How to send emoticons in WhatsApp?

How to send emoticons in WhatsApp - briefly?

To send emoticons in WhatsApp, simply use the emoji keyboard. Tap on the smiley face icon or type a colon followed by the emoji name to bring up relevant options.

How to send emoticons in WhatsApp - in detail?

Sending emoticons, also known as emojis, on WhatsApp can significantly enhance the expressiveness and fun of your messages. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Using Emoticons in WhatsApp on Android and iOS Devices

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
  2. Select or Create a Chat: Choose an existing chat or create a new one by tapping on the “New Chat” option.
  3. Navigate to the Emoji Keyboard:
    • Android: Tap on the text input field in the chat, and then press the smiley face icon located at the bottom left of the keyboard. This will open up a grid of emoticons.
    • iOS: Similarly, tap on the text input field and then tap on the globe or smiley face icon next to the space bar. You’ll see a variety of emojis organized into categories.
  4. Browse and Select Emoticons: Scroll through the available emoticons to find the one you want to send. You can switch between different categories by tapping on the relevant icons at the bottom of the screen (e.g., smileys, animals, food, etc.).
  5. Send the Emoticon: Once you’ve selected your desired emoticon, simply tap on it. The emoticon will be added to your message text field. You can then send it by tapping the “Send” button.

Using Custom or Third-Party Emoticons

  1. Download a Keyboard App: If you prefer using third-party keyboards for additional emoticons, download and install one from the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS). Popular options include Gboard, SwiftKey, and Bitmoji.
  2. Set Up the Third-Party Keyboard: After installation, go to your device settings and add the third-party keyboard as an input method.
    • Android: Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Languages & input” > “Virtual keyboard” and enable the new keyboard.
    • iOS: Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Keyboard” and add the new keyboard from the list.
  3. Switch to the Third-Party Keyboard in WhatsApp: Open WhatsApp, tap on the text input field, and then tap on the globe icon (or equivalent) to switch to your third-party keyboard.
  4. Send Custom Emoticons: Use the emoticons provided by the third-party keyboard as you would with the default one. Tap on an emoticon to add it to your message and press “Send.”

Tips for Effective Use of Emoticons

  • Context Matters: While emoticons are fun, ensure they fit the context of your conversation. Some emoticons might have different meanings in various cultures.
  • Combine with Text: Using emoticons alongside text can often convey your message more effectively than words alone.
  • Update Regularly: Emoticon libraries get updated frequently to include new and trending emojis. Keep your WhatsApp and keyboard apps up to date to access the latest ones.

By following these steps, you can easily send emoticons in WhatsApp, making your conversations more lively and engaging.