How to Change Color of Emoji

The fastest way to change an emoji’s color is to use a skin tone modifier if the emoji supports it. On most phones, just tap and hold a person emoji, hand emoji, or similar character, then choose a tone from the picker. If you do not see a color option, the emoji may not support skin tones.

iPhone and iPad

1. Open any app with the emoji keyboard, such as Messages, Notes, or WhatsApp.
2. Tap the emoji key on the keyboard.
3. Find a supported emoji like 🙋, 👍, 👋, 🙌, or 👏.
4. Press and hold the emoji.
5. Tap your preferred skin tone.
6. Insert the emoji into your message.

Example: Hold down 👍 and choose a darker or lighter tone before sending.

Android

1. Open a chat or text field.
2. Switch to the emoji keyboard.
3. Long-press a supported emoji.
4. Select a skin tone from the popup.
5. Release to place the customized emoji.

Note: On some Android keyboards, tone options appear only for certain emoji and only after a long press.

Windows

1. Click in a text box.
2. Press Windows key + . or Windows key + ; to open the emoji panel.
3. Search for a supported emoji.
4. If tone choices appear, click and hold or use the skin tone selector.
5. Insert the emoji.

If your emoji panel does not show color options, the app you are using may render them differently or not support the full picker.

Mac

1. Click in a text field.
2. Press Control + Command + Space to open the emoji picker.
3. Find a supported emoji.
4. Select a skin tone if the option is available.
5. Insert the emoji.

Web apps and social platforms

1. Click the emoji button in the app.
2. Look for a tone selector or long-press menu.
3. Choose a skin tone if the platform supports it.
4. If no picker appears, try the system emoji keyboard instead.

Some websites and apps support colored emoji directly, while others only display the default version.

Fallback copy-paste method

If the picker is missing, you can copy a pre-colored emoji from a character map, emoji tool, or another message.

Examples:

• 👍🏽
• 👋🏾
• 🙌🏻
• 👏🏿

Just copy the exact emoji you want and paste it into your text. This is the easiest backup if your keyboard does not show tone options.

Troubleshooting

No color picker appears

• Make sure the emoji supports skin tone variation.
• Update your keyboard, app, or operating system.
• Try a different app or text field.
• Long-press longer on mobile devices.

The emoji looks different on another device

• Emoji design varies by platform.
• Your chosen tone should stay the same, but the style may change.
• Some apps replace system emoji with their own artwork.

Unsupported emoji

• Not every emoji can change color.
• Skin tones usually work on people and hand-related emoji only.
• Objects, animals, and symbols normally do not have color variants.

Best-practice usage notes

• Use skin tones when you want to represent yourself more accurately.
• Keep tone choices consistent in a message or brand post.
• Avoid assuming every emoji supports color changes.
• Test important posts on the platform where they will appear.

FAQ

Can all emoji change color?

No. Only certain emoji support skin tone modifiers, usually people and hand gestures.

Why does my emoji look different on iPhone and Android?

Each platform uses its own emoji style, so the shape and color shading can vary even when the same emoji is used.

What is the easiest way to change emoji color?

The easiest way is to long-press a supported emoji on your phone and select a skin tone, or copy a pre-colored emoji and paste it.