Getting new emojis starts with understanding your device, operating system, and keyboard. Emojis are supplied by platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS) and by third-party keyboards, and availability can vary by app. This guide explains how to access new emoji sets, keep your system up to date, and use additional keyboards to expand your options. You will learn practical steps for iPhone, Android, and PC, plus how to troubleshoot common issues.
How Emoji Delivery Works
Emoji are not downloaded individually; they arrive as part of operating system updates or keyboard updates. Each platform—Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Windows, and macOS—ships emoji sets on fixed or irregular schedules. On mobile, you enable emoji support in messaging apps by selecting an emoji-compatible keyboard such as the system keyboard, Google Keyboard (Gboard), or third-party keyboards. On the web, emoji depend on the platform and browser of the device you or your contact use, which can affect rendering. Understanding this helps you predict when and how new emoji will appear for you.
Check for System and Platform Updates
New emoji usually require an update to your operating system. Install updates promptly to receive the latest emoji supported by your device. Keeping your device updated also improves compatibility and security. Below is a reference table for how new emoji typically become available across platforms.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS | Official release notes |
| Update cadence | Annual to biannual; irregular for minor emoji additions | Historical release data |
| Availability scope | Entire system emoji set; app-level support varies | Platform documentation |
| Keyboard dependency | Third-party keyboards may surface newer emoji on older OS versions | Keyboard provider specs |
On iPhone and iPad
Update iOS
To get new emoji on iPhone or iPad, update to the latest iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available update. After updating, open the Messages app and try the emoji keyboard. New system emoji typically appear automatically. If you still do not see certain emoji, check whether a specific app supports them or if your keyboard settings need adjustment.
Keyboard Settings
Ensure your Messages app uses the Emoji keyboard: Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > add Emoji. If you use Gboard or another third-party keyboard, update it in the App Store and enable it under Settings > General > Keyboard > Add New Keyboard. Some emoji may appear only in apps that support Unicode versions matching your OS.
On Android
Update Android and Google Play Services
Android emoji come from the OS (Pixel) or from manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.), and are influenced by Google Play services. Update your device by going to Settings > System > System Update (or Software Update). On Pixel phones, new Android releases often introduce emoji; on other brands, emoji may arrive via OEM updates. Also update Google Play services and the Google app for related improvements.
Use or Switch to Gboard
Gboard frequently adds new emoji earlier than OEM keyboards and works across many Android versions. To use it, download Gboard from the Play Store, go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > Virtual Keyboard, and select Gboard. In Gboard, long-press the smiley face on the spacebar or open the emoji panel to browse new additions. Remember that some apps may not support third-party keyboards, so check app permissions and settings.
On Windows and macOS
Windows
On Windows, emoji are tied to the OS version and updated through Windows Update. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. In apps like Edge, Chrome, or Outlook on the desktop, use the emoji panel (Windows key + .) to access emoji. If your Windows version is older, you may not receive the newest emoji until you upgrade Windows edition or version. On web platforms like WhatsApp Web, emoji depend on the browser and OS rendering support.
macOS
Update macOS via System Settings > General > Software Update. macOS follows its own release schedule, so new emoji may appear with major macOS point releases. After updating, emoji should be available in Messages, Mail, and other apps that use the system text input methods.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If new emoji do not appear after updating, first verify your OS and app are up to date. Restart the app or device. Confirm that your keyboard is set to an emoji-capable option and that the app supports the Unicode version containing those emoji. In social apps and browsers, emoji may render as placeholder symbols if the sender’s or receiver’s platform does not support them. On Android, ensure Google Play services is current; on iPhone, confirm Settings allow Emoji keyboard usage for relevant apps.
Plan for New Emoji Releases
New emoji are introduced with major Unicode releases, typically announced mid-year and rolled out later that year. Platforms adopt them at different times: Apple usually includes new emoji in iOS updates in the fall; Google adds them to Android via yearly feature drops and occasional monthly security patches; Samsung updates its One UI keyboard independently. If you need emoji quickly and cannot update your OS, using a compatible third-party keyboard can provide access to a broader set, though support depends on app permissions and Unicode version.
Summary
To reliably get new emojis, keep your operating system, messaging apps, and keyboards up to date. Use the system keyboard or a well-supported third-party keyboard like Gboard to maximize compatibility. On iPhone, update iOS; on Android, update the OS and consider Gboard; on PC, update Windows or macOS. Understanding platform, app, and Unicode version dependencies helps you anticipate when and where new emoji will appear.