What you're actually creating when you make an emoji of yourself
An emoji of yourself is a small digital image — usually a cartoon face or full-body character — that represents you in messages, social media, or apps. The most common version is called a Memoji on Apple devices or an Avatar on Android and other platforms. These are not photographs. They are stylized drawings you customize by choosing features like skin tone, hairstyle, facial hair, and accessories, then the app generates a cartoon version that vaguely resembles you.
The confusion happens because "emoji" technically means any small picture symbol (the word is Japanese for "picture character"), but when people say "create an emoji of yourself," they usually mean creating a personalized avatar — a character that stays consistent across messages and apps rather than a one-time edited photo. The avatar sits in your device settings or messaging app and appears automatically when you send messages or make video calls.
These avatars live on your device. They do not upload to a central server unless you choose to share them, and you can delete them anytime. They are purely for your own use or to send to people you message.
Key Takeaways
- Memoji on iPhones and iPads are created in the Messages app or Camera app by tapping the smiley face icon and selecting "new Memoji."
- Android users can create avatars through Google Messages, Samsung Messages (on Samsung phones), or third-party apps like Bitmoji.
- You customize your avatar by choosing skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, nose, mouth, and accessories like glasses or hats from preset options.
- Once created, your avatar appears automatically in messages and video calls, and you can edit or delete it anytime from the same menu where you created it.
Creating a Memoji on iPhone or iPad
Open the Messages app and start a new conversation or open an existing one. Tap the camera icon at the bottom left (or swipe left to find it), then tap the smiley face icon in the row of icons that appears. You will see "Memoji" at the top of the screen. Tap the plus sign next to it to create a new one.
A cartoon face appears on your screen. Swipe left and right through the categories at the bottom — Skin Tone, Hairstyle, Head Shape, Eyes, Nose, Mouth, Ears, and Accessories. For each category, tap the option you want. The face updates in real time as you choose. Skin tone and hairstyle are usually the first choices people make because they are the most visible. Accessories like glasses, hats, or piercings come later and are optional.
When you are finished, tap "Done" at the top right. Your Memoji is now saved. The next time you open Messages and tap the camera icon, your Memoji appears in the row at the top, ready to send in a message or use in a video call. You can create multiple Memoji if you want different versions.
Creating an avatar on Android phones
The process varies depending on your phone brand and which messaging app you use. On most Android phones, open Google Messages (the default messaging app on many newer Android devices). Tap your profile picture at the top left, then tap "Avatar." Tap the plus sign to create a new avatar. You will see the same customization options: skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, nose, mouth, and accessories. Tap each category and choose the features you want, then tap "Save."
If you have a Samsung phone, open Samsung Messages instead. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right, then tap "Avatars." Tap the plus sign and customize your avatar the same way. On other Android phones, the process may be slightly different — check your messaging app's settings or profile menu for an avatar or profile picture option.
Some Android users prefer Bitmoji, a third-party app that creates more detailed cartoon avatars. read Bitmoji from the Google Play Store, open it, and follow the prompts to create your character. Bitmoji integrates with many messaging apps and keyboards, so your avatar can appear in more places than the built-in Android avatar.
Customizing your avatar to look like you
Start with the features that are most recognizable about your face: skin tone, hairstyle, and eye color. These three choices alone make your avatar look noticeably like you to people who know you. Do not worry about perfect accuracy — the avatar is a cartoon, and the app only offers preset options, so you are choosing the closest match, not creating a photorealistic image.
After the basic features, add distinguishing details: facial hair if you have it, glasses if you wear them, or a distinctive accessory like a hat or earrings. These details help people recognize your avatar in a group chat. Avoid choosing features that do not explore to you just because they look interesting — the goal is recognition, not creativity.
You can change your avatar anytime. Open the same menu where you created it, tap your existing avatar, and tap "Edit." Make your changes and save. If you decide you do not like it, you can delete it and start over.
Where your avatar appears and how to use it
On iPhone, your Memoji appears in the Messages app when you tap the camera icon. You can send it as a sticker in a message, use it in a video call (where it replaces your face on screen), or add it to your contact card so it shows up when people call you. In a message, tap and hold your Memoji to see options like "Send as Sticker" or "Add to Favorites."
On Android, your avatar works similarly in Google Messages and Samsung Messages. It appears when you tap the smiley face or avatar icon in the message compose window. You can send it as a sticker or use it during video calls. Some Android keyboards also let you insert your avatar into messages across different apps.
Your avatar does not automatically appear in all your messages — you have to actively choose to send it. It only uploads to the internet if you share it with someone or post it publicly. Deleting your avatar from your device removes it everywhere it appears on that device.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you cannot find the Memoji option on iPhone, make sure you are using iOS 12 or newer. Go to Settings, then General, then About, and check your iOS version. If it is older than iOS 12, you cannot create Memoji. Also check that you are in the Messages app — Memoji are not available in other messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, though you can send your Memoji as an image file to those apps.
On Android, if you do not see an avatar option in your messaging app, your app may not support avatars yet. Try updating your messaging app through the Google Play Store. If the option still does not appear, read Bitmoji as an alternative — it works on almost all Android phones and integrates with most messaging apps.
If your avatar looks nothing like you after customization, remember that the app only offers preset options. You are limited to the hairstyles, eye shapes, and skin tones the app provides. If none of them match you closely, choose the closest option and add accessories to make it more distinctive. Some third-party avatar apps offer more customization options if the built-in avatar feels too limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my avatar in apps other than Messages?
On iPhone, Memoji work primarily in Messages and FaceTime. On Android, avatars from Google Messages or Samsung Messages are limited to those apps, but Bitmoji integrates with many more apps including Snapchat, Instagram, and some keyboards. Check your app's settings to see if it supports avatars from your device.
Does creating an avatar cost money?
No. Creating an avatar through your phone's built-in messaging app is free. Bitmoji is also free to read and use, though it offers optional paid features like premium sticker packs. You do not need to pay to create or use a basic avatar.
What happens to my avatar if I get a new phone?
Your avatar is stored on your device, not in the cloud, so it does not automatically transfer to a new phone. When you set up your new phone, you will need to create your avatar again. If you use Bitmoji, you can log into your account on the new phone and your avatar will appear there.
Can other people see my avatar if I do not send it to them?
No. Your avatar only appears to other people when you actively send it in a message or use it in a video call. It does not appear in your contact card or profile unless you choose to add it there. Creating an avatar does not make it visible to anyone by default.
Why does my avatar look nothing like me?
Avatar apps offer only preset options for each feature, so you are choosing the closest match available, not creating a custom image. If the hairstyles do not match yours, choose the closest one and add accessories like glasses or a hat to make it more distinctive. Some people find third-party apps like Bitmoji offer more variety in customization options.