Memojis have transformed the way we express ourselves in digital conversations, adding personality to our messages without saying a word. These animated characters let iPhone and iPad users create customized digital avatars that mimic facial expressions and movements. Creating and customizing your own Memoji is simple – just open Messages, tap the Memoji Stickers icon, and follow the prompts to design a character that looks just like you or any way you want.
The fun doesn’t stop with creation – your Memoji can be customized with countless options for hairstyles, facial features, accessories, and even outfits. Once you’ve created your unique Memoji, you can use it across multiple apps like Messages, FaceTime, and even third-party platforms that support stickers. Your digital mini-me can express emotions from happiness to surprise with just a tap.
How to Create, Customize, and Share a Memoji
Memoji are fun, customizable avatars that you can use in messages, FaceTime calls, and more on your iPhone or iPad. You can create one that looks like you—or something completely different—and share it as stickers or animations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating, customizing, and sharing a Memoji.
1. How to Create a Memoji
Steps:
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Start a new message or open an existing conversation.
- Tap the Animoji icon (monkey face) in the app drawer above the keyboard.
- Swipe right and tap the plus (+) icon labeled New Memoji.
- Follow the prompts to begin customization.
2. How to Customize Your Memoji
You’ll have several customization options to make your Memoji unique.
Features You Can Customize:
- Skin: Adjust skin tone, freckles, blush, and beauty marks.
- Hairstyle: Pick a style and color, including highlights.
- Head Shape: Choose age, chin, and face shape.
- Eyes: Customize shape, color, eyelashes, and eyeliner.
- Eyebrows: Select color, shape, and add piercings or makeup.
- Nose & Lips: Customize size, color, and add piercings.
- Ears: Add earrings, hearing devices, and ear shapes.
- Facial Hair: Add beards, mustaches, and adjust color.
- Eyewear: Choose glasses or sunglasses, color, and lenses.
- Headwear: Pick hats, helmets, or other accessories.
- Clothing (iOS 15+): Choose outfits and colors.
- Masks (iOS 16+): Add face coverings or medical masks.
Once you’ve completed customizing, tap Done in the top right corner to save your Memoji.
3. How to Share Your Memoji
Send Memoji Stickers:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the Sticker icon (next to the text field).
- Select your Memoji from the options at the top.
- Choose a sticker from the pre-made options (reactions like thumbs up, hearts, etc.).
- Drag and drop the sticker into the message or tap to send.
Send Animated Memoji:
- Open a message thread in Messages.
- Tap the Animoji/Memoji icon (monkey face).
- Select your Memoji.
- Press the record button to capture a short video (up to 30 seconds) of your Memoji mimicking your facial expressions and voice.
- Tap Stop, then Send to share it in the conversation.
Use Memoji in FaceTime:
- Start a FaceTime call.
- Tap the Effects icon (star symbol).
- Select your Memoji to use it as your FaceTime avatar.
4. How to Edit or Delete a Memoji
To Edit:
- Open Messages and go to the Animoji/Memoji icon.
- Find the Memoji you want to change.
- Tap the three dots (•••), then select Edit.
- Make changes and tap Done when finished.
To Delete:
- Tap the three dots (•••) on the Memoji you want to delete.
- Select Delete, then confirm.
With these steps, you can create, customize, and share Memoji that express your personality and style in a fun and interactive way!
Key Takeaways
- Memojis can be created on compatible iPhones and iPads by accessing the Memoji Stickers button in Messages and following the customization process.
- Users can personalize their Memoji with various hairstyles, facial features, accessories, and expressions to make it uniquely theirs.
- Memojis can be shared in messages, used during FaceTime calls, or sent as stickers across multiple apps for more expressive communication.
Understanding Memoji
Memoji are personalized avatars that allow users to create digital versions of themselves with customizable features. These animated characters can mirror facial expressions and be used in messages, FaceTime calls, and other iOS applications.
The Evolution of Memoji
Memoji first appeared in 2018 with iOS 12, building upon the foundation laid by Animoji introduced in 2017. Initially, Memoji were available only on devices with Face ID technology, as they relied on the TrueDepth camera system to track facial movements.
