The arrival of new emojis on WhatsApp revolutionizes the way we communicate emotions, ideas, and even jokes or activities in our conversations every year. If you're an Android user and have noticed that some friends are sending you emojis you can't see , or if you want to access the latest icon collection, this comprehensive tutorial offers all the options and solutions, from system updates to customization apps, as well as common problems and alternative methods to make the most of all the new features.
Below you'll find the ultimate guide to getting, activating, and customizing the new emojis on WhatsApp for Android . It's updated with all the essential information, expanded with resources, tips, recommended apps, and explained clearly, even for those with no prior technical experience. We've added illustrative images to each key section to ensure complete clarity.
Updated options for getting the new WhatsApp emoticons on Android
1. Update your Android operating system
The first essential step for your device to display the new official emojis is to update your Android to the latest version that supports the most recent emojis. Emojis are approved and managed by the Unicode Consortium, and each manufacturer integrates them into their operating system's next update. If your phone has an older version, some emojis may not display at all or may appear as empty boxes or question marks.
How do you check if you can update Android? Go to Settings > About phone > Software update and check for new versions. If your device supports it, the download and installation usually takes only a few minutes. Keep in mind that some older models stop receiving updates, and in that case, you'll have to use alternative methods (which we explain later).
2. Update WhatsApp and use the beta version
WhatsApp adds new emojis with each major app update. They usually arrive first in the beta version and later in the stable version. Being a WhatsApp beta tester is the fastest way to try out emojis before anyone else, but it involves using a less stable version of the app , where bugs may appear.
To become a beta tester, access the corresponding link from the Google Play Store or the official WhatsApp website and follow the instructions to install the beta . If you later prefer greater stability, you can revert to the standard version at any time.
3. Update your keyboard: Gboard and other alternatives
Although WhatsApp includes its own emoji pack, these are based on the emoji packs of your system and keyboard. Gboard (Google's keyboard) is the most recommended, as it receives frequent updates with the latest emoticons and features like Emoji Kitchen, which lets you merge and create new icons.
- Open the Google Play Store and search Gboard or your preferred keyboard.
- Update the app if a new version is available.
On mobile phones from brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei, etc., the path to updating and activating emojis may vary, but it always starts with the system's language and keyboard settings.
4. Alternative solutions if you cannot update the system
If your phone doesn't support newer versions of Android, there are alternative methods to send and view more modern emojis:
- Third Party Keyboards: Some keyboards like SwiftKey o facemoji add support for newer emojis, even on older phones.
- Apps like zFont: They allow you to install new font and emoji packages, although it is recommended to use only trusted apps and check that they are compatible with your model and version to avoid problems.
Not all of these methods guarantee that you'll see the emojis in all apps or that they'll be visible to others, but they can expand your icon library and personalize your experience.
How to activate and manage new emojis on Android step by step
Basic settings on WhatsApp and Android
- On WhatsApp: Open a chat, tap the text field, and select the smiley face icon to directly access the emoji gallery. WhatsApp organizes the icons into categories: recent, people, nature, food, activities, travel, objects, symbols, and flags.
- In the system: Go to Settings > System > Language & input > On-screen keyboard > Gboard (or the default keyboard) > Preferences > Show Emoji Key switch to enable quick access to emojis.
Advanced Personalization: Emoji Kitchen and Bitmoji
Emoji Kitchen is a Gboard-exclusive feature that lets you merge existing emojis to create unique and fun icons, compatible with WhatsApp and other apps. Tap two or more emojis and explore the suggested combinations.
To take it a step further, Bitmoji lets you create your own avatar and use personalized stickers to match your style and mood. This app integrates with Gboard and adds hundreds of options tailored to you.
Categories and diversity: skin tones, gender, and idioms
More and more emojis allow you to select skin tone, gender, and cultural variations for more inclusive and accurate communication. Tap and hold on the emoji you want to customize to see the different options and choose the one that best represents you.
Reacting and combining emojis in WhatsApp: new uses and tricks
Reactions in WhatsApp messages
WhatsApp lets you react to messages not only with classic icons (thumbs up, heart, smiley face) but now with any emoji from the catalog . Just tap and hold the message and tap the "+" symbol to access the entire library. This feature is ideal for group chats or for expressing emotions without typing a word.
Create custom emojis, stickers, and avatars
WhatsApp offers the option to create your own avatar directly within the app without installing any external programs. Go to Settings > Avatar > Create your avatar and generate up to 36 personalized stickers. You can edit your avatar at any time to reflect changes in hairstyle, clothing, or mood. These avatars can be used in chats, as a profile picture, or even integrated into group stickers.
In addition, certain apps like Emoji Maker or Sticker Maker Studio allow you to create entirely new emojis using your own photos, hand-drawn designs, or combinations of elements. Some of the most notable options for Android are:
- Emoji maker: Allows you to edit and create emojis from scratch, changing colors, accessories, shapes, and expressions. The result can be sent on WhatsApp and other apps.
