Where to find the emoji settings on Snapchat
Snapchat lets you change how emojis look in the app by switching between different emoji styles. The setting is in your profile menu, not buried in a submenu — it takes about three taps to reach it.
Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Then tap the gear icon to open Settings. Scroll down until you see "Emojis" — tap it, and you'll see the available emoji styles to choose from.
The emoji styles available depend on your phone's operating system and which version of Snapchat you're running. Apple devices and Android devices sometimes show different options. If you've never changed this setting before, Snapchat is showing you its default emoji style for your device type.
Key Takeaways
- Emoji settings are in your Snapchat profile menu under Settings, in a section labeled "Emojis."
- You can switch between different emoji styles — usually including Apple emojis, Android emojis, and Snapchat's own design.
- The change applies only to how emojis appear in your own Snapchat app, not how they look to people you message.
- If you don't see an Emojis option, update Snapchat to the latest version from your app store.
What emoji styles are available
Snapchat typically offers three main emoji styles: Snapchat's own emoji design, Apple's emoji set (if you're on iOS), and Android's emoji set (if you're on Android). Some older versions of the app may show fewer options.
The style you choose is purely visual — it changes only what you see on your screen. When you send a message with an emoji, the person receiving it sees the emoji in their own phone's default style, not yours. This means you can use Snapchat's emoji style while your friend sees Apple emojis, and neither of you sees what the other chose.
Changing your emoji style step by step
Start by opening Snapchat and tapping your profile icon in the top left corner of the camera screen. This opens your profile page.
Tap the gear icon in the top right corner of your profile page to open Settings. Scroll down the Settings menu — you'll pass options like "Username," "Phone Number," and "Email" — until you reach "Emojis."
Tap "Emojis" to see the available styles. Each style is shown as a preview so you can see what the emojis will look like. Tap the style you want to use. The change takes effect when ready, and you'll see the new emoji style the next time you open a chat or look at your conversation list.
Why the emoji change might not show up
If you don't see an "Emojis" option in Settings, the most common reason is that your Snapchat app is out of date. Open your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for Snapchat, and tap "Update" if an update is available. Then restart the app and check Settings again.
Another reason the option might be missing is if you're using an older phone or operating system that Snapchat no longer supports. Snapchat regularly drops support for older iOS and Android versions. If updating doesn't help, your phone may not be compatible with the emoji settings feature. You can still use Snapchat normally — you just won't be able to change emoji styles.
Emoji styles on different devices
iPhone and iPad users typically see Apple's emoji style as one option, along with Snapchat's own design. Android users see Google's emoji style as an option, also alongside Snapchat's design. Some Android phones may show additional manufacturer-specific emoji styles depending on the phone brand.
The exact styles available can change when Snapchat updates the app or when your phone's operating system updates. If you see new emoji styles appear after an update, it means Snapchat added them to your version of the app. You can switch to any of the new styles using the same Settings path.
What happens to emojis you've already sent
Changing your emoji style does not change how emojis look in old messages. If you sent a message with an emoji last week using Apple's emoji style, and you switch to Snapchat's style today, that old message still shows the Apple emoji to you. The change only affects new messages you send and receive going forward.
Because Snapchat messages disappear after they're viewed (unless saved), you won't usually see old emoji styles anyway. The emoji style setting mainly affects what you see in active conversations and in your chat list. Once you switch styles, all future messages will display in your newly selected emoji style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other people see the emoji style I chose?
No. Other people see emojis in their own phone's default style, not the style you selected. Your emoji choice is only for your own Snapchat app. If you use Snapchat's emoji style and send a message to someone with an iPhone, they see Apple emojis.
Can I use different emoji styles for different chats?
No. The emoji style setting applies to your entire Snapchat app. You can only have one emoji style active at a time. If you want to switch styles, you have to change it in Settings, and it affects all your chats.
Why do emojis look different in my messages than in my friend's?
Because you and your friend are using different phones or operating systems. If you have an iPhone and your friend has an Android, you each see emojis in your phone's native style. This is normal and happens in most messaging apps.
What if I can't find the Emojis setting?
Update Snapchat to the latest version from your app store and restart the app. If the setting still doesn't appear, your phone's operating system may be too old for this feature. Check that your iOS or Android version is current by going to your phone's Settings app.