With iOS 13, Apple expanded Memoji capabilities by introducing Memoji stickers, making them accessible on all devices with an A9 chip or newer. This eliminated the need for Face ID hardware to enjoy basic Memoji features.
Over time, Apple has added more customization options to Memoji. Recent updates have introduced diverse hairstyles, headwear, facial features, and accessories. Users can now create Memoji with various skin tones, hairstyles, and outfits that better represent their unique appearance.
Memoji vs. Animoji
Memoji and Animoji share similar technology but serve different purposes. Animoji are pre-designed animal characters (and other objects) that mirror facial expressions using the TrueDepth camera system.
Key differences include:
- Customization: Memoji can be fully personalized, while Animoji have fixed designs
- Character types: Memoji represent humans, while Animoji represent animals and objects
- Number of options: Users can create unlimited Memoji but have a set number of Animoji options
Both use the same facial tracking technology to animate expressions in real-time. They can be used in Messages, FaceTime, and as stickers throughout iOS.
Memoji and iOS Integration
Memoji are deeply integrated into iOS, making them accessible across multiple apps. After creating a Memoji, users can find them in:
- Messages app: Used as stickers or full-screen animations
- FaceTime: Applied as masks during video calls
- Keyboard: Available as stickers in the emoji keyboard for any app
- Contacts: Set as profile pictures for Apple ID and contacts
To use Memoji, users need an iPhone or iPad with iOS 12 or later. For animated Memoji, a device with Face ID is required. Unfortunately, Memoji are not natively available on Android devices, as they rely on Apple’s ecosystem and technologies.
Apple continues to enhance Memoji functionality with each iOS update, making them more expressive and versatile for personal communication.
Creating Your First Memoji
Making a personalized Memoji is fun and simple. You can create a digital avatar that looks just like you by following a few steps and selecting from various customization options.
Accessing the Memoji Feature
To start creating a Memoji, you’ll need to open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap on any conversation or create a new message. Next, tap on the Memoji Stickers button (the icon with three cartoon faces) located in the app drawer above your keyboard.
Once in the sticker section, tap the plus icon (+) to begin creating a new Memoji. If you don’t see this option, make sure your device supports Memoji creation. Memojis are available on iPhone X or newer models and certain iPad Pro devices with Face ID.
You can also access Memoji creation through the Messages app by tapping the Memoji button (monkey icon) above your keyboard and then swiping right to find the “+” option.
Navigating the Memoji Interface
The Memoji creation interface is intuitive and easy to use. At the top of the screen, you’ll see a preview of your Memoji as you build it. This preview updates in real-time as you make changes.
Below the preview, you’ll find a row of customization categories:
- Skin
- Hairstyle
- Eyes
- Brows
- Nose & Lips
- Ears
- Facial Hair
- Eyewear
- Headwear
To navigate between these categories, simply swipe left or right. Each category contains multiple options that you can scroll through by swiping up and down. As you make selections, your Memoji will update instantly.
The interface also allows you to test facial expressions. Try different movements to see how your Memoji animates before finalizing it.
Selecting Your Skin Tone
The first step in personalizing your Memoji is choosing the right skin tone. In the “Skin” category, you’ll find a spectrum of options ranging from very light to very dark tones.
Tap on different skin tone options to see them applied to your Memoji. The color will update immediately in the preview window. Take your time to find the shade that best represents you or the look you want to achieve.
In addition to basic skin tone, you can also adjust:
- Skin tone warmth or coolness
- Freckles (on or off)
- Beauty marks
- Blush options
Remember that there are no wrong choices—this is your personal Memoji! Select options that make you feel represented or that simply look good to you.
Choosing a Hairstyle
After setting your skin tone, it’s time to select a hairstyle. Swipe to the “Hairstyle” category where you’ll find numerous options ranging from short to long styles in various textures and types.
