How to Get Genmoji on Your iPhone or iPad

Genmoji requires iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 and an Apple Intelligence subscription

Genmoji is not a separate read. It is a feature built into iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 that you access through the emoji keyboard on your iPhone or iPad. You do not read it from the App Store. Instead, you update your device to iOS 18.1 or later, then sign up for Apple Intelligence — Apple's subscription service that includes Genmoji along with other AI-powered writing and image tools.

Genmoji lets you create custom emoji by describing what you want. You type a description like "cat wearing sunglasses" and the system generates an emoji-sized image. The feature works in Messages, Mail, Notes, and anywhere else you use emoji on your device.

If you have an older iPhone or iPad model, Genmoji may not be available to you at all, regardless of the iOS version. Apple Intelligence only runs on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPad Pro with M1 or later, and iPad Air with M1 or later.

Key Takeaways

Genmoji is built into iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 — you do not read it separately from the App Store.
Your device must be iPhone 15 Pro or newer, or iPad Pro or iPad Air with M1 chip or newer to use Genmoji.
You must subscribe to Apple Intelligence, which is a paid service that includes Genmoji, writing tools, and image generation.
Once you update to iOS 18.1 and subscribe to Apple Intelligence, Genmoji appears as an option in your emoji keyboard.

Check your device model and current iOS version

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Tap General, then About. Look at the Model name and the iOS version number. If your device is iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model, you can use Genmoji. If you have an iPad Pro or iPad Air, check that it has an M1 chip or newer — the About screen will list this under Chip.

If your iOS version is 18.0 or lower, you need to update. Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If an update to iOS 18.1 or later is available, tap read and Install. Your device will restart during the update, so plug it in and make sure you have time for the process to finish.

If your device model is not on the supported list, Genmoji will not be available to you. Apple Intelligence does not run on iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, or older models, and it does not run on iPad Pro or iPad Air with A-series chips.

Subscribe to Apple Intelligence

After you update to iOS 18.1, open Settings and tap Apple Intelligence & Siri. You will see an option to subscribe to Apple Intelligence. Tap it and follow the prompts. Apple Intelligence costs money — the exact price varies by region and whether you bundle it with other Apple services, so check the price shown on your screen before you confirm.

Some users get a free trial period for Apple Intelligence. If you see a trial offer, you can use Genmoji free for that period. After the trial ends, you will be charged unless you cancel the subscription.

You can also access Apple Intelligence settings through iCloud Settings. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then iCloud, then Apple Intelligence & Siri. The subscription option appears in the same place.

Access Genmoji in your emoji keyboard

Once Apple Intelligence is active on your device, open any app where you can type — Messages, Mail, Notes, or a text field in another app. Tap the emoji keyboard button (the smiley face icon). At the bottom of the emoji keyboard, you will see a plus sign (+) or a star icon. Tap it to open the Genmoji creation screen.

Type a description of the emoji you want. Be specific: "astronaut cat with a telescope" works better than "space cat". Tap Create or Generate. The system will produce a few options. Tap the one you like, and it will insert into your message or note.

Genmoji you create are saved to your device. You can use them again in the future by tapping the emoji keyboard and scrolling to your created emoji section.

Troubleshoot if Genmoji does not appear

If you do not see the plus sign or star icon in your emoji keyboard after updating and subscribing, restart your device. Hold the power button until the slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

If Genmoji still does not appear, check that Apple Intelligence is actually turned on. Go to Settings, tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, and make sure the toggle next to Apple Intelligence is switched on (it will be green or blue). If it is off, tap it to turn it on.

If your device is on iOS 18.0, you must update to iOS 18.1 or later. Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and install any available update. Genmoji does not work on iOS 18.0.

Understand what Genmoji costs and what it replaces

Genmoji is part of Apple Intelligence, not a separate purchase. You pay one subscription fee for Apple Intelligence, which includes Genmoji, writing tools (like proofreading and rewriting), image generation with Image Playground, and other AI features. You cannot buy Genmoji alone.

The subscription is ongoing — you will be charged monthly or yearly depending on which plan you choose. You can cancel anytime by going to Settings, tapping your name, then Subscriptions, then Apple Intelligence, then Cancel Subscription.

Genmoji is not a replacement for regular emoji. You still have access to all standard emoji in your emoji keyboard. Genmoji is an additional option for creating custom emoji when you want something the standard set does not have.

Use Genmoji in different apps and contexts

Genmoji works anywhere you can access the emoji keyboard. In Messages, you can create and send Genmoji to other people. In Mail, you can add them to emails. In Notes, you can include them in your notes. In third-party apps like social media or messaging platforms, Genmoji may work if the app uses the standard iOS keyboard.

When you send a Genmoji to someone, they see it as an image. If they do not have Apple Intelligence, they will still see the emoji you created, but they cannot edit it or create their own Genmoji in response.

You can create multiple Genmoji and save them for later use. They stay in your emoji keyboard under a "Created" or "My Genmoji" section so you can insert them quickly without regenerating them each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for Genmoji if I already pay for iCloud+?

Apple Intelligence is a separate subscription from iCloud+. You need both if you want both services. Some Apple One bundles may include Apple Intelligence, so check your subscription details in Settings under your name, then Subscriptions.

Can I use Genmoji on my Mac or Apple Watch?

Genmoji is currently available on iPhone and iPad only. It does not work on Mac or Apple Watch, even if those devices are updated to the latest software.

What happens to my Genmoji if I cancel Apple Intelligence?

Genmoji you created will remain on your device, but you will not be able to create new ones. The Genmoji creation button will disappear from your emoji keyboard once your subscription ends.

Can I share Genmoji with people who do not have Apple Intelligence?

Yes. When you send a Genmoji in a message, the other person sees it as an image regardless of whether they have Apple Intelligence. They just cannot create their own Genmoji or edit the one you sent.

Is Genmoji available in all countries?

Apple Intelligence and Genmoji are available in some countries and regions but not all. Check the Apple Intelligence & Siri settings on your device to see if it is available in your location.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.