Open Settings and find the Memoji you want to edit

Your Memoji lives in the Messages app, not in Settings. Open Messages, tap the compose button (the pencil-and-paper icon in the bottom right), then tap the smiley face icon at the bottom of the keyboard. You'll see your current Memoji along with any others you've created. Long-press on the Memoji you want to change, then tap the pencil icon that appears.

If you don't see your Memoji yet, you may need to create one first. Tap the plus icon in the Memoji selector, and the editor will open so you can build a new one from scratch.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Memoji editor is in the Messages app, accessed through the keyboard's smiley face icon, not through Settings.
  • Long-press any existing Memoji and tap the pencil icon to edit its features like skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • You can change one feature at a time or redesign the entire Memoji in a single session.
  • Changes save automatically once you tap Done, and your updated Memoji appears in Messages and FaceTime when ready.

Change individual features like skin tone, hair, and facial features

Once the editor is open, you'll see your Memoji's face in the center and a row of category buttons at the bottom: Skin Tone, Head Shape, Hair, Eyes, Eyebrows, Nose, Mouth, Ears, and more depending on your iPhone model. Tap any category to see options for that feature.

Swipe left and right within each category to browse styles. Tap the one you want, and it updates on your Memoji when ready. You can change as many features as you like in one editing session—there's no limit to how many times you adjust before you save.

Add or remove accessories like glasses, hats, and piercings

Scroll down in the editor to find the Accessories section. You can add glasses, sunglasses, hats, headwear, face masks, and other items. Tap any accessory to add it, then swipe through color and style options. You can layer multiple accessories—for example, glasses and a hat at the same time.

To remove an accessory, tap it again and select "None" or swipe to a blank option. Your Memoji will update as you make changes.

Adjust expression and makeup options

Below the main facial features, you'll find options for Expression (like a smile or neutral look) and Makeup. Makeup includes options like blush, eyeshadow, and lip color. Tap any of these categories to see what's available on your iPhone model, then select the style and color you prefer.

Not all iPhone models have the same Memoji options—newer iPhones have more customization choices than older ones. If you don't see a feature you expected, your device may not support it yet.

Save your changes by tapping Done

Once you're happy with how your Memoji looks, tap the Done button in the top right corner of the editor. Your changes save automatically, and you'll return to the Memoji selector. Your updated Memoji now appears in Messages, FaceTime, and anywhere else you use it.

If you change your mind after saving, you can open the editor again at any time and make new adjustments. There's no limit to how many times you can edit the same Memoji.

Create a new Memoji instead of editing an existing one

If you want to keep your current Memoji and create a different one, tap the plus icon in the Memoji selector instead of editing an existing one. This opens a blank editor where you can build a completely new character. You can have multiple Memojis, and you'll see all of them in the selector when you open Messages.

To delete a Memoji you no longer want, long-press it in the selector and tap the trash icon. You can always create a new one later.

Use your updated Memoji in Messages and FaceTime

Once you've saved your changes, your Memoji is ready to use. In Messages, tap the smiley face icon to open the Memoji selector, then tap your updated Memoji to send it as a sticker. You can also use Memoji in FaceTime calls—during a video call, swipe up from the bottom to reveal effects, then tap the Memoji icon to replace your face with your character.

Your Memoji changes appear across all your Apple devices that are signed into the same iCloud account, so edits you make on your iPhone show up on your iPad and Mac as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit a Memoji on my iPad or Mac?

Yes. On iPad, open Messages and follow the same steps as iPhone. On Mac, open Messages, click the smiley face icon in the message field, then right-click your Memoji and select Edit. The editor works the same way across all devices.

What if I accidentally deleted my Memoji?

You can recreate it by tapping the plus icon in the Memoji selector and building a new one. There's no way to recover a deleted Memoji, but creating a new one takes just a few minutes.

Do my Memoji changes show up for other people?

Yes. When you send a Memoji sticker or use it in a FaceTime call, the other person sees your updated version. Changes sync across your devices through iCloud.

Can I make my Memoji look like someone else?

You can customize it to match your appearance or create a fictional character. The editor gives you control over skin tone, hair, facial features, and accessories, so you can design it however you like.