First, choose a general hairstyle that matches your preference. Then, tap the color option to select from natural hair colors, vibrant colors, or even multi-colored options. You can also adjust:
- Hair length
- Texture (straight, wavy, curly, coily)
- Part style (center, side, none)
- Hair volume
For those who prefer no hair, there are bald options available as well. Some hairstyles include accessories like clips or bands that can be customized separately.
The hairstyle selection significantly impacts your Memoji’s overall look, so experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect match.
Adding Facial Features
The final step involves customizing various facial features to make your Memoji truly unique. This includes eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, ears, and optional elements like facial hair and accessories.
For eyes, select the shape, color, and even add eyelashes or makeup. Eyebrows can be adjusted for thickness, arch, and color. Choose from various nose shapes and mouth styles that best represent your features.
Don’t forget to customize ears and add any facial hair if desired. You can also add:
- Earrings
- Nose piercings
- Eyeglasses or sunglasses
- Headwear like hats or religious coverings
To make your Memoji more expressive, try different facial expressions by moving your face if you’re using a device with Face ID. This will show you how your customized Memoji will look when animated.
When you’re satisfied with your creation, tap “Done” in the upper right corner to save your Memoji.
Customizing Your Memoji
Personalizing your Memoji allows you to create a digital avatar that truly represents you. The customization process offers extensive options to match your unique appearance and style preferences.
Fine-Tuning Facial Characteristics
The foundation of a great Memoji starts with accurate facial characteristics. Users can select from various face shapes, ages, and skin tones to create their base appearance.
When creating a Memoji, users can adjust features like:
- Eyes: Shape, color, and even add makeup or glasses
- Nose and mouth: Multiple options for size and shape
- Facial hair: Various beard and mustache styles with adjustable colors
- Eyebrows: Different shapes and thicknesses
These adjustments allow users to create facial expressions that match their own. The system offers enough variety that users can make a Memoji that looks remarkably like themselves or opt for a more stylized version.
Adding Accessories
Accessories add personality and flair to any Memoji. In iOS, users can choose from multiple headwear options including hats, religious coverings, and hairstyles.
Popular accessories include:
| Category | Options |
|---|---|
| Headwear | Caps, beanies, religious coverings |
| Earrings | Studs, hoops, dangling styles |
| Glasses | Reading glasses, sunglasses, various frames |
| Piercings | Nose, eyebrow, lip options |
These accessories can be customized with different colors and styles to match personal preferences. Users can add or remove accessories anytime by returning to the Memoji editor.
Adjusting Color Palettes
Color selection plays a crucial role in making a Memoji distinctive. Users can customize various color elements to create a realistic or creative representation.
For hair colors, the system offers natural shades like blonde, brown, and black, plus vibrant options like pink, blue, and purple. Users can adjust hair color opacity for a more subtle effect.
Skin tone options provide a wide range of realistic human complexions. Eye colors include natural options along with fantasy choices like purple or red.
Memoji customization extends to makeup colors for lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush. This allows users to match their everyday look or create special occasion Memoji variations with different color palettes.
Using Memoji in Everyday Communication
Memoji have evolved beyond novelty to become practical communication tools in our digital conversations. They add personality and emotion to texts, video calls, and online interactions in ways that simple text cannot.
Memoji in Messages
The Messages app is where Memoji truly shine in daily communication. Users can send Memoji stickers directly in conversation threads by tapping the Memoji Stickers button on the keyboard. This brings up a collection of pre-made expressions based on the user’s custom Memoji.
To use a sticker, one simply taps it to insert into the message. For a more personal touch, users can touch and hold the Memoji and drag it into the message thread for perfect positioning.
Messages also allows for full-screen Memoji effects. By opening the camera button in Messages and selecting the Memoji tab, users can record short clips with their animated Memoji mimicking their facial expressions.
These personalized reactions work particularly well for quick responses, showing excitement, or adding humor without typing lengthy replies.
Sharing Memoji Stickers
Memoji stickers extend beyond Apple’s Messages app into other communication platforms. These static expressions of the user’s Memoji can be used across various apps that support sticker integration.
