WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the fun features of WhatsApp is the ability to send emojis, small digital images used to express ideas or emotions. While WhatsApp comes with a default set of emojis, many users want access to more diverse and unique emojis beyond these defaults. In this article, we’ll look at how to get free emojis on WhatsApp through third-party emoji apps and keyboards, with a focus on Android devices.
What are Emojis?
Emojis are small digital images or icons used to express an idea or emotion in electronic communications. Some common emojis include smiley faces, hearts, hand gestures, animals, food items, and more. Emojis originated in Japan in the late 1990s and have since become popular worldwide thanks to mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Emojis allow us to communicate visually and more efficiently. A single emoji can replace several words. For example, a smiling emoji can convey “I’m happy” rather than having to type those words out. Emojis help add color, fun, and expression to our messages.
Why Would You Want More Emojis?
While WhatsApp comes with a set of default emojis, having access to more diverse and unique emojis can be beneficial:
- Express yourself better: More emojis means having more options to find the perfect emoji to match your message and mood.
- Stand out: Unique or animated emojis can help your messages stand out from others.
- Trendy: New emojis let you use the latest popular emojis and meme references.
- Personalization: You can find emojis that match your personality or interests.
In short, having more emojis makes messaging more fun, expressive, and personalized.
Get Free Emojis on WhatsApp using Third-Party Apps (Android)
One of the easiest ways to get more emojis on WhatsApp is by using third-party emoji apps and keyboards available on the Google Play Store. Here are some top options:
Bitmoji
Bitmoji is one of the most popular third-party emoji apps. It lets you create a personalized avatar emoji to represent yourself. You can customize the avatar with various hairstyles, outfits, expressions and more to create an emoji in your own image. The Bitmoji app integrates with WhatsApp so you can access and send your personalized avatar emojis directly from your WhatsApp keyboard.
Key Features:
- Personalized avatar emoji
- Tons of customization options
- Frequently updated with new styles and emojis
- Integrates with WhatsApp
Emojidom Smileys & Emoji Keyboard
Emojidom offers over 4000 emojis and emoticons to enhance your WhatsApp chats. You can access these emojis through the Emojidom keyboard app. The keyboard seamlessly integrates with WhatsApp. A great option for getting a huge library of emojis and smileys.
Key Features:
- 4000+ emojis and emoticons
- Emoji keyboard integrates with WhatsApp
- Various smiley faces and people emojis
- Completely free to use
Google Keyboard and Gboard
Google’s emoji keyboard comes packed with a large library of old and new emojis. It also offers emoji mashups,where you can combine multiple emojis together. And there’s an emoji kitchen that lets you mix-and-match elements of different emojis to create new ones.
Key Features:
- Large default emoji library
- Emoji mashups and kitchen
- AI-powered emoji suggestions
- Free to use and download
SwiftKey Emoji Keyboard
SwiftKey integrates 800+ emojis into their predictive keyboard. You can easily search and send emojis without leaving your WhatsApp chat. It also offers emoji predictions in real-time based on your chats.
Key Features:
- 800+ emojis
- Emoji predictions
- Sticker packs
- Fast searching and sending
How to Install Third-Party Emoji Apps/Keyboards
Installing third-party emoji apps and keyboards on your Android device is quick and easy:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone.
- Search for the emoji app or keyboard you want (e.g. “Bitmoji”).
- Tap “Install” to download the app.
- Once installed, open the app or keyboard settings to enable it.
- Allow the app permissions to access your keyboard.
- Now the emoji keyboard will be available when using WhatsApp.
- Switch between your default and new emoji keyboards within your WhatsApp chats to use your new emojis.
Make sure to enable the emoji app or keyboard under your device Settings > Languages & Input > Virtual Keyboard. Follow any additional instructions from the app.
Other Ways to Get Emojis on Android
Aside from third-party keyboards, here are a couple other ways to get more emojis on Android WhatsApp:
Install Emoji Fonts
You can install custom emoji fonts on your Android device to completely transform your phone’s default emoji set. Some popular fonts like EmojiOne and NotoColorEmoji offer colorful and fun emoji designs.
Manual Emoji Downloads
You can manually download emoji icon packs online in PNG format. Then add these emoji PNG images to your WhatsApp sticker folder so they appear in your WhatsApp stickers section. A bit more work but lets you handpick emojis.
Root Access Emoji Mods
If you have root access to your Android device, you can use mods like Wings Emoji Switcher to completely replace the default emoji set. Provides more control but requires device rooting.
Top Emoji Apps for iPhone
For iPhone users, here are some top emoji keyboard apps to get unique and fun emojis in WhatsApp:
| App | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Bitmoji | Personalized avatar emojis, Regular new styles, Integrates with WhatsApp |
| Emoji++ | 2000+ emojis, GIFs and stickers, Frequent new packs |
| JoyPixels Emoji | 4000 emojis, Dynamic emojis and stickers |
| Swype Emoji Keyboard | Predictive emoji keyboard, Customizable themes |
WhatsApp Emoji Limitations
While you can get tons of new emojis using these third-party keyboard apps, there are some limitations:
- Emoji compatibility issues – Newer emojis may not show up for recipients on older OS versions.
- Lacks iOS emoji updates – Due to OS restrictions, iOS emoji updates take longer to reach third-party keyboards.
- No emoji skins – Can’t customize default emoji skin tones.
- Extra keyboard switching – Need to switch keyboard to access new emoji set.
So while not perfect, third-party emoji keyboards provide the easiest way to access to a more diverse library of emojis compared to the default options.
Fun Uses for Emojis on WhatsApp
Beyond basic messaging, here are some fun ways you can use emojis creatively on WhatsApp:
- Tell stories – Use a sequence of emojis to create a visual story.
- Play games – Emoji quizzes, charades or pictionary with friends.
- Express reactions – Replaces repetitive “haha” with a laughing emoji.
- Decorative elements – Spruce up chat names, statuses or greetings.
- Enhance photos – Draw, add captions or stickers using emojis.
Emojis can add a lively, creative element to your WhatsApp chats when used effectively.
Emoji Etiquette Best Practices
When using emojis, keep these etiquette best practices in mind:
- Use judiciously – Don’t overuse emojis, mix with text.
- Avoid ambiguity – Don’t rely solely on emojis if the message is unclear.
- Consider context – Make sure emojis fit the conversation tone and topic.
- Monitor reactions – If recipients seem confused, restate message clearly.
- Customize purposefully – Don’t over-customize group chat emojis.
Following emoji etiquette helps avoid miscommunications or misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Adding some new emoji flair to your WhatsApp chats is easy and fun. Third-party emoji keyboards provide endless collections of unique, customized, and trendy emojis that go way beyond the default options. Just be sure to follow proper emoji etiquette. With the right apps, you’ll have access to every emoji you could possibly imagine, ready to enhance your chats in so many ways. So unlock a world of emojis and start bringing your WhatsApp messages to life!