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How to Make Custom Emojis on Android & iOS 2025

Emma Collins | 2025-11-14 20:45:47

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Custom emojis let you show off your personality and liven up your chats. Maybe you want a goofy reaction, something that looks like you, or just a design that sticks out. Either way, your own emojis make every conversation a bit more fun.

Here's a simple guide to creating custom emojis on Android, iOS, Discord, and Microsoft Teams. You'll learn how to make custom emojis using both AI tools and hands-on editing. There's also a bonus tip at the end for giving your creations a polished look before you share them.

how to make custom emojis

Part 1: Make Custom Emojis via Genmoji or Google AI Emoji Generator

Here's how to make custom emojis on iPhone and Android with Genmoji or Google AI Emoji Generator:

Genmoji

If you want to learn how to make custom emojis in iOS 26, Genmoji is the best option for you. It's an Apple Intelligence feature that lets you create your own custom emojis using AI. You can describe what you want, mix existing emojis, or even make one that looks like you or someone else using photos from your library. The AI can match hairstyles and facial features to the people in your pictures.

Moreover, Genmoji can combine up to seven different elements, like themes, expressions, costumes, or accessories, to design unique Genmojis. You can also add short text descriptions to guide the creation. Once made, Genmojis can be used in Messages, shared as stickers, Tapbacks, or added to other Apple apps. Here's how to make custom emojis with Apple Intelligence Genmoji:

  • 1. Update your iPhone and activate Apple Intelligence.
  • 2. Next, open a text app like "Messages." Then, tap the "Emoji" icon on the keyboard.
  • 3. Next to the "Describe an Emoji" field, you'll see the "Genmoji "icon. Click it.
combine up to seven different elements
  • 4. Create your Genmoji by typing a short description, combining emojis, or choosing someone from your photos.
create your genmoji
  • 5. Edit or refine your Genmoji by changing the description or customizing the photo-based emoji. You can also swipe right and left to check the Genmoji variations.
refine your genmoji
  • 6. Save or share your Genmoji by copying it, sending it, saving it as a sticker, or adding a caption.
share your genmoji

Google AI Emoji Generator

If you want to know how to make custom emojis on Android, you can utilize the Photomoji Google AI Emoji Generator in Google Messages. It lets you turn your photos into custom emoji reactions using on-device AI. You can create emojis from pictures of yourself, your pets, or objects.

The AI automatically detects the main subject and removes the background. These personalized emojis can be used as message reactions or sent as stickers in RCS chats. Besides, you can save and manage up to 30 Photomojis in a special section within Google Messages. Here's how to make custom emojis with Photomoji Google AI Emoji Generator:

  • 1. Open "Google Messages." Then, start a chat.
  • 2. To create a Photomoji, tap the "emoji" icon on the left side of the field.
create a Photomoji
  • 3. Next, press the "+" button and choose "Create." You can also long-press a message, tap "+", and select Create.
  • 4. You can learn how to make your own emoji from a picture by picking a photo from your gallery. Or take a new one with a clear subject with your camera.
make your own emoji make your own emoji
  • 5. Google AI will detect the main subject and remove the background automatically.
  • 6. Tap the "Send" icon to share your Photomoji. It will be saved for later use.
share your photomoji

Part 2: Make Custom Emojis via Discord Chat or Teams

You can also add custom emojis you your Discord Chat and Microsoft Teams. Here's how:

Discord

While you can't create emojis directly in Discord, server owners or users with "Manage Emoji" permission can upload images made elsewhere. Files must be under 256KB, in JPEG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format, and named with at least two letters, numbers, or underscores. The recommended size is 128x128 pixels. Each server can upload up to 50 custom emojis, with Nitro users getting 50 more animated ones. Here's how to make custom emojis on Discord:

  • 1. Download GIMP 2.1. It's free software. Install and open it on your computer.
  • 2. Head to "File." Then, choose "New" to create an image. Adjust the dimensions for the emoji, eg, make the height and width 128.
create an image create an image
  • 3. Right-click on the background layer in the right panel. Choose "Alpha to Selection" to make the background transparent.
background layer
  • 4. Start using the tools from the left panel to create your custom emojis. After you've created the emoji, head to "File". Choose "Export As" to save the emoji.
using the tools create your custom emojis
  • 5. Afterward, open the Discord server where you want to add an emoji. Click the dropdown next to the server name.
  • 6. Select "Server Settings." Head to the "Emoji" tab. Then, click "Upload Emoji" to add the custom emoji to your Discord server.
upload emoji server settings

Teams

Same as Discord, you can't directly create custom emojis in Microsoft Teams. But can make them with a third-party tool and then upload them to your account as JPEG, PNG, or GIF files under 256KB, with square images recommended. Moreover, all users in the organization can use them, and guest users can access emojis added by employees.

Admins can manage who can create or delete custom emojis in the Teams Admin Center. Each organization can have up to 5,000 custom emojis, which can be used in chats, channels, meetings, or as reactions to messages. Here's how to make custom emojis in Teams:

  • 1. Use GIMP 2.1 or any other tool to create a custom emoji. Then, open a Teams chat or channel.
  • 2. Tap the "Emoji" icon. Next, select the "Emoji" icon (with the dotted line circle) at the bottom.
emoji icon
  • 3. This will open the "Custom" section in the emoji library. Then, click the "plus (+)" icon.
emoji library
  • 4. Choose your custom emoji. Type a name for it in the "Name box." Next, tap "Add emoji."
custom emoji
  • 5. After uploading, a confirmation message will appear on the screen.

Part 3: Edit and Perfect Your Emojis Before Uploading

If you feel your emojis are blurry or need refinement, then employ a free AI Enhancer tool like PixPretty AI before uploading them to Discord or Teams. It can remove the blur, boost the emoji's resolution, and even retouch, resize, compress, and convert it if you require.

The tool can also extend, replace, and color backdrops and remove watermarks and backgrounds. Furthermore, it offers countless color adjustments, filters, presets, and effects, and allows you to create your own custom filters. You can retouch portraits, change hair and skin color, and refine facial features and body contours.

Start Editing for Free

Part 4: FAQs on Making Custom Emojis

Q1. Can you make custom emojis on an iPhone?

Yes. iPhone offers Genmoji feature powered by Apple Intelligence to make custom emojis. You can use it with any text-based app like Messages.

Q2. Can I convert an image to an emoji?

Yes, you can turn images into emojis using online converters or AI tools, which let you upload a picture and customize its style and size.

Conclusion

You can learn how to make custom emojis using Genmoji on iPhone or Photomoji on Android. With Discord and Teams, while you can't create custom emojis, you can make them using a third-party tool and then upload them to these platforms. But to refine emojis or remove any blurring effect, employ a tool like PixPretty AI. It can sharpen, improve, and retouch your emojis before uploading.

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