To access Memoji stickers in other apps:
- Open the app’s keyboard
- Tap the emoji icon
- Select the Memoji tab (three cartoon faces)
- Choose the desired sticker
Popular apps that support Memoji stickers include WhatsApp, Snapchat, and most social media platforms with direct messaging features.
Users can also add Memoji stickers to emails and documents for a personal touch. The stickers automatically update if changes are made to the original Memoji, ensuring consistent personal branding across platforms.
Animated Memoji in FaceTime
FaceTime elevates Memoji to their most dynamic form through real-time animation. During video calls, users can replace their actual face with their animated Memoji that mimics facial expressions and movements.
To activate this feature during a FaceTime call:
- Tap the screen to show call options
- Select the Effects button (sparkle icon)
- Choose the Memoji tab
- Select your preferred Memoji
The animated character follows head movements, blinks, and facial expressions in real-time. This feature proves especially useful for calls in low-light environments or when users prefer not to show their actual surroundings.
For group FaceTime calls, this feature adds a playful element while still maintaining the personal connection of seeing reactions and expressions.
Exploring Advanced Memoji Features
Memoji technology utilizes sophisticated hardware and software components to create personalized animated avatars that respond to facial movements. These features are especially powerful on newer Apple devices with specialized sensors.
Creating Multiple Memojis
Users can create multiple unique Memojis on compatible devices to represent different moods, styles, or personas. This feature is particularly useful for expressing various emotions in conversations.
To create an additional Memoji:
- Open Messages app
- Tap the Apps button in a conversation
- Select Memoji icon
- Tap the “+” button
- Design a new character from scratch
Each Memoji can be fully customized with different hairstyles, facial features, accessories, and more. The system stores all created Memojis in the same location for easy access.
Many users create multiple versions of themselves with different outfits or hair colors. Others make Memojis of family members or friends for fun messaging interactions.
Utilizing Face ID with Memoji
The integration between Face ID and Memoji creates a responsive facial animation system. This technology, available on iPhone X, iPhone XR, and newer models, maps facial movements in real-time.
Face ID uses over 30,000 invisible dots to create a precise depth map of the face. This detailed mapping allows Memojis to accurately mirror:
- Eye movements and blinks
- Mouth positions and speech
- Eyebrow raises
- Head tilts and nods
The system updates animations at 60 frames per second, creating smooth, natural-looking movements. Face ID also remembers multiple facial expressions, allowing users to trigger specific reactions like winks or tongue movements.
For the best experience, users should ensure good lighting when recording Memoji videos or taking photos.
Leveraging the TrueDepth Camera
The TrueDepth camera system, featured on iPhone X, iPad Pro (2018 and newer), and subsequent iPhone models, powers the advanced facial tracking capabilities behind Memoji animations.
This specialized camera includes:
- Infrared camera
- Flood illuminator
- Dot projector
- Standard front-facing camera
Together, these components create detailed facial maps that enable Memojis to mimic subtle expressions. The system works effectively in various lighting conditions, even in low light.
Users can customize their Memoji with incredible detail thanks to the precise measurements from the TrueDepth camera. The technology captures minute facial movements that traditional cameras cannot detect.
The camera also enables Memoji integration with FaceTime and third-party apps that use the camera API.
Managing and Sharing Memoji Across Devices
Memojis can follow you across your Apple devices when set up correctly. This means you can create a Memoji on your iPhone and use it on your iPad or Mac without starting over.
Syncing Memojis with iCloud
To ensure your Memojis appear on all your devices, you need proper iCloud settings. If your Memojis aren’t syncing between devices, the solution is often simple.
First, check that you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on all devices. Then verify that iCloud Drive is enabled. Go to Settings > [your Apple ID] > iCloud > iCloud Drive and toggle it on. This often resolves syncing issues according to user experiences on Reddit.
For proper syncing, ensure these settings on all devices:
- Same Apple ID signed in
- iCloud Drive turned on
- Devices updated to compatible iOS/macOS versions
If problems persist, try signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in. This refreshes your device’s connection to iCloud services.
