How to Update Emoji on an iPhone

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Are you seeing question marks in place of emojis? This means your phone is trying to read an emoji that hasn't been added to your system yet. By updating your iPhone with the latest system software, you'll be able to replace the unfamiliar question mark boxes with new iOS emojis such as the melting face, face holding back tears, handshake with skin-tone variations, gender-neutral pregnant people, and more. This wikiHow will teach you how to update your iPhone software to unlock and update your emoji selection.

Things You Should Know

  • Emojis come with your iPhone and are only updated when your phone gets updated.
  • Install the latest iOS software update to get the newest emojis.
  • Older iPhone models may no longer receive new updates needed to display new emojis.

Steps

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    When installing system updates, it's best to ensure that your iPhone will keep a full charge for an uninterrupted download. [1]
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    You'll want to be connected to a wireless network before installing any system updates.
    • Since system updates can be large, avoid installing on limited data plans.
    • If you do so mistakenly, you can always check your data usage .
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    This will be indicated by the icon of a cog in a grey box.
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    This wil be located at the very top of the page.
    • You will see a 1 in a red circle if there is an update available.
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    This will begin installing the update.
    • If there is no update available, you'll see the message: Your software is up to date .
    • If your software is up to date but you still can't see new emojis, your iPhone model may have stopped receiving new software updates.
    • Older iOS devices will not receive newer system updates. They will only support the emojis released during their current update.
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    Depending on your connection speed and size of the update, this process can take up to an hour.
    • Your iPhone will reboot during the installation process. The Apple logo will display as it's being installed.
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    Once your system is updated, your iPhone will be ready to use.
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    You can check your new emoji characters by opening your keyboard.
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    You'll see this on the bottom left of the keyboard. It will look like a smiley face.
    • If you have multiple keyboards installed, you may need to press and hold the Globe button to select "Emoji."
    • If you're not seeing the emoji keyboard, you may need to enable it. Tap Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → Emoji .
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    It may not be immediately apparent which characters are new, as they are not highlighted anywhere. You'll find the new characters mixed in with the old ones in their respective categories.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if I don't get the emojis?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the type of phone you have. if you have an older phone, chances are that you have stopped receiving software updates from Apple. If you have a newer phone, check for an update and update your phone. If you updated your phone and saw no changes, chances are the update failed and you will have to redo it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 25 Helpful 30
  • Question
    I have an iPhone 5 that is fully updated, but sometimes when my friends send me an emoji it appears as a question mark. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    The iPhone 5 is an older model, and what may be a fully updated phone for you might not include the newest emojis on the newer phones.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 19 Helpful 22
  • Question
    Will it work if I have an iPhone 6?
    Community Answer
    It should. I have an iPhone 6 and these strategies work for me. I have the newest emojis. Try it and see if it works.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Most apps use the system's emoji characters, so updating your system software will give you access to the new characters in these apps. If the app doesn't use the iPhone's system keyboard, you'll need to update the app from the App Store to access any new emoji that the developers have included in updates.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/ios/update

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