What is AR (Augmented Reality) Emoji and how do I use it?

AR Emoji GIF of dancing man

AR (Augmented Reality) Emoji is a feature which creates an animated version of yourself which can then be used to record your movements and facial expressions.

Please note: that AR Emojis are only available on specific devices and some movements or expressions may not be recognised. The icons and screens may differ slightly from the illustrations below depending on your device, operating system and theme.

More information on the different camera modes available, can be found by visiting What are the different camera modes and how do I use them. 

1 Open the camera app
2 Tap "More"
Tap More in the camera menu
3 Tap “AR Zone”
AR Zone is selected on a Galaxy smartphone
4 Tap "AR Emoji Camera"
AR Emoji camera is selected on a Galaxy smartphone
5 Tap the + icon
Add a new AR emoji icon is selected
6 When you’re ready, take a selfie. Or if you prefer, you can choose an image from a photo you have previously taken by selecting "Make from pic"
Take a selfie to create an AR emoji
7 Select one of the icons, then tap “Next”
8 Start customising:
  • Profile: Give your emoji a name.      
  • Looks: Here you can customise skin tone, hair, facial hair, face, eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, and ears.
  • Clothes: Here you can select your clothes and shoes as well as purchase additional outfits from the Galaxy app store.
  • Accessories: Here you can select headwear, glasses, earrings or purchase additional accessories from the Galaxy app store.
9 Tap “Next” and then “All done” once you’ve finished customising your Emoji
Next is selected in the AR Emoji window
10 Your Emoji will now be in the “AR emojis” section

Top tip:

  • Try changing the shooting “mode” and play around with the new display features like Mask, Body Tracking and Motion Figure.
  • You can also edit your emoji by selecting the T shirt icon to change your emoji’s style and outfits.

Please note: that some charges may apply to download or purchase some AR Emojis.

As well as creating your own Emoji you can also can download different AR Emojis. To do this you will need to:

1 Open the camera app
2 Tap "More"
Tap More in the camera menu
3 Tap “AR Zone”
AR Zone is selected on a Galaxy smartphone
4 Tap "AR Emoji Camera"
AR Emoji camera is selected on a Galaxy smartphone
5 Tap the + icon
Add a new AR emoji icon is selected
6 Tap “Pre-made emojis”
Pre-made emojis option selected
7 Swipe through the selection of pre-made emojis, and once you have found an emoji you like select the arrow to “Add this emoji”
Add this emoji arrow selected
8 Customise the pre-made emoji as you wish and then tap “Next” to download it to your device

Please note: If you do not have the AR Emoji Sticker app already installed you will be prompted to install this in order to download your emoji.

Next selected in AR emoji customisation menu
9 Your Emoji will now be in the “AR emojis” section of your camera app.
AR Emoji GIFs in Messages app
1 Open the Messages app and create a new message
Messages icon
2 Tap the enter message field
Enter message field is selected on a Galaxy smartphone
3 Tap the Stickers icon
The stickers icon can be found in the messages toolbar
4 Tap My Emoji icon
The My Emoji icon is selected on a Galaxy smartphone
5 Select your desired emoji, and then tap “Send” to share with your friends
6 Alternatively, you can create your own sticker using your My Emoji. Tap the + icon, then tap "Get started".
Get started option is selected on a Galaxy smartphone
1 Open the camera app
2 Tap "More"
3 Tap “AR Zone”.
4 Tap "AR Emoji Camera".
5 Tap the Settings icon
The settings icon can be found at the top left hand side of the screen in the AR Emoji camera menu
6 Tap "Manage emojis"
Manage emojis menu is selected in the AR Emoji Camera settings menu
7 Select the emoji you wish to delete, then tap "Delete". Tap "OK" to confirm
All emojis saved to your device are displayed on-screen

If you're experiencing unusual behaviour on Samsung mobiles, tablets or wearables, you can send us an error report or ask us a question in the Samsung Members app.

This allows us to a closer look at what is happening. The data is anonymised and only held for the duration of the investigation. Find out more about sending an error report through the Samsung Members app.

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