Using Memoji on Different Devices
Memojis work seamlessly across the Apple ecosystem. After creating a Memoji on your iPhone, you can access it on your iPad and Mac too.
On Mac, open Messages and click the Apps button. Select the Memoji tab to find your synced characters. You can use them in messages or during FaceTime calls.
On iPad, the experience mirrors the iPhone. Open Messages, tap the Apps button, then select Memoji. Your characters will be ready to use.
For video calls on any device, you can apply your Memoji as an animated overlay with tracking for facial expressions. This works in FaceTime and other apps that support the camera effects API.
Saving and Reusing Memoji Stickers
Memoji Stickers provide a convenient way to express yourself without creating custom messages each time. These pre-made expressions can be saved for quick access.
To use stickers, open the keyboard in any app and tap the Memoji Stickers button (usually next to the emoji button). Select your preferred Memoji and choose from various expressions. Then, simply tap the sticker to send it.
Favorite stickers for faster access:
- Open the Memoji Stickers in the keyboard
- Long-press on a frequently used sticker
- Tap “Add to Favorites”
Your most-used stickers will appear in the “Frequently Used” section of your emoji keyboard. This saves time when communicating with friends and family who appreciate your personalized expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Memojis allow iPhone users to create personalized avatars with detailed customization options. Users can easily share their creations and use them in various communication methods across Apple devices.
What are the steps to personalize a Memoji on an iPhone?
To personalize a Memoji, first open Messages and tap the Memoji Stickers button (the icon with three cartoon faces). Then tap the plus icon or the three dots to create a new Memoji.
Users can customize their Memoji’s skin tone, hairstyle, eyes, head shape, and add accessories like glasses or headwear. The system offers many options for each feature to create a truly unique representation.
After making selections, tap “Done” to save the Memoji. It will then appear in the Memoji collection and be ready for use.
How can I share my Memoji with others after creating it?
Once a Memoji is created, sharing it is simple. In Messages, users can touch and hold the Memoji and drag it directly into a conversation thread to send it as a sticker.
Users can also use their Memoji during FaceTime calls by tapping the Effects button and selecting their Memoji. This animates the Memoji using facial expressions in real-time.
Another option is using Memoji in third-party apps that support the feature through the emoji keyboard. Just select the Memoji tab when the keyboard appears.
Is it possible to use a photo as a basis to make a customized Memoji?
Currently, Apple doesn’t offer a direct feature to create a Memoji based on a photo upload. Users must manually customize each feature to match their appearance or desired look.
Some users find it helpful to look at a selfie while creating their Memoji to more accurately select features. This manual approach gives users complete control over how their Memoji looks.
While photo-based avatar creation exists in some third-party apps, official Memoji creation remains a manual customization process within Apple’s ecosystem.
What is the process to create a full-body Memoji on the iPhone?
Standard Memojis only show the head and face, not the full body. Apple’s current Memoji feature doesn’t support creating full-body avatars.
What users can access are Memoji stickers that show various expressions and poses, but these are still primarily focused on the head and face rather than displaying a complete body.
For full-body digital avatars, users would need to explore third-party applications designed specifically for that purpose.
Can you generate a Memoji on someone else’s behalf?
Yes, users can create Memojis that resemble other people. There’s no verification system that requires the Memoji to match the creator’s appearance.
To create a Memoji for someone else, the user simply needs to customize the features to match that person’s appearance instead of their own. This can be done on any device that supports Memoji creation.
It’s worth noting that creating Memojis of others is best done with their knowledge and consent, especially if planning to use or share these representations.
What method is used to create an avatar emoji that resembles me?
To create a self-resembling Memoji, users should start by analyzing their key facial features. This includes skin tone, hair color and style, eye shape and color, and facial structure.
The customization process allows for detailed adjustments to each feature. Users can experiment with different options until they find the combination that best represents their appearance.
For the most accurate results, some users find it helpful to create their Memoji while looking in a mirror or at a recent photo to capture their distinctive features correctly.
