How to Create Custom Emoji with Genmoji on iOS 18

Genmoji on iOS 18 lets you generate a custom emoji from a text description, turning phrases like “a cat wearing a spacesuit� into a unique sticker you can use in Messages, Mail, and other apps. You can also base it on a photo of a friend or pet. You’ll need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro or later, or any iPhone 16 model) with iOS 18.1 or later, and Genmoji is available in supported regions.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model
• iOS 18.1 or later (Genmoji is part of Apple Intelligence)
• Apple Intelligence enabled (Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri)
• A stable internet connection for the initial generation

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Messages app (or any app with a text input, like Notes or Mail).
2. Tap on the text field to bring up the keyboard.
3. Tap the emoji icon on the keyboard (the smiley face).
4. In the emoji picker, you’ll see a Genmoji option (usually at the top right, looks like a sparkly face). Tap it.
5. In the text box that appears, type a description of the emoji you want. For example: “a dog wearing a chef hat.�
6. Tap Generate (the blue arrow or “Generate� button).
7. You’ll see a preview of your custom emoji. If you like it, tap Add to use it immediately. If you want variations, swipe through the suggested variations or tap Generate again for a new set.
8. To use it as a sticker, tap the emoji to insert it into your message, or long-press it to copy or save it.
9. To create an emoji based on a person, tap the person icon (the silhouette) in the Genmoji creation screen, then select a photo from your library. The emoji will use that person’s face.
10. Once added, your custom emoji will appear in your sticker drawer and can be used like any other sticker.

Common Mistakes

• Typing too vague descriptions like “funny face� – be specific about the expression, accessories, and setting.
• Forgetting to update iOS – Genmoji requires iOS 18.1 or later, so check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
• Using an unsupported device – Genmoji only works on iPhone 15 Pro and later. Older models won’t see the option.
• Expecting pixel-perfect results – Genmoji is generative, so it may not match your exact vision. Try tweaking the description.
• Not enabling Apple Intelligence – If you haven’t turned it on, Genmoji won’t appear. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and enable it.

Tips

• Use specific adjectives like “wearing a red scarf� or “holding a pizza� to get closer to what you want.
• Combine concepts – you can mix animals, objects, and actions. “A pineapple playing the guitar� works.
• Use photos for personalization – select a photo of a friend and describe “wearing a superhero cape� to create a fun sticker.
• Save your favorites – long-press a generated emoji and choose “Save to Photos� to keep it.
• Experiment with variations – after generating, swipe left or right to see alternate styles.

Troubleshooting

• Genmoji option not appearing: Make sure you’re on a supported device, iOS 18.1+, and Apple Intelligence is enabled. Restart your iPhone if needed.
• Generation fails or is slow: Check your internet connection. If it’s slow, try again later. Also, close other apps that might be using memory.
• Emoji looks nothing like your description: Rephrase with more detail. Instead of “cat,� try “a fluffy orange cat with green eyes.�
• Can’t use the emoji in other apps: Some third-party apps may not support stickers. Use it in Messages or copy it as an image.
• Photo-based genmoji not working: Ensure the photo is clear and well-lit. Try selecting a different photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Genmoji on iPhone 14 or older?

No, Genmoji requires Apple Intelligence, which is only available on iPhone 15 Pro and later (including all iPhone 16 models).

Does Genmoji work in all languages?

Genmoji works with English at launch, but Apple has stated it will support more languages over time. You can type in English even if your system language is different.

Can I edit a generated emoji?

You can’t directly edit the generated emoji, but you can generate new variations by tapping “Generate� again or modifying your description.

Where do my custom emojis get saved?

They are saved in your sticker drawer, accessible from the emoji keyboard. You can also save them as images to Photos.

Is there a limit to how many emojis I can create?

There’s no stated limit, but your device may slow down if you create hundreds. You can delete stickers you no longer need.

Can I use Genmoji in third-party apps like WhatsApp?

It depends on the app’s support for iOS stickers. Many apps support stickers, but you may need to copy the emoji as an image and paste it.

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