What a Bitmoji is and why you might want one

A Bitmoji is a cartoon version of yourself that you create and customize in an app. It's a small animated character that looks like you — or however you want to look — and you can use it in text messages, emails, social media, and other apps. Snapchat owns Bitmoji, but you don't need Snapchat to make one or use it.

The main reason people create Bitmojis is to add personality to their messages. Instead of typing "I'm excited" or "I'm tired," you can send a cartoon version of yourself doing that thing. Some people use them because they like the look, others because it's a quick way to express how they're feeling without words.

Bitmoji works across many apps — you can use your Bitmoji in Gmail, Gboard (Google's keyboard), iMessage on iPhone, and dozens of other places. Once you create it, it's available everywhere you've connected it.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Bitmoji app from the App Store or Google Play, then sign up with an email address or existing account.
  • Customize your character by choosing your face shape, skin tone, hair, eyes, and clothing to match how you look or how you want to look.
  • Once your Bitmoji is created, you can use it in text messages, emails, and other apps by searching for it in your keyboard or app settings.
  • You can change your Bitmoji's appearance anytime by opening the app and editing your character.

read the app and create an account

Start by downloading the Bitmoji app. On iPhone, go to the App Store and search for "Bitmoji." On Android, search for it in Google Play. The app is free. Once it's installed, open it and tap "Create Account" or "Sign Up."

You can sign up with an email address, or you can use an existing account — Google, Facebook, Apple ID, or Snapchat if you have one. Pick whichever is easiest for you. Enter your password and confirm your email if the app asks you to.

Customize your character's appearance

After you log in, the app will ask you to build your character. Start with the face shape — you'll see options like round, oval, square, or heart-shaped. Tap the one that looks closest to yours, or just pick one you like.

Next comes skin tone, then eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth. The app shows you options for each one. You're not trying to create a perfect replica of yourself — most people pick features that feel roughly right and move on. Scroll through the options and tap what appeals to you.

After the face, you'll choose hair color and style, then clothing. Pick an outfit or a few outfits you like wearing. You can change all of this later, so don't overthink it. Once you're done, tap "Save" or "Create Bitmoji" (the button name varies by version).

Connect your Bitmoji to your keyboard and apps

After you create your Bitmoji, the app will ask if you want to enable it in your keyboard. On iPhone, this means letting Bitmoji add itself to your keyboard settings so you can access it while typing. On Android, it's similar — the app asks permission to work with your keyboard.

Tap "Enable" or "Allow" when the app asks. This doesn't give Bitmoji access to your messages — it just lets you insert your character into messages you're typing, the same way you'd insert an emoji.

If you use Gmail, you can also connect your Bitmoji there. Open Gmail settings, find the Bitmoji option, and sign in with the same account you used for the app. The process is the same for other apps that support Bitmoji — look in that app's settings for a Bitmoji or emoji option.

Use your Bitmoji in messages and emails

Once your Bitmoji is set up, using it is straightforward. Open any messaging app or email, start typing a message, and look for the emoji button on your keyboard — usually a smiley face icon. Tap it, then look for a Bitmoji tab or section. Your character will appear, usually with different poses or expressions you can choose from.

Tap the pose you want, and it will insert into your message. You can send it alone or with text. On iPhone, Bitmoji appears in the emoji keyboard. On Android with Gboard, swipe to the emoji section and look for the Bitmoji tab.

Different apps show Bitmoji in different ways. In Snapchat, you'll see your Bitmoji in the camera view. In iMessage, it appears in the emoji section. The idea is the same everywhere — find the emoji or sticker section and your Bitmoji will be there.

Edit or change your Bitmoji anytime

Your Bitmoji doesn't have to stay the same forever. Open the Bitmoji app, tap your character, and you can change any feature — hair color, outfit, facial hair, glasses, anything. The changes appear everywhere you use your Bitmoji within a few minutes.

Some people change their Bitmoji's outfit seasonally or to match a new hairstyle in real life. Others keep it the same. You can also create multiple Bitmojis if you want — the app lets you have more than one character, though you'll need to switch between them in your keyboard settings.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your Bitmoji isn't showing up in your keyboard, the app probably didn't get permission to access it. Go to your phone's Settings app, find Keyboard or Keyboard Settings, and look for Bitmoji in the list of keyboards or keyboard extensions. Make sure it's turned on.

On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, then tap "Edit" and make sure Bitmoji has a green plus sign next to it. On Android, go to Settings > System > Languages and Input > Virtual Keyboard, find Gboard, and make sure Bitmoji is enabled there.

If the app crashes or won't load, try closing it completely and opening it again. If that doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall the app. Your character is saved to your account, so you won't lose it — it will be there when you log back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Snapchat to use Bitmoji?

No. Snapchat owns Bitmoji, but you can create and use a Bitmoji without ever opening Snapchat. You only need the Bitmoji app and an email address or existing account to sign in.

Can other people see my Bitmoji if I send it to them?

Yes. When you send a Bitmoji in a message, the other person sees it as a sticker or image, just like any other emoji or picture. They don't need the Bitmoji app installed to see it.

Is Bitmoji free?

Yes. The app is free to read and use. There are no paid features or subscriptions required to create and use your Bitmoji.

Can I use my Bitmoji on a computer or web browser?

Bitmoji works best on phones and tablets through the app and keyboard integration. On a computer, you can access Bitmoji through Gmail or some web apps, but the experience is more limited than on mobile.

What happens if I delete the Bitmoji app?

Your character is saved to your account, so if you reinstall the app and log back in, your Bitmoji will still be there. However, you won't be able to use it in your keyboard until you reinstall the app and re-enable it in your settings.