You can add emojis to your TikTok username on both phone and desktop

TikTok allows emojis in usernames, and the process is straightforward on any device. You edit your username the same way you normally would, but instead of typing letters, you insert an emoji from your device's emoji keyboard. The emoji counts as one character toward TikTok's username limit, so a username with an emoji takes up the same space as a single letter would.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're using a phone or computer, but both methods use your device's built-in emoji tools rather than any special TikTok feature. Once you've added the emoji, it displays in your profile and in comments, just like any other character in your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your TikTok profile, tap Edit Profile, and select your username field to begin editing.
  • On iPhone, press and hold the space bar or tap the emoji button on your keyboard to open the emoji menu.
  • On Android, tap the emoji button (usually a smiley face) on your keyboard to access emojis.
  • On desktop, right-click in the username field and select the emoji option from your operating system, or use your OS emoji picker.
  • Save your changes after adding the emoji, and TikTok will confirm the new username within seconds.

How to add an emoji on iPhone

Open the TikTok app and go to your profile by tapping the person icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right, then select Edit Profile. Tap the username field to begin editing.

Once you're in the username field, tap the globe icon on your keyboard (or the emoji button, depending on your iOS version) to switch to the emoji keyboard. Scroll through the emoji categories or search for the emoji you want by typing a word like "star" or "heart." Tap the emoji to insert it into your username. You can place it anywhere — at the beginning, end, or middle of your name. When you're done, tap Save at the top of the screen.

How to add an emoji on Android

Open TikTok and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines, then select Edit Profile. Tap inside the username field to set up the keyboard.

Look for the emoji button on your keyboard — it's usually a smiley face icon. Tap it to open the emoji menu. Browse the categories or use the search function to find the emoji you want. Tap the emoji to add it to your username. Position it wherever you'd like in your name, then tap Save to confirm the change.

How to add an emoji on desktop or web

Go to TikTok.com and log into your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Edit Profile from the dropdown menu. Click inside the username field to place your cursor there.

On Windows, press the Windows key and the period key (.) at the same time to open the emoji picker. On Mac, press Control + Command + Space to open the emoji menu. Select the emoji you want and it will insert into your username field. Click Save to explore the change. If your operating system doesn't have a built-in emoji picker, you can copy an emoji from a website and paste it directly into the username field.

What happens if you use an emoji that TikTok doesn't allow

Most emojis work in TikTok usernames, but a small number are restricted. If you try to save a username with a blocked emoji, TikTok will show an error message and prevent you from saving. The error message typically says something like "Username contains invalid characters" without specifying which emoji caused the problem.

If this happens, delete the emoji and try a different one. Emojis that are typically blocked are those that look like flags, certain symbols, or very new emojis that TikTok hasn't updated its system to recognize yet. Standard emojis like hearts, stars, animals, and common symbols almost always work without issue.

How many emojis you can add to your username

You can add multiple emojis to your username as long as your total username length doesn't exceed 24 characters. Since each emoji counts as one character, a username like "alex⭐💜" uses four characters (a, l, e, x, star, heart). This leaves room for several emojis if you keep your actual name short, or just one or two if you use a longer name.

Keep in mind that while multiple emojis are technically allowed, usernames with too many emojis can be harder to read and remember. Most people find that one or two emojis work best for keeping a username clear and professional-looking.

Changing or removing an emoji from your username later

If you want to change the emoji in your username, follow the same editing steps you used to add it. Open Edit Profile, tap your username field, and delete the emoji by highlighting it and pressing backspace or delete. Then insert a new emoji using the same method you used before. Save your changes when you're done.

Removing an emoji is just as straightforward — edit your username, delete the emoji, and save. TikTok processes the change when ready, and your new username appears across your profile, comments, and messages right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other people see the emoji in my username?

Yes, the emoji displays to everyone who views your profile or sees your comments and messages. It appears exactly as you see it on your own device, though the visual appearance may vary slightly depending on whether someone is using iPhone, Android, or desktop.

Will adding an emoji change my TikTok handle or @ name?

No. Your @ handle and your display name are different things. The emoji goes in your display name (the name that appears on your profile). Your @ handle, which is what people use to tag you, stays the same and cannot contain emojis.

What if the emoji doesn't show up after I save it?

Close the TikTok app completely and reopen it. Sometimes the emoji takes a moment to sync across TikTok's servers. If it still doesn't appear after reopening the app, try a different emoji — the one you chose may be blocked or unsupported on your device.

Can I use emojis in my username if my account is for business?

Yes, emojis work in business accounts the same way they do in personal accounts. Whether an emoji is appropriate for your business is a separate choice — some brands use them to stand out, while others keep usernames text-only for a more formal appearance.