Where to Find Emoji Settings on Snapchat
Snapchat lets you change how emojis look on your phone by switching between different emoji styles — but the setting lives in your phone's system settings, not inside the Snapchat app itself. On both iPhone and Android, you control which emoji set your entire phone displays, and Snapchat uses whatever style you choose.
The emoji style you pick affects not just Snapchat but every app on your phone. If you want emojis to look different only in Snapchat and nowhere else, that is not possible — the change is system-wide. However, you can switch back and forth between styles whenever you want, so you can test different looks without committing to one.
Key Takeaways
- Emoji styles are controlled through your phone's settings, not through Snapchat itself, because all apps on your phone share the same emoji set.
- iPhone users can only change emoji appearance by updating to a newer iOS version, since Apple releases new emoji designs with each major update.
- Android users can read third-party emoji keyboard apps like Gboard or SwiftKey to change how emojis look across their phone.
- Changing your emoji style takes less than five minutes and does not affect any of your Snapchat data, friends, or saved messages.
Changing Emojis on iPhone
On iPhone, Apple controls the emoji design and releases new styles only when you update to a new iOS version. You cannot pick between different emoji styles within the same iOS version — your only option is to update your phone to the latest iOS available. Open Settings, tap General, then Software Update to check if a newer version is ready to install.
When you install a new iOS version, the emoji designs automatically change across your entire phone, including in Snapchat. The update usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and how much storage your phone has free. Make sure your iPhone is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi before you start the update, because interrupting it can cause problems.
If you want a completely different emoji style right now without waiting for an iOS update, your only workaround is to use an emoji keyboard app from the App Store. Apps like Emoji Keyboard or Facemoji let you insert custom emojis, though they work best when you are typing in apps that support third-party keyboards. Snapchat's text input does support third-party keyboards, so you can use one of these apps to type emojis with a different look.
Changing Emojis on Android
Android gives you more control than iPhone because you can install a different keyboard app that includes its own emoji set. The most popular options are Gboard (made by Google), SwiftKey (made by Microsoft), and Samsung Keyboard if you own a Samsung phone. Each keyboard comes with its own emoji designs, so switching keyboards changes how emojis appear.
To switch to a different keyboard, open Settings, go to System or Languages and Input (the exact name varies by phone brand), then tap Virtual Keyboard or On-Screen Keyboard. You will see a list of installed keyboards. Tap the keyboard you want to use, then return to Snapchat and start typing — the new emoji style will appear when you insert emojis.
If the keyboard you want is not installed yet, open the Google Play Store, search for the keyboard name, and tap Install. Wait for the read to finish, then follow the setup steps the app provides. Most keyboards ask permission to access your typing, which is normal — they need this to function. After setup is complete, you can switch to that keyboard in your phone's input settings.
Testing Different Emoji Styles Before You Commit
You do not have to keep one emoji style forever. On Android, you can switch between keyboards in seconds by opening any text field, holding down the space bar (or tapping the keyboard icon), and selecting a different keyboard from the menu. This lets you test how different emoji styles look in Snapchat without making a permanent change.
On iPhone, switching emoji styles means updating iOS, which takes longer and affects your whole phone. If you are not sure you like a new iOS version's emoji design, you can wait a few days after updating to see if you adjust to it. Most people find they get used to new emoji designs within a week of seeing them regularly.
Why Snapchat Does Not Have Its Own Emoji Settings
Snapchat uses your phone's system emoji set rather than its own because that is how modern phones work — all apps share the same emoji library to keep file sizes small and may support consistency. If Snapchat had its own separate emoji set, it would take up extra storage space on your phone and look different from emojis in your text messages, email, and other apps.
This design choice means you cannot customize emojis just for Snapchat. Any change you make affects every app on your phone. The upside is that you only have to change your emoji style once to see the effect everywhere, rather than adjusting settings in each app separately.
Common Mistakes When Changing Emoji Styles
The biggest mistake is looking for emoji settings inside the Snapchat app itself. Snapchat does not have an emoji customization menu — you have to go through your phone's system settings or install a new keyboard. If you search Snapchat's settings for "emoji," you will not find anything, which frustrates people who expect the option to be there.
On Android, another common mistake is installing an emoji app instead of a keyboard app. Emoji apps let you copy and paste emojis, but they do not change how emojis look when you type normally. You need a full keyboard replacement like Gboard or SwiftKey to change your emoji style system-wide. Check the app description to confirm it is a keyboard before you install it.
On iPhone, some people try to change emoji appearance through Accessibility settings or other menus, but those do not control emoji design. The only way to change emoji style on iPhone is through an iOS update or by using a third-party emoji keyboard app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different emoji styles in Snapchat than in my text messages?
No. Your phone's emoji style applies to all apps at once. If you want a different look just for Snapchat, you would have to switch your keyboard or iOS version every time you open Snapchat, which is not practical. The emoji style you choose affects your entire phone.
Will changing my emoji style delete my Snapchat messages or streaks?
No. Changing emoji styles does not touch any of your Snapchat data. Your messages, friends, streaks, and saved content stay exactly the same. The change only affects how emojis look visually on your screen.
Do I need to update my entire phone to change emojis on iPhone?
Yes, on iPhone the only built-in way to change emoji design is to update iOS. You can avoid this by using a third-party emoji keyboard app instead, which does not require an iOS update. However, most people find it easier to just update their phone when a new version is available.
What happens if I switch keyboards on Android and then switch back?
Your old keyboard is still installed and works exactly as it did before. Switching between keyboards does not delete them or change any settings. You can go back and forth as many times as you want with no consequences.
Are there emoji styles that look like the old Apple or Android designs?
Some third-party keyboard apps include retro emoji packs that mimic older designs, but they are not official. Gboard and SwiftKey both let you browse different emoji styles within the app, so you can preview them before committing. Check the keyboard's settings menu to see what emoji options are available.