What a Memoji is and where to find it

A Memoji is a cartoon version of your face that you create and customize on your iPhone. It uses your phone's front camera to read your facial expressions and movements, then mirrors them with an animated character. You can use your Memoji in FaceTime calls, Messages, Mail, and in some apps that support it.

Memoji lives in the same place as emoji on your iPhone — in the keyboard. When you tap the emoji button while typing a message or composing an email, you'll see your Memoji alongside the standard emoji library. Apple added Memoji starting with iPhone XS and later models, so if your phone is older than that, the feature won't be available.

The feature works because your iPhone has a TrueDepth camera system in the front — the same technology that powers Face ID. That camera tracks over 50 different facial muscles, so your Memoji can blink, smile, raise an eyebrow, and stick its tongue out when you do.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Messages or any app with a keyboard, tap the emoji button, then swipe left to find the Memoji tab and tap the plus sign to create a new one.
  • Customize your Memoji's skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, nose, mouth, and accessories by tapping each feature and scrolling through options.
  • Your Memoji will copy your real facial expressions during FaceTime calls and video messages, moving its mouth and eyes to match yours.
  • You can create up to 32 different Memoji on one iPhone, each with its own name and appearance.

Opening the Memoji creator for the first time

Start by opening any app where you can type — Messages, Mail, Notes, or even a search bar. Tap the emoji button on your keyboard. On most iPhones, this is a smiley face icon at the bottom left of the keyboard, though the exact location can shift depending on which app you're in.

Once the emoji panel opens, look at the row of icons at the bottom. You'll see different categories: smileys, animals, food, travel, and so on. Swipe left through these category tabs until you reach the very end. The last tab shows a face with a plus sign next to it — that's the Memoji section. Tap the plus sign to start creating your first Memoji.

Your iPhone will ask permission to access your camera so it can see your face while you customize. Tap "Allow" when prompted. The camera preview will appear on screen so you can see how your choices look in real time.

Choosing skin tone, hair, and basic features

The customization screen shows your face in the center with a list of features below it. Start at the top and work down. The first option is usually skin tone — tap it and you'll see a color wheel with options ranging from very light to very dark, plus some non-human colors if you want a blue or green Memoji.

Next comes hairstyle. Tap that option and scroll through dozens of choices: short hair, long hair, curly, straight, bald, with bangs, with a fade, and so on. Your preview updates when ready so you can see how each style looks on your face. Some hairstyles come in different colors, which you can adjust separately.

Continue down the list customizing eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth. Each feature has many variations. For eyes, you can choose the shape, color, and whether they have bags underneath. For the mouth, you can pick the shape and lip color. Take your time here — these choices set the basic look of your character.

Adding accessories and fine details

Below the core facial features, you'll find options for glasses, headwear, facial hair, and other accessories. These are optional — you can skip any you don't want. Tap "Glasses" to choose from sunglasses, reading glasses, or no glasses at all. Tap "Head Covering" for hats, headbands, or crowns.

If you want facial hair, tap that option to add a beard, mustache, or goatee in various styles and colors. You can also add beauty marks, freckles, or a nose ring. Some accessories come in multiple colors, so tap the color option next to the accessory name to change it.

Once you've finished customizing, scroll to the top of the list and tap "Done" or the checkmark button. Your iPhone will ask you to name your Memoji — you can call it anything you want, like "Happy Me" or just your name. Tap "Save" and your Memoji is ready to use.

Using your Memoji in messages and calls

To send your Memoji in a text message, open Messages and start typing a reply. Tap the emoji button, then swipe to the Memoji tab at the end. Your newly created Memoji appears at the top of that section. Tap it once to insert it as a static image, or tap and hold to see options like sending it as a Memoji sticker or creating a Memoji video message.

In FaceTime, your Memoji becomes animated. During a video call, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal effects options. Look for "Memoji" and tap it. Your Memoji will now appear on screen instead of your real face, and it will move and react to your expressions in real time. Your eyes will blink when you blink, your mouth will move when you talk, and your Memoji will smile when you smile.

You can also create a Memoji video message by opening Messages, tapping the camera icon, then selecting your Memoji from the effects. Record a short video of your Memoji reacting to what you're saying, then send it like a regular video message.

Creating multiple Memoji and editing existing ones

You can create up to 32 different Memoji on one iPhone. To make another one, open the emoji keyboard again, go to the Memoji tab, and tap the plus sign. The customization screen opens again, and you can build a completely different character. Some people create one that looks like them, another that's a silly version, and a third that's an animal or fantasy character.

To edit a Memoji you've already created, open the emoji keyboard, go to the Memoji tab, and long-press (tap and hold) on the Memoji you want to change. A menu appears with options to edit or delete it. Tap "Edit" and you'll return to the customization screen where you can change any feature. Your changes save automatically.

If you want to delete a Memoji, long-press it in the Memoji tab and tap "Delete". You can always create a new one later if you change your mind.

Troubleshooting common Memoji problems

If you don't see the Memoji tab in your emoji keyboard, your iPhone model may not support it. Memoji requires iPhone XS or later. If you have a compatible phone but still don't see it, restart your iPhone and try again. Sometimes the feature needs a fresh start to appear.

If your Memoji isn't moving during FaceTime, make sure you've actually selected it from the effects menu. It won't set up automatically — you have to tap it each time you start a call. Also check that your front camera isn't blocked or covered. If the camera is dirty, clean it gently with a soft cloth.

If you're trying to send a Memoji to someone with an Android phone or an older iPhone, they may not see it the way you intended. Memoji works best between iPhones running iOS 12 or later. On older devices, your Memoji may appear as a regular image instead of an animated character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Memoji in apps other than Messages and FaceTime?

Some apps support Memoji, but not all. Any app that lets you access your emoji keyboard can show your Memoji. However, the animated features only work in FaceTime and video messages — in other apps, your Memoji appears as a static image. Check the app's settings to see if it mentions Memoji support.

What happens if I delete a Memoji I've already sent to someone?

The Memoji you sent stays in the conversation. Deleting a Memoji from your phone only removes it from your emoji keyboard — it doesn't erase it from messages you've already sent. The person you sent it to will still see it.

Can I share my Memoji with someone else so they can use it on their phone?

No, Memoji are tied to your iPhone and can't be transferred or shared directly. However, you can send your Memoji to someone as an image or video, and they can see it in your messages. They would need to create their own Memoji on their phone if they want to use one.

Does my Memoji work if I'm wearing glasses or a hat in real life?

Yes. Your Memoji is a separate character that copies your facial expressions, not your appearance. Even if you're wearing sunglasses or a beanie, your Memoji will still track your face and move its eyes and mouth correctly during FaceTime calls.

Can I make my Memoji look like someone else?

You can customize your Memoji to look however you want — it doesn't have to look like you. Many people create Memoji that are completely fictional or exaggerated versions of themselves. The only limitation is that during FaceTime, your Memoji will still copy your real facial expressions, so the person on the call will know it's you by how it moves.