Genmoji Not Appearing on iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It
Genmoji is a fun way to create personalized emoji using Apple Intelligence, but if you’re wondering why it’s not showing up on your iPhone keyboard, you’re not alone. A common issue users face is that Genmoji doesn’t appear, especially in the Messages app. With Genmoji, you can generate custom emoji by simply describing what you want or even creating one based on photos of friends and family. These unique emojis can be added to messages, shared as stickers, or used as Tapbacks. However, if you’re unable to find Genmoji on your device, there may be a reason for it. Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Check If Your iPhone Supports Apple Intelligence
Genmoji is an Apple Intelligence feature, which means it’s only available on certain iPhone models running iOS 18.2 or later. To use Genmoji, your iPhone must meet the following requirements:
- Compatible Devices: iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Software Version: Your device must be updated to iOS 18.2 or later. See the update section below to check for updates.
- Language Settings: Apple Intelligence requires your device language and Siri language to be set to a supported language, see below the supported languages.
- Storage: At least 7 GB of free storage is required for Apple Intelligence features.
Supported Languages
Currently, Apple Intelligence is available in English (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, and US) in most regions. In April, a software update will expand support for additional languages, including Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and more throughout the year.
If your iPhone meets these requirements, you should be able to access Genmoji. If not, you may need to update your software, adjust your language settings, or check your storage space before using this feature.
Step 2: Ensure Apple Intelligence Features Are Enabled
Since Genmoji relies on Apple Intelligence, you need to ensure the feature is activated:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap on Apple Intelligence & Siri.
- Look for Apple Intelligence and make sure it’s turned on.
- Restart your iPhone after enabling the feature.
NOTE: We previously explained how to enable Apple Intelligence. You can refer to that article for more details.
If Apple Intelligence is not listed in your settings, your device may not be compatible, or your software may need updating.
Step 3: Ensure Device Language and Siri Language Match
For Genmoji to work properly, your device language and Siri language must be the same.
- Go to Settings > General > Language & Region.
- Check that your iPhone’s language is set to a supported option, such as English (United States).
- Now, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.
- Make sure Siri’s language matches your device language (e.g., both should be English (United States)).
- Restart your iPhone and check if Genmoji appears.
If these settings don’t match, Genmoji may not function properly.
Step 4: Enable Stickers in Keyboard Settings
If Genmoji is not appearing, ensure that stickers are enabled in your keyboard settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.
- Scroll down to the “EMOJI” section.
- Make sure the “Stickers” toggle is turned on.
- Restart your iPhone and check if Genmoji appears in Messages.
If this option is disabled, Genmoji may not show up as an available feature in your keyboard.
Step 5: Check If Genmoji Is Available in Messages
Genmoji is primarily used within the Messages app. To check if it’s available:
- Open Messages and start a new conversation.
- Tap the emoji icon on the keyboard.
- Look for the Genmoji option (it may appear as a “+” or custom emoji icon).
- If it’s missing, try closing and reopening Messages, or restart your iPhone.
Step 6: Update iOS to the Latest Version
If Genmoji isn’t appearing, ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Check for updates and install if available.
- Restart your iPhone after updating.
Since Apple Intelligence is continuously improving, new updates may fix issues with missing Genmoji.
Step 7: Reset Keyboard Settings
If Genmoji still isn’t appearing, resetting keyboard settings might help:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
- Restart your iPhone and check if Genmoji appears.
NOTE: All personalized words and shortcuts will be removed, restoring the keyboard dictionary to its original default settings.
Step 8: Check for Regional Restrictions and Device Compatibility
Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, are rolling out gradually. If you’re in a region where it’s not yet available, you may need to wait for an official release.
- The EU isn’t getting Apple Intelligence until April 2025, so if you’re located in the European Union, Genmoji won’t be available until then.
- If your iPhone was manufactured for China, Apple Intelligence may not work. To check your device model:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Look at the “Model Number.”
- If the model number ends in CH/A, it was made for China, and Apple Intelligence features may be restricted.
If your iPhone supports Apple Intelligence and meets all the necessary requirements, Genmoji should be available. However, if it’s still missing, try updating your software, enabling Apple Intelligence, ensuring your device and Siri languages match, enabling stickers in keyboard settings, or resetting your keyboard settings. Also, be aware of regional restrictions—if you’re in the EU, you’ll have to wait until April 2025, and if your iPhone was made for China, Apple Intelligence may not work at all.
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