Genmoji is Apple's AI tool for creating custom emoji characters
Genmoji is a feature that lets you generate custom emoji using artificial intelligence. Instead of choosing from Apple's existing emoji library, you describe what you want — a cat wearing sunglasses, a robot made of pizza, a specific person as a cartoon character — and the tool creates it for you. The emoji appears in your keyboard and works anywhere you'd normally use an emoji: messages, emails, notes, social media.
Genmoji launched with iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 in December 2024. It's built into Apple devices and doesn't require a separate app or subscription. The feature uses on-device processing, meaning Apple doesn't send your descriptions to external servers.
Key Takeaways
- Genmoji requires iOS 18.1 or later on iPhone, or iPadOS 18.1 or later on iPad; older devices cannot access this feature.
- You access Genmoji through the emoji keyboard by tapping the plus icon or star icon, depending on your device model.
- You type a description of what you want the emoji to look like, and the AI generates options you can save to your keyboard.
- Generated emoji work in Messages, Mail, Notes, and most third-party apps that support standard emoji.
Check your device model and iOS version first
Genmoji works on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Pro models with M1 chips or newer. It does not work on standard iPhone 15, iPhone 14, or older models. The feature requires these devices because it relies on their more powerful processors to generate images locally on your device.
To check your iOS version, go to Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the "Software Version" line. You need iOS 18.1 or later. If you have an older version, go to Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update to read the latest version.
Open the emoji keyboard and find the Genmoji button
In any app where you can type — Messages, Mail, Notes, or a text field in a web browser — tap the emoji keyboard button. On most iPhones, this is the smiley face icon at the bottom of your keyboard. On iPad, it may appear as a globe or emoji icon depending on your keyboard layout.
Once the emoji keyboard opens, look for a plus sign (+) or star icon in the top row or corner of the emoji panel. This is the Genmoji button. Tap it to open the generation tool. If you don't see it, swipe left through the emoji categories at the bottom until you reach the Genmoji section.
Describe what you want and generate options
A text field appears asking you to describe your emoji. Type what you want to see: "a golden retriever wearing a chef's hat," "a spaceship made of ice cream," "my friend Sarah as a superhero." Be specific about colors, objects, expressions, and style if you want results closer to what you're imagining.
Tap the generate button (usually a checkmark or arrow). The tool creates four emoji options for you to choose from. If none of them match what you wanted, tap the refresh or regenerate button to create four new options. You can regenerate as many times as you need.
Save the emoji you want to your keyboard
Once you find an emoji you like, tap it to select it. A menu appears with options to add it to your keyboard or use it when ready in your message. Tap "Add to Favorites" or "Add Sticker" (the exact wording varies by iOS version) to save it permanently to your emoji keyboard.
Saved Genmoji appear in a dedicated section of your emoji keyboard, usually labeled "Recents" or "Genmoji." You can access them the same way you access any other emoji — by opening the emoji keyboard and tapping the one you want. You can create and save as many custom emoji as you want.
Use your Genmoji in messages and apps
Once saved, your Genmoji works anywhere standard emoji work. In Messages, tap the emoji keyboard, find your saved Genmoji, and tap it to add it to your message. You can combine Genmoji with text, other emoji, and images in the same message.
Genmoji also work in Mail, Notes, reminders, calendar events, and most third-party apps like Twitter, Instagram, or Slack. If an app supports standard emoji, it supports Genmoji. When you send a Genmoji to someone with an older device or non-Apple phone, it appears as a static image rather than an interactive emoji, but they can still see it.
Troubleshooting if Genmoji doesn't appear
If you don't see the Genmoji button in your emoji keyboard, first confirm you have iOS 18.1 or later and own a compatible device (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPad Pro M1 or newer). Restart your device by powering it off and back on, then try again.
If Genmoji still doesn't appear, go to Settings, tap Privacy, then tap Apple Intelligence. Make sure the toggle for Genmoji or "Image Playground" is turned on. If it's off, turn it on and wait a few moments for the feature to set up. You may need to restart your device again after enabling it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share Genmoji with people who have Android phones?
Yes. When you send a Genmoji to an Android user, it converts to a standard image file they can view and save. They won't be able to edit or regenerate it, but they'll see exactly what you created.
Do I need an internet connection to create Genmoji?
No. Genmoji generation happens on your device itself, so you don't need Wi-Fi or cellular data. However, you do need enough storage space on your device for the AI model to run.
Can I edit a Genmoji after I've created it?
You can regenerate new versions by opening the Genmoji tool again and typing a new description. You cannot edit an existing saved Genmoji directly, but you can delete it and create a new one with a modified description.
What happens if my description is inappropriate or unclear?
Apple's system filters out requests for violent, hateful, or explicit content. If your description is unclear, the tool generates its best interpretation. You can regenerate as many times as needed to get closer to what you want.
Will Genmoji work offline after I create them?
Yes. Once you save a Genmoji to your keyboard, it's stored on your device and works offline. You only need a connection to generate new ones the first time.