Where to Find Snapchat's Emoji Settings

Snapchat lets you change how emojis look in the app through your account settings. The emoji style you choose affects how emojis appear throughout Snapchat — in chats, stories, and anywhere else the app displays them. You cannot change individual emojis one at a time; instead, you pick a preset style that changes all emojis at once.

The emoji settings are in your profile menu, not in a general settings page. This is why many people miss them — they look in the wrong place first. The steps are the same whether you use iPhone or Android.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your profile by tapping your avatar in the top left corner, then tap the gear icon to enter settings.
  • Scroll down to "Additional Services" and tap "Manage" next to Snapchat+, or look for "Emoji" in the main settings menu if you do not have Snapchat+.
  • Snapchat offers several emoji packs to choose from, and the change takes effect when ready across the entire app.
  • Free users can access basic emoji styles, while Snapchat+ subscribers may have additional exclusive emoji packs.
  • Your emoji choice is personal to your account and does not change how emojis appear to other people viewing your profile.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Emoji Style

Step 1: Open your profile. Tap your avatar or Bitmoji in the top left corner of the camera screen. This takes you to your profile page.

Step 2: Enter settings. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right corner of your profile page and tap it. This opens your account settings.

Step 3: Find the emoji option. Scroll down through the settings menu. You will see a section called "Additional Services" or you may see "Emoji" listed directly in the main settings. If you see "Manage" next to Snapchat+, tap that first, then look for emoji options inside.

Step 4: Select your emoji pack. Tap on the emoji option to see the available styles. Each pack shows a preview of how the emojis will look. Tap the one you want to use.

Step 5: Confirm your choice. Some emoji packs require you to tap a confirmation button. Once you do, the change happens right away. Close settings and return to the camera screen — your new emoji style is now active.

What Emoji Styles Are Available

Snapchat rotates its emoji packs periodically, so the exact options change over time. Common styles include the standard Snapchat emoji design, Apple-style emojis, and themed packs that match holidays or special events. Some packs are only available to Snapchat+ subscribers, while others are free for all users.

When you open the emoji menu, you will see thumbnails showing what each pack looks like. The preview shows common emojis like smileys, hearts, and hand gestures so you can compare styles before choosing. If you change your mind later, you can return to this menu and pick a different pack at any time.

Why Your Emoji Change Only Affects What You See

When you change your emoji style, only you see the new emojis in your app. If you send a message with a heart emoji to a friend, they will see the emoji in whatever style they have chosen for their own account — not the style you picked. This is why two people texting each other might see different-looking emojis even though they are using the same emoji.

This also means you cannot control how emojis appear to people viewing your profile or your stories. Your emoji choice is purely personal and affects only your own viewing experience inside the app.

Troubleshooting: Emoji Settings Not Showing Up

If you cannot find the emoji option in your settings, check whether you are running the latest version of Snapchat. Emoji customization is a newer feature, and older app versions may not have it. Go to your phone's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone) and update Snapchat if an update is available.

If you have updated and still do not see the emoji menu, try closing Snapchat completely and reopening it. Sometimes the settings menu does not load fully until you restart the app. If the option still does not appear, your account region or app version may not have emoji customization yet — Snapchat rolls out features gradually to different users.

Snapchat+ Subscribers and Exclusive Emoji Packs

Snapchat+ is a paid subscription that costs a few dollars per month. One of the perks is access to exclusive emoji packs that free users cannot use. If you are a Snapchat+ subscriber, you will see these premium packs in your emoji menu alongside the free options.

To see which packs are exclusive to Snapchat+, look for a small badge or label next to the pack name in the emoji menu. You do not need to do anything special to use them — once you subscribe, they automatically appear as choices. If you cancel your subscription, you will lose access to the exclusive packs, and your emoji style will revert to a free option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different emoji styles for different chats?

No. Your emoji style is a single account-wide setting. Every chat, story, and message uses the same emoji pack you selected. You cannot assign different styles to different conversations or contacts.

Will my friends see the emojis I send in the style I chose?

No. Your friends see emojis in whatever style they have chosen for their own account. Your emoji selection only changes what appears on your screen, not what appears on theirs.

What happens to my emoji style if I uninstall and reinstall Snapchat?

Your emoji choice is saved to your account, not your phone. When you log back in after reinstalling, your selected emoji style will still be active. You will not need to choose again.

Can I go back to the original emoji style?

Yes. Return to Settings > Additional Services (or Emoji) and select the original Snapchat emoji pack from the menu. Your change takes effect when ready.

Why do some emoji packs require Snapchat+?

Snapchat uses exclusive emoji packs as one of the perks of its paid subscription. Free users have access to several standard packs, but the newest or most popular designs are sometimes reserved for Snapchat+ members.