Change Emoji Skin Tone: iPhone & Mac OS X Guide

The Expanding World of Emoji and Skin Tone Representation

Emoji have become ubiquitous in modern digital communication, serving as a vital component of self-expression in text-based conversations. However, it’s been observed that the standard representations within emoji sets don’t always reflect the diversity of the population.

Related: Guidance on Utilizing Emoji Across Smartphones and Personal Computers is readily available.

A significant number of emoji depict people – including faces, hands, and various body parts – and their initial designs often resembled a generalized aesthetic. While some users may not be concerned with the default skin tones, others desire emoji that more accurately mirror their own complexion.

Exploring Emoji Skin Tone Options

Consider the range of options available within the Smileys & People category. Here, a diverse collection of thumbs, gestures, and other anatomical representations can be found.

To access alternative skin tones on iOS devices, simply select the desired emoji and perform a long press. This action reveals a palette of different skin tone options.

This functionality extends to facial expressions as well; a simple swipe allows you to modify the skin tone of faces.

The selected skin tone will persist for that specific emoji until a different one is chosen.

Utilizing Skin Tones on OS X

The process on OS X mirrors that of iOS. Open the emoji panel and click and hold on any applicable face or hand emoji to reveal a selection of alternative skin tones.

As with iOS, the chosen skin tone remains in effect until altered. Currently, there isn't a global setting to modify all emoji simultaneously.

Apple integrated skin tone modifiers into their emoji library with the release of OS X 10.10 and iOS 8.3. These options, however, aren't immediately obvious to all users. By utilizing these features, individuals can now express themselves through emoji in a more personalized and representative way.