- BitmojiCreate an avatar from your features and use it in hundreds of scenarios, from greetings to jokes. Perfect for more personal communications.
- Keyboard – Emoji, Emoticons: In addition to emojis, this alternative keyboard allows you to create and send animated stickers and GIFs.
- Facemoji Emoji Keyboard: Offers over 3.600 emojis, GIFs, and symbols, along with customizable themes and an intuitive experience.
Recommended apps to expand your emoji collection on Android
- Gboard (Google): Recommended for its speed in receiving new Unicode updates and its Emoji Kitchen feature.
- SwiftKey: Powerful alternative, with emoji prediction and advanced customization.
- zFont: Allows you to change the font of emojis on some devices, ideal for those looking for maximum customization.
- Facemoji Keyboard: Includes thousands of emojis, stickers, theme and font customization, ideal for creativity lovers.
- Emoji maker: Perfect for creating original emojis or editing existing ones.
- Elite Emoji: Offers over 1.000 HD emojis, smart suggestions, and themed options for special occasions.
- Sticker Maker Studio: Easily turn your own photos into stickers for WhatsApp.
Add emojis to your contacts' names on WhatsApp
Personalize your contacts by adding emojis next to their names . To do this, open the contact's chat, tap their name at the top, tap "Edit," and add the desired emojis in the name field using your keyboard. Save the changes, and you'll see the emoji next to the name in WhatsApp and in your address book (on some phones).
Common problems with the new WhatsApp emoticons: causes and solutions
You don't see the new emojis or strange symbols appear
This happens because your system, keyboard, or WhatsApp app isn't updated, or the person sending the emoji is using a newer version of Android or Unicode. Solution:
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version from the Play Store.
- Update your keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey, etc.).
- If possible, update Android to the latest version supported by your phone.
- Reboot your device after updates.
Emoji appears as a box or question mark
This indicates that neither your system nor the app can interpret that emoji. The usual solution is to update , but if that's not possible, you can install alternative keyboards, font apps, or try viewing the emoji on other platforms (such as websites or different messaging apps).
Reactions, stickers, or avatars do not appear to contacts.
For your contacts to see your reactions, stickers, or new emojis , both of you need to have the latest version of the WhatsApp app and operating system. If either of you has an older version, you won't be able to see the new emojis correctly.
Frequently asked questions about the new WhatsApp emojis on Android
- When are the new emojis coming out? It depends on the pace of Unicode, mobile phone manufacturers, and WhatsApp updates. Between 200 and 300 new emojis are approved each year and arrive on Android in different phases.
- Can I force new emojis to arrive without updating the system? Only partially: using external keyboard apps, zFont, or creating custom stickers and avatars. However, the best experience is always to update to the latest version available.
- Why do some emojis look different on different phones? Each system and app applies its own graphic design to the official emojis. Therefore, they vary slightly between WhatsApp, Android, iOS, etc.
- Are there risks to installing third-party emoji apps? Install only from Google Play and apps from reputable developers to avoid security issues, slowness, or excessive advertising.
- Can I combine multiple emojis into one icon? Only apps like Emoji Kitchen or some sticker apps allow you to merge emojis, but the feature is neither universal nor standard in Unicode.
Every year, Unicode approves new batches of emoji, which are then integrated into WhatsApp, Google, and other platforms. Recent releases have included options such as the distorted face, fighting cloud, ballet dancer, apple core, orca, furry creature, trombone, landslide, and treasure chest, along with skin tone and gender variants.
These emojis first appear in WhatsApp beta versions and are then rolled out to all users via automatic updates. To see the list of upcoming emoji candidates and their evolution, visit the official Unicode website ( unicode.org ).
Tips and tricks to get the most out of WhatsApp emoticons
- Merge emojis with Emoji Kitchen to send unique combinations on WhatsApp and other compatible apps.
- Customize your avatar and stickers with native WhatsApp or Bitmoji options for more original communication.
- Quickly search for emojis using the magnifying glass or typing keywords into the emoji keyboard.
- Configure Automatic Updates so you don't miss any new emoji when a new version of WhatsApp or the system is released.
- Create your own sticker packs with your photos, funny images or original designs to stand out in groups and chats.
- Use appropriate skin tones and gender to better represent your identity and encourage inclusion in your conversations.
The impact of emojis on digital communication
Emojis are much more than simple decorations : they convey emotions, quick reactions, cultural details, and messages that are sometimes difficult to express with words alone. They have become a universal language that transcends borders, generations, and languages. WhatsApp integrates them into its DNA, and Android offers increasingly more ways to customize and update them so that no conversation is boring or limited.
With the tips, tricks, resources, and recommended apps in this guide, any Android user can enjoy and take full advantage of all the new WhatsApp emojis, manage potential compatibility issues, and create original, fun, and expressive messages. Share your tips in the comments and keep exploring our Android tutorials to stay up-to-date with the latest emoji news.
