How To Enable Genmoji | Create Custom Emoji with iOS 18.2

Genmoji is enabled by turning on Apple Intelligence on a supported iPhone or iPad, then creating custom emoji from the emoji keyboard in iOS 18.2 or later.

Custom emoji used to be something only meme-makers could do. Now Apple’s Genmoji lets you generate your own emoji by typing a short description — no design skills required. The feature runs on-device and works right inside the emoji keyboard. This guide covers the exact steps to enable it, the devices that support it, and what to do if it doesn’t show up.

What Devices Support Genmoji?

Genmoji requires Apple Intelligence, so only devices with the necessary neural engine can use it. The feature is available starting in iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2. Here are the specific models:

The device must also be in a region where Apple Intelligence is supported. As of launch, Genmoji is not available in the European Union or China, even on eligible hardware.

Step 1: Update to iOS 18.2 or iPadOS 18.2

Before anything else, check that your device is running the required version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update to iOS 18.2 (or later) is available, install it. Apple released Genmoji publicly on December 11, 2024, with the iOS 18.2 update.

Step 2: Turn On Apple Intelligence

Genmoji is part of Apple Intelligence, not a standalone keyboard tool. Open Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. Tap the toggle to turn on Apple Intelligence. You may need to wait a few minutes for it to activate.

Step 3: Create Your First Genmoji

Once Apple Intelligence is active, Genmoji appears inside the emoji keyboard. Open any app where you can type — Messages, Notes, or Mail. Tap the text field to bring up the keyboard, then tap the emoji key (globe or smiley icon at the bottom). Look for the Genmoji button at the top right of the emoji picker. Tap it, type a description in the Describe a Genmoji field, and tap Done. Swipe through the generated options and tap Add to insert it.

How to Make a Genmoji From a Photo

If you want a Genmoji that looks like someone you know, start with a person already identified in the Photos app. Open the Genmoji picker from the emoji keyboard, but instead of typing a description, tap the person icon (or enter the person’s name). Tap Choose a Person, select the person from your photo library, then add a description (like “holding a coffee cup”). Choose the best variation and add it.

Troubleshooting: Why Genmoji Isn’t Showing Up

The most common issue is an unsupported device or a missing software update. Double-check that your iPhone or iPad is in the table above and that you’re on iOS 18.2 or later. If the device is compatible but the Genmoji button still doesn’t appear, confirm that Apple Intelligence is turned on in Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. Also verify that your device region supports Apple Intelligence — users in the EU or China may not see it regardless of hardware. If none of these apply, restart the device and try again.

Deleting or Managing Genmoji Stickers

To remove a Genmoji sticker, open the emoji keyboard and swipe all the way to the right. Tap the Genmoji you want to delete, touch and hold it, then select Remove. In Messages, you can also manage stickers by tapping the plus (+) button, selecting Stickers, holding the Genmoji, and removing it.

Quick Reference: Genmoji Creation Methods

Genmoji is generated locally on your device, so no internet upload is required. Apple also blocks prompts involving nudity, gore, or violence — those descriptions will be rejected automatically.

Apple’s official Genmoji support page provides the full walkthrough and links to related settings. Check that page if you run into any issues not covered here.