While you can’t change all emojis on your Android device, you can use third-party apps like Gboard or Textra SMS to customize your emoji style and theme. This guide will show you how to use different emoji styles and send stickers with Gboard, Textra SMS, and Facemoji for Android, helping you to change emojis on Android.

Before you start: Ensure your Android device is updated to the latest version. Some Android devices may already have Gboard installed as the default keyboard.

How to change your emoji style on Android

Follow these methods to customize your emojis using third-party keyboards and messaging apps.

Method 1: Using Gboard keyboard

  • DownloadGboard from the Google Play Store. Gboard allows you to use and combine emojis with Emoji Kitchen, and offers glide typing, voice typing, and keyboard customization.
  • Open the Gboard app. This app has the Google icon on top of a blue keyboard.
  • TapEnable in Settings. You must add Gboard to your Language & input settings. Gboard will redirect you to your settings.
  • Toggle on “Gboard”. The switch will turn from gray to your default system color. A confirmation window will open.
  • TapUse. You will be redirected back to the Gboard app.
  • TapSelect Input Method. You will see Gboard along with any other connected keyboards.
  • TapGboard, then Select keyboard.
  • TapDone. Gboard will be ready to use.
  • Open a messaging app, such as the Messages app, which looks like a text message icon with a blue background.
  • Tap the text field to open the keyboard.
  • Tap the smiley face next to the spacebar. Your emojis will open. You can use the search bar to find specific emojis or navigate using the tabs beside the search bar. Scroll up and down to view all available emojis.

Method 2: Using Textra SMS

  • DownloadTextra SMS from the Google Play Store. Textra is a free messaging app that comes with different emoji styles. Note that this method will only change emojis within the Textra SMS app.
  • Open Textra. It’s the blue and white chat bubble icon labeled “Textra” in the app drawer.
    • If it’s your first time:TapSTART USING TEXTRA to access your messages.
    • To set as default:TapMAKE DEFAULT APP at the bottom of the screen.
  • Tap⁝ at the top-right corner of Textra.
  • TapSettings.
  • TapCustomize Look. It’s the first option under the Customize section.
  • TapEmoji Style. It’s the second option under the Styles header, opening the list of all emoji options.
  • Select an emoji style. Examples of each style appear to the left of each style’s name.
  • TapOKAY. Now all emojis you send or receive within Textra will appear with that style. To change the style, go back to Settings → Customize Look → Emoji Style.

Method 3: Using Facemoji stickers

  • Install the Facemoji Emoji Keyboard from the Google Play Store. Facemoji allows you to send stickers that look like customized emojis in almost any messaging or social media app.
  • Open the Facemoji Keyboard. This looks like a yellow chat bubble with a smiley face on top of a keyboard.
    • If in Google Play Store:TapOPEN.
    • First-time use: You’ll be asked to agree to Facemoji’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. TapAgree and Continue.
  • TapEnable Facemoji Keyboard. This opens a list of keyboards on your Android.
  • Slide the “Facemoji Keyboard” switch to the on position. A confirmation message will appear.
  • TapOK. Another pop-up message will appear.
  • TapOK. You’ll return to the setup screen.
  • TapSwitch to Facemoji Keyboard. The “Change keyboard” window will appear.
  • TapFacemoji Keyboard. The bubble should fill next to Facemoji Keyboard, setting it as your default keyboard.
    • Optional: To customize the keyboard background, tapOPEN YOUR GALLERY to select an image. Otherwise, you can close the app.
  • Open the messaging app in which you’d like to send emojis. Tap the Home button, then tap the app’s icon (e.g., TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger).
  • Open a message. You can create a new message or select one to reply to.
  • Tap the text field. This brings up the Facemoji keyboard.
  • Tap the emoji key. It’s the smiley face near the bottom-left corner of the screen. You’ll see standard emojis and a series of icons at the bottom.
  • Tap the sticker icon. It’s the smiling square with a turned-up corner at the bottom of the screen.
  • Browse for an emoji sticker. Scroll through the options until you see the sticker you wish to send.
  • Tap the sticker. The sticker will appear in the conversation.
Pro tip: Always keep your keyboard apps updated to access the latest emoji styles and features. Developers frequently release new content and improvements.

Why this matters

Customizing your emojis on Android allows for a more personalized and expressive communication experience. While stock emojis are ubiquitous, using third-party keyboards like Gboard or messaging apps like Textra SMS lets you break away from the default and find styles that better reflect your personality or mood. This ability to choose different visual interpretations of emotions and objects can make your messages more engaging and unique.

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Beyond personal expression, using apps like Facemoji to send stickers adds another layer of visual communication. These stickers often feature more detailed or animated designs than standard emojis, providing a richer way to convey reactions or share fun content with friends and family. Ultimately, customizing your emojis enhances your digital interactions, making them more vibrant and tailored to your individual style.