Where to Find and Change Your Emoji on Instagram
Instagram lets you change the emoji that appears next to your name in comments, captions, and your profile. The emoji you choose shows up as your personal reaction mark across the platform. To change it, open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Then tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right corner.
From there, select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll down and tap Preferences, then Emoji style. You will see a row of emoji options to choose from. Tap the one you want, and it becomes your new personal emoji when ready. The change takes effect right away on your profile and in any new comments or reactions you make.
If you do not see Emoji style in your Preferences menu, your account may not have access to this feature yet. Instagram rolls out features gradually, so it may arrive on your account in the coming weeks. You can also try updating the Instagram app to the latest version, as older versions sometimes lack newer customization options.
Key Takeaways
- Your personal emoji appears next to your name when you comment or react on Instagram, and you can change it from Settings and privacy > Settings > Preferences > Emoji style.
- The emoji you select becomes active when ready and shows on your profile and in all new comments and reactions you make.
- If the Emoji style option does not appear in your menu, the feature may not yet be available on your account or you may need to update the Instagram app.
- Your emoji choice is visible to other users and becomes part of how your account appears across the platform.
What Your Personal Emoji Does on Instagram
Your chosen emoji acts as a signature mark that appears whenever you interact on the platform. When you comment on a post, your emoji shows up next to your username. When you react to someone else's comment with a like or other reaction, your emoji displays alongside that reaction. It is a small visual identifier that makes your activity recognizable at a glance.
The emoji you pick is visible to everyone who sees your comments and reactions, so it becomes part of your public profile presence. You can change it as often as you want, and the new emoji will replace the old one everywhere it appears going forward. Past comments will show your new emoji, not the old one you had when you made them.
Emoji Options Available on Instagram
Instagram offers a set selection of emoji for you to choose from in the Emoji style menu. The exact options available may vary slightly depending on your phone's operating system and the version of Instagram you are running. Common choices include hearts, smiley faces, hand gestures, and other expressive symbols.
You cannot upload a custom emoji or use any emoji outside of Instagram's preset list. Your choice is limited to what appears in the Emoji style menu on your account. If you want a different emoji than what is offered, you can check back later, as Instagram occasionally updates the available options.
Changing Your Emoji on iPhone vs. Android
The steps to change your emoji are the same on both iPhone and Android phones. Open Instagram, tap your profile icon, select the menu (three lines), go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Preferences, then Emoji style. Choose your emoji and it saves automatically. Both platforms use the same menu structure and the same set of emoji options.
If you use Instagram on a web browser on a computer, you may not have access to the Emoji style option. This feature is primarily designed for the mobile app. To change your emoji, use the Instagram app on your phone instead.
Troubleshooting When You Cannot Find the Emoji Option
If Emoji style does not appear in your Preferences menu, the most common reason is that Instagram has not yet rolled out this feature to your account. Instagram releases features in waves, so some accounts get access before others. This is normal and not a sign of a problem with your account.
The second most common reason is that your Instagram app is outdated. Open your phone's app store (Apple App Store for iPhone, Google Play Store for Android), search for Instagram, and tap Update if an update is available. After updating, close the app completely and reopen it, then check Preferences again.
If you still do not see the option after updating, your account may straightforward not have access yet. Check back in a few weeks, as the feature will likely become available to you as Instagram continues rolling it out. In the meantime, your account will continue to work normally without a personal emoji selected.
What Happens If You Do Not Choose an Emoji
If you do not select a personal emoji, Instagram will assign you a default one. This default emoji will appear next to your name in comments and reactions just like a chosen one would. You are not required to pick a specific emoji; the platform handles it for you if you leave it unset.
You can change from a default emoji to a chosen one at any time by following the same steps. There is no penalty or consequence for not having a personal emoji selected, and changing it does not affect your account in any way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can other people see what emoji I chose?
Yes. Your emoji appears next to your username whenever you comment or react on Instagram, so anyone viewing those comments or reactions will see it. It is a public part of your profile presence on the platform.
If I change my emoji, will it update on old comments I made?
Yes. When you change your emoji, it updates everywhere it appears, including on comments you made in the past. Old comments will show your new emoji, not the one you had when you originally posted them.
Can I use a custom emoji or emoji not in Instagram's list?
No. You can only choose from the emoji options that appear in the Emoji style menu. Instagram does not allow custom uploads or emoji from outside its preset selection.
Why does the Emoji style option not show up on my account?
Instagram rolls out features gradually to different accounts over time. Your account may not have access to this feature yet. Try updating the Instagram app, and if the option still does not appear, check back in a few weeks as it becomes available to more accounts.
Can I remove my emoji and have no emoji at all?
No. Instagram requires every account to have a personal emoji. If you do not choose one, the platform assigns you a default. You can change which emoji you use, but you cannot opt out of having one entirely.