how those emoji look by switching to a different emoji font or by installing a third-party keyboard that uses its own emoji designs. The method depends on whether you want to change emoji across your whole phone or just in one app.
Most Android phones run one of two emoji systems: Google's Noto Color Emoji (on newer phones and stock Android) or Samsung's own emoji set (on Galaxy devices). If you want a completely different look—like Apple's emoji style or Microsoft's Fluent design—you'll need to install a third-party keyboard app that includes those emoji sets.
Key Takeaways
- Stock Android phones use Google's emoji by default, while Samsung phones use Samsung's own emoji design.
- You can change emoji appearance by installing a third-party keyboard app like Gboard, SwiftKey, or Fleksy, each with their own emoji styles.
- Some keyboard apps let you choose between multiple emoji sets within the app's settings, so you can switch without uninstalling.
- Changing your keyboard app affects emoji in most places on your phone, including text messages, social media, and email.
- If you only want to change emoji in one app, that app must support custom emoji fonts, which most social apps do not.
Check which emoji set your phone currently uses
Open your phone's Settings app and go to System or About phone (the exact path varies by manufacturer). Look for Android version to see what version you're running. Android 11 and newer use Google's Noto Color Emoji by default on most phones. Samsung Galaxy phones use Samsung's own emoji regardless of Android version.
You can also see your current emoji by opening any text field—Messages, Gmail, or Notes—and tapping the emoji button on your keyboard. The style you see there is your system default. Take a screenshot or remember what they look like so you can compare after you make changes.
Install a third-party keyboard app with different emoji
The most straightforward way to change emoji is to install a keyboard app that includes a different emoji set. Open Google Play Store and search for one of these popular options:
- Gboard (Google's keyboard) includes Google emoji by default, but also offers access to other styles depending on your Android version.
- SwiftKey (Microsoft's keyboard) uses its own emoji design and lets you switch between styles in the app settings.
- Fleksy offers multiple emoji packs you can read and switch between without reinstalling.
- Chrooma includes customizable emoji and lets you preview changes before explore them.
read and install whichever app appeals to you. When you first open a text field after installation, your phone will ask which keyboard you want to use. Select the new keyboard app. From that point on, when you tap the emoji button, you'll see the new emoji style.
Switch between emoji styles within a keyboard app
Some keyboard apps let you choose between multiple emoji sets without switching keyboards. Open the keyboard app itself (not just the keyboard that appears when you text). Look for Settings or a gear icon, then search for "emoji" or "style".
SwiftKey, for example, has an Emoji style option under Typing that shows you previews of different designs. Fleksy lets you read additional emoji packs from within the app. If your keyboard app offers this, you can test different styles and pick your favorite without uninstalling anything.
Change your default keyboard if you want to switch back
If you install a new keyboard but later want to return to your phone's original emoji, you need to change your default keyboard back. Open Settings and go to System > Languages and input (or Keyboard and input methods on Samsung phones). Tap Default keyboard or On-screen keyboard and select your original keyboard—usually called "Android Keyboard" or "Samsung Keyboard".
Your emoji will revert to the original style when ready. You can keep the third-party keyboard app installed and switch between them whenever you want by changing this setting again.
Why some apps show different emoji than your keyboard
Some apps—like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook—use their own emoji rendering instead of your phone's system emoji. This means you might see Google emoji in your Messages app but Apple-style emoji in Twitter, even though you're using the same phone. This happens because those apps have their own emoji fonts built in and don't use your keyboard's emoji.
You cannot change the emoji style within those apps unless the app itself offers that option in its settings. Most social apps do not. If you want consistent emoji across your phone, the best you can do is change your system keyboard and accept that some apps will override it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple emoji on my Android phone?
Yes, but only through a third-party keyboard app. Some keyboard apps include Apple-style emoji, or you can search "Apple emoji keyboard" in Google Play Store to find apps that specifically offer that design. Keep in mind that Apple's emoji are trademarked, so some apps may offer similar designs rather than exact copies.
Will changing my keyboard affect text messages I've already sent?
No. Emoji you've already sent are stored as the design they were when you sent them. Changing your keyboard only affects new emoji you type going forward. Old messages will keep their original emoji appearance.
What if my keyboard app doesn't have an emoji button?
Some minimal keyboards don't include an emoji button by default. Look in the keyboard app's settings for an option to show the emoji button, or enable it in your phone's keyboard settings under Languages and input. If the app truly doesn't support emoji, you may need to switch to a different keyboard.
Do I need to uninstall my old keyboard to use a new one?
No. You can have multiple keyboard apps installed and switch between them by changing your default keyboard in Settings. This lets you test different emoji styles without losing your original keyboard.
Why do some emoji look blurry or pixelated after I change keyboards?
This usually means the new keyboard app's emoji font doesn't match your phone's screen resolution perfectly. Try a different keyboard app, or check if the app has a settings option to adjust emoji size or quality. Restarting your phone sometimes fixes rendering issues too.