You can create custom emoji on iPhone using Memoji, which saves as a sticker you can use in messages and FaceTime

iPhone's Memoji feature lets you build a cartoon version of yourself or anyone else, then use it in texts, emails, and video calls. It is not a true emoji in the technical sense — Apple's actual emoji set is fixed and controlled by the company — but Memoji works the same way in practice: you tap it, it appears in your message, and the person on the other end sees it. The feature is built into iMessage on iPhone 12 and newer, and on iPhone XS, XR, and 11 if you update to iOS 13 or later.

Creating one takes about two minutes. You do not need an app, a computer, or any technical knowledge. You just need to know where the button is and what the sliders do.

Key Takeaways

  • Memoji are custom cartoon faces you create in the Messages app by adjusting skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, nose, mouth, and accessories.
  • Once you create a Memoji, it saves automatically and appears in your sticker drawer whenever you open Messages.
  • You can create multiple Memoji of different people or versions of yourself, and edit or delete them anytime.
  • Memoji work in iMessage, FaceTime, Mail, and some third-party apps, but the other person needs an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to see them as animated stickers.

How to open the Memoji creator on your iPhone

Open the Messages app and start a new message or open an existing conversation. Tap the smiley-face button at the bottom left of the keyboard — it looks like a colon and closing parenthesis. This opens the emoji keyboard. At the top of the emoji panel, you will see a row of small circular icons. The rightmost icon shows a plus sign inside a circle. Tap that.

A screen titled "New Memoji" appears. This is where you build your character. You will see a large preview of a face in the center, with tabs below it labeled "Skin Tone," "Head Shape," "Hair," and so on. Start with whichever feature you want to change.

Adjusting the basic features of your Memoji

Tap the "Skin Tone" tab first. Swipe left and right through the color options until you find the one you want, then tap it. The preview updates when ready. Move to "Head Shape" next and choose from round, oval, square, or heart-shaped options. Then go to "Hair" and pick a style — there are about 30 options including bald, short, long, curly, and styles with color options.

Continue through the remaining tabs in order: "Eyes" (shape and color), "Eyebrows" (shape and color), "Nose" (size and shape), "Mouth" (shape and color), "Ears" (size and style), and "Facial Hair" if you want it. Each tab shows you a preview as you change it. You do not have to fill every option — you can skip tabs you do not care about and come back later.

Adding accessories and finishing details

After the basic face features, you will see tabs for "Headwear," "Eyewear," "Nose and Mouth Accessories" (like a mustache or nose ring), and "Piercings." These are all optional. Tap any tab to see what is available, and swipe to browse the options. You can combine multiple accessories — for example, glasses and a hat at the same time.

The last tab is usually "Age" or "Expression," depending on your iOS version. This lets you adjust how old the character looks or add a default expression. Once you are happy with how your Memoji looks, tap "Done" at the top right of the screen.

Where your Memoji appears and how to use it

Your new Memoji saves automatically and appears in the sticker drawer. The next time you open Messages and tap the smiley-face button, your Memoji will be in the top row of the emoji panel, to the left of the plus sign. Tap it once to add it to your message. You can send the same Memoji multiple times in one conversation, or use it in different chats.

Memoji also work in FaceTime — during a video call, tap the effects button (three dots in a circle) and choose "Memoji" to put your custom face over your actual face during the call. You can use Memoji in Mail, Notes, and some third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp, though the appearance may vary depending on the app.

Editing, duplicating, or deleting a Memoji

To change a Memoji you already created, open Messages, tap the emoji button, and long-press on the Memoji you want to edit. A menu appears with options to "Edit" or "Delete." Tap "Edit" to open the same creator screen you used to build it, and adjust any features you want. Your changes save automatically when you tap "Done."

If you want to create a similar Memoji without starting from scratch, long-press the one you want to copy and tap "Duplicate." A new version appears in your sticker drawer with the same features, and you can edit it to make variations. This is useful if you want multiple versions of yourself with different hairstyles or accessories, or if you want to create Memoji of family members who share similar features.

Why Memoji might not look the same to everyone

When you send a Memoji to someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, they see it as an animated sticker that looks exactly like what you created. If you send it to someone with an Android phone or an older device, they may see it as a static image or emoji instead, depending on their device and messaging app. The sticker still sends, but it loses the animation and may look slightly different.

Memoji are also tied to your iCloud account, so if you sign into a different iPhone with the same Apple ID, your Memoji appear there too. If you sign out or switch devices, your Memoji stay on the device where you created them unless you back them up through iCloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of myself to create a Memoji?

No, Memoji are built by adjusting sliders and choosing from preset options. You cannot upload a photo and have the app turn it into a Memoji. However, you can look at a photo while you adjust the features to match your appearance as closely as possible.

How many Memoji can I create?

You can create as many as you want. There is no limit. Each one saves separately and appears in your sticker drawer. You can organize them by deleting ones you no longer use.

What is the difference between Memoji and Animoji?

Animoji are pre-made animated characters like animals, food, and objects that Apple provides. Memoji are custom characters you create to look like a person. Both work the same way in messages and FaceTime, but Memoji let you customize the appearance.

Can I send a Memoji to a group chat?

Yes, Memoji work in group chats the same way they work in one-on-one messages. Everyone in the chat will see it, though Android users may see a static image instead of the animation.

Do I need an internet connection to create a Memoji?

No, Memoji are created and stored on your device. You do not need Wi-Fi or cellular data to build one, though you do need internet to send it in a message.