How to Do AI Emojis on iOS 18

Fastest way: use Genmoji from the emoji keyboard

On iOS 18, the quickest way to make an AI emoji is to open the keyboard, tap the emoji button, and use Genmoji to describe the emoji you want. If your iPhone supports Apple Intelligence, iOS can generate a custom emoji-style image from your prompt in seconds.

Example prompts:

• “smiling cat wearing sunglasses”
• “birthday cake with candles and confetti”
• “sloth doing a thumbs up”

If you just want the shortest path, that’s it: open Messages, bring up the emoji keyboard, and create a Genmoji.

How to do AI emojis on iOS 18 step by step

1. Update to iOS 18

   • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
   • Install the latest version of iOS 18 available for your device.

2. Make sure Apple Intelligence is available

   • AI emoji features depend on Apple Intelligence support.
   • On supported iPhones, you may need to turn it on in Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.

3. Open a supported app

   • Start in Messages, Notes, or another app with the iPhone keyboard.
   • Tap the text field so the keyboard appears.

4. Open the emoji keyboard

   • Tap the emoji icon on the keyboard.
   • Look for the Genmoji option or the prompt area for creating a custom emoji.

5. Describe the emoji you want

   • Type a short description, like “pizza with a smile” or “sleepy dog in a blanket.”
   • Choose from the generated options.

6. Insert it into your message

   • Tap the result you like.
   • It will be added to your message like a custom sticker-style emoji.

7. Adjust and resend if needed

   • If the first result is off, refine the prompt.
   • Add details like color, mood, clothing, or action.

Copy-paste fallback if Genmoji isn’t available

If you don’t see the AI emoji tool on your iPhone, you can still use a simple copy-paste method:

1. Find a standard emoji in the iPhone emoji keyboard.
2. Copy a matching emoji or text combo, such as:
   • 🐱😎 for a cool cat
   • 🎂✨ for a celebration vibe
   • 🐶💤 for a sleepy dog
3. Paste it into Messages, Notes, or social apps.

You can also use emoji stickers, text symbols, or custom image stickers if the app supports them.

Troubleshooting: why the AI emoji picker may be missing

1. Your iPhone may not support it

Some iOS 18 AI features only work on supported devices. If Apple Intelligence is not available on your model, Genmoji may not appear.

2. Your software may not be fully updated

Even if you’re on iOS 18, you may need the latest point update for the feature to show properly.

3. The feature may not be enabled

Check Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and confirm the feature is turned on.

4. The app may not support it

Some apps only show the standard emoji keyboard. Try Messages first to confirm whether the feature works there.

Troubleshooting: unsupported emoji or weird results

If the AI emoji doesn’t match what you asked for:

• Use simpler words.
• Avoid long sentences.
• Add one clear detail at a time.

Better prompt examples:

• Instead of: “Make me a funny animal emoji with a hat and a microphone and a big grin at night”
• Try: “dog with hat”
• Then refine to: “dog with party hat and microphone”

If an emoji looks unsupported or incomplete, try a different prompt style. Some ideas are easier for the system to render than others.

Troubleshooting: why it looks different on other devices

AI emojis and stickers can display differently depending on:

• the app you send them in
• the recipient’s device
• whether the app converts them into an image, sticker, or message effect

For best results, test in Messages first. If you need consistent appearance, copy the result as an image or sticker where possible.

Best practices for using AI emojis on iOS 18

• Keep prompts short and specific.
• Use one subject per prompt for cleaner results.
• Add mood words like “happy,” “sleepy,” or “excited.”
• Try themed prompts for events, holidays, or reactions.
• Use AI emojis sparingly in important chats so the message stays clear.

Good use cases:

• a custom reaction in a group chat
• a birthday message with a unique emoji-style image
• a fun profile or note decoration

FAQ

Can I do AI emojis on iOS 18 without Apple Intelligence?

Usually no. The AI emoji features on iOS 18 depend on Apple Intelligence support on your device.

What app is best for making AI emojis on iPhone?

Messages is usually the easiest place to start because it shows the keyboard and emoji tools clearly.

Why can’t I find Genmoji on my iPhone?

The most common reasons are unsupported hardware, an incomplete iOS update, or Apple Intelligence not being turned on yet.