The digital world offers endless possibilities to customize our communication, and emoji, together with the latest Memoji, have become an indispensable element to express emotions and concepts visually and instantly. Often, Android users admire the variety and design of the “faces” available on Apple devices, wishing to be able to use them even in their conversations on WhatsApp. Fortunately, there are several solutions to meet this need, adapting both to iOS and Android users.
This article will explore in detail how to better enable and leverage iPhone standard emojis and its exclusive Memojis within the world’s most popular messaging application, WhatsApp. We will guide you through the necessary steps, providing clear and practical instructions for each scenario.
Emoji on iPhone: Integrated Simplicity
For those who own an iPhone, the use of emoji is an extremely intuitive process, since they are already integrated into the system keyboard. To put them in a WhatsApp chat, simply start the application, select the desired conversation and tap the smiley face icon, usually placed in the lower left corner of the keyboard.
In rare cases, the face icon may not be visible. This indicates that the emoji keyboard may not be enabled in iOS settings. To solve, follow these simple steps:
- Access the Home screen or the iPhone app library.
- Tap the icon of the Settings (in the form of gear).
- Select the item General.
- Scroll and touch Keyboard, so Keyboards.
- In the list of enabled keyboards, if you do not see Emoji, touch Add new keyboard and then select Emoji.
Once enabled, the emoji keyboard will always be available, ensuring quick access to all system faces.
Get iPhone Emojis on Android: A Resolvable Challenge
The situation for Android users is slightly more complex, but not unsurpassed. Because Android and iOS use different fonts and fonts, you can’t “copy and paste” the emoji directly. The solution is to install a compatible keyboard or application that can manage the rendering of iOS fonts.
Preparation: Install and Configure Gboard
Google's keyboard, Gboard, is an excellent and widely recommended choice for this purpose. It is rich in functionality and, above all, compatible with applications that allow you to change the set of emoji. Many Android devices already include it as standard, but if it is not present, you can download it and install it free of charge from the Play Store.
After installation, it is essential to ensure that Gboard is enabled and set as a default keyboard. Specific steps may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your Android device, as well as the OS version. However, the overall path is as follows:
- Login to the Home screen or Android app drawer and tap the icon Settings.
- Search and select the item System (or similar, as “General Manager” on some Samsung).
- Tape Languages and input.
- Go Virtual Keyboard (or “screen keyboard”).
- Select Manage keyboard and move on ♪ the switch next to Gboard.
With Gboard set as a default keyboard, you are ready for the next step.
Root Root on Android Devices
It is important to know that some of the procedures to get iPhone emojis on Android might require the acquisition of permissions root on the device. The root is a process that unlocks full access to the operating system, allowing deep changes that would otherwise not be possible. Not all devices require it and it is not always necessary, but its possible need depends on the specific model of the phone and the version of Android in use.
If the procedure you choose requires root, it is essential to be aware of both the advantages (more customization, access to advanced features) and the disadvantages and risks (invalidation of the guarantee, potential security or stability issues if not executed correctly). It is highly recommended to complete backup of all important data before proceeding with any root operation, to prevent loss of information in case of unexpected.
Use Emoji Switcher for Android (Request Root)
For Android devices with enabled root permissions, application Emoji Switcher represents one of the most effective solutions to install emoji features of iOS. This app allows you to exchange the emoji set of the system with the one you want in a few touches. Remember that, in addition to the root, you need to have Gboard installed and active.
Here's how to proceed:
- Preventive Backup: First of all, make sure you have a full backup of your data.
- Download the app: Visit the Play Store and search “Emoji Switcher”. Download and install the application. You could also find it on alternative stores.
- Start and configure: Open Emoji Switcher. During the first start, the app will guide you through a short tutorial. Make swipe left to skip the tutorial and allow the app to check for root and Gboard permissions. If the requirements are not met, the app may not work. When required, tap the button Start.
- Install emoji: Within the app, locate the iOS icon package of your interest (usually called “iOS Emoji” or similar). Tap the button Install corresponding to download it on your device.
- Apply emoji: Once downloaded, tap the button Set to apply the package to Gboard. The app will require the acquisition of root permissions; allow them when required.
- Restart your device: It is essential to reboot your smartphone to finalize the installation and make new emojis recognized by the system.
After restarting, open WhatsApp, select a chat and tap the text field to type a message. Perform a prolonged touch on the comma-shaped key on the Gboard keyboard, then press the face icon. You should now see and be able to use the iPhone emoji just installed in all your apps, including WhatsApp.
Solution Without Root for Samsung (Android 7.0 or later)
If you have a Samsung terminal with Android operating system 7.0 (Nougat) or later, you may have a simpler solution that does not require root permissions. Some versions of Emoji Switcher, specifically designed for Samsung devices, allow you to install iOS emojis almost identical to the procedure described above, but without the need to unlock the root of your phone. Also in this case, the app is available on the Play Store and alternative stores, and its operation is very intuitive, guiding you through the steps to install the emoji package.
IPhone Memojis on WhatsApp: Custom Sticker
In addition to standard emoji, the iPhone introduced the Memoji: animated and customizable “stickers” that reflect the user’s facial expressions in various scenarios (laughter, smiles, assemblies, crying and much more). Introduced with the iPhone X and fully available on all models with iOS 13 and later, Memoji can also be used in WhatsApp conversations.
Memoji on iPhone: Direct access
For iPhone users, sending a Memoji to WhatsApp is just as easy as sending a normal emoji:
- Open WhatsApp and select the desired conversation in the section Chat.
- Tap the text field to type a new message.
- Tap the smiley face icon in the lower left corner of the keyboard.
- Run a swipe from left to right in the face menu until you see the Memoji section.
- Tap the button with the three dots (…) to access the complete gallery of your Memoji.
- Select the Memoji sticker you prefer and the “posa” of your interest. Sending in the conversation will take place immediately.
You can also create custom Memojis that resemble you, making communication even more unique.
Memoji on Android: Indirect Methods
On Android devices, you can’t create native Memoji as on iPhone, but there are ways to get them and use them in your WhatsApp chats, taking advantage of the sticker functionality.
Receive and Save Memoji from iPhone Contacts
The simplest method is to ask an acquaintance who owns an iPhone to send you the Memoji you like most via WhatsApp. Once received on your Android device:
- Open WhatsApp and select the chat where you received the Memoji.
- Tap each Memoji received and select the option Add to favorites. This will save her in your personal sticker collection.
Send Save Memojis
Once you add to your favorites, you can send Memoji to any WhatsApp chat on your Android:
- Open the reference conversation from the tab Chat.
- Tap the text field down.
- Tap the sticker icon (usually a folded square, different from the emoji face).
- Access the favorite stickers section by touching the star icon.
- Select the Memoji you want to send from your collection.
Create Custom Avatars as an Alternative to Memoji on Android
If you want an experience similar to creating Memoji, but directly on your Android, there are several third-party apps available on the Play Store that allow you to create custom avatars with your own features or unique styles. These apps often offer the ability to generate stickers from these avatars, which can then be integrated and used in WhatsApp and other messaging applications. Although not Apple’s “original” Memojis, they offer an excellent alternative for those looking for a touch of graphic customization.
Final considerations
As we have seen, the ability to use iPhone emoji and Memoji on WhatsApp is largely at hand, although with slightly different routes depending on your smartphone’s operating system. For iPhone users, integration is native and immediate. For Android users, with some additional configuration and, in some cases, the need for root permissions, you can still enrich your messaging experience with the Apple graphic set. Regardless of your device, now you have all the tools to give a touch of vivacity and originality to your conversations on WhatsApp.
