How to Send Emojis in Outlook

The fastest way to send emojis in Outlook is usually the built-in emoji picker. On Windows, press Windows key + . to open it, pick an emoji, and insert it right into your email. On Mac, use Control + Command + Space.

If the picker does not appear, you can still copy and paste emojis from another app or website.

How to send emojis in Outlook on desktop

Outlook for Windows

1. Open a new email or reply in Outlook.
2. Place your cursor where you want the emoji.
3. Press Windows key + . or Windows key + ;.
4. Select the emoji you want.
5. It will appear in your message automatically.

Outlook for Mac

1. Open Outlook and start a new message.
2. Click in the email body.
3. Press Control + Command + Space.
4. Choose an emoji from the picker.
5. Insert it into the email.

Outlook on the web

1. Open Outlook in your browser.
2. Start composing an email.
3. Click where you want the emoji.
4. Use your device emoji keyboard or browser/OS emoji picker.
5. Select the emoji and continue typing.

Fallback: copy and paste emojis

If the shortcut does not work, use copy and paste:

1. Find the emoji you want from a trusted emoji site or your phone keyboard.
2. Copy it.
3. Paste it into your Outlook email.

Example: 😀 🎉 👍 💼

This method works in most versions of Outlook, including desktop and web.

Troubleshooting common emoji issues

The emoji picker is missing

• Make sure you are using a supported operating system.
• Try clicking inside the email body first.
• On Windows, check that the keyboard shortcut is enabled and not overridden by another app.
• On Mac, confirm you are using the standard text input shortcut.

An emoji is unsupported or shows as a box

• Some older Outlook versions or mail clients cannot display newer emoji.
• Try a more common emoji such as 🙂, ❤️, or ✅.
• Update Outlook and your operating system if possible.

Emojis look different for the recipient

• Emoji design can vary by device, app, and platform.
• A smiley may look colorful on one device and more plain on another.
• Avoid using emoji where exact visual style matters.

Best practices for using emojis in Outlook

• Use emojis sparingly in work emails.
• Keep them relevant to the tone of the message.
• Avoid emojis in formal, legal, or customer-critical communication.
• Test important emails on a second device if appearance matters.
• Use simple emojis that display well across platforms.

A good example: “Thanks for your help today 👍”

A less effective example: “Please review the attached contract 😂🔥”

FAQ

Can I send emojis in all versions of Outlook?

Most modern versions of Outlook support emojis, but older desktop versions may have limited support. The copy-and-paste method usually works even when the picker does not.

Why does Outlook change the emoji style?

Outlook displays emojis based on your device, operating system, and font support. The recipient’s email app may show a different version of the same emoji.

What is the quickest shortcut for emojis in Outlook?

On Windows, press Windows key + .. On Mac, press Control + Command + Space. These open the emoji picker so you can insert an emoji fast.