How to Create Memoji on iPhone X in iOS 12

With iOS 11, Apple introduced the ability to bring built-in Animoji to life on an iPhone X with your own words and facial expressions. Now iOS 12 allows you to go a step further by creating more personal types of Animoji. Instead of relying on one of the generic Animoji, you can design your own character from the get-go based on your appearance and attributes.

Using any of the phones in Apple's iPhone X lineup, you can cook up a special type of Animoji known as a Memoji by applying your own hair style and color, face, nose, mouth, eyes, and more. Of course, you can also create a Memoji that doesn't look like you and sports some wild and wacky features. The palette is yours. You can create as many Memoji as you want, have them voice your words and mimic your facial expressions, and then use them in your messages and FaceTime calls. Let's check this out.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.

Download iOS 12

To make sure you're running iOS 12 or higher on your device, open Settings > General > About. Scroll down the About screen to the entry for Version. If 12.0 or higher is listed, you're set. If not, return to the General screen and tap the entry for Software Update to download iOS 12.

Start a Conversation

Open the Messages app and start or continue a conversation. Tap the Animoji icon. Swipe to the right and tap the icon for New Memoji.

Create Your Memoji

The first time you go through this process, a few Welcome screens pop up. Tap the Get Started button to create your Memoji.

Pick Your Head

At the first screen, choose the skin color of your face and sprinkle yourself with freckles if you'd like. Next, select the style and color of your hair. Fashion your head shape by browsing the age and chin sections. While you're creating your virtual alter ego, look at the screen and move your eyes, mouth, and other areas of your face to see your actions mimicked.

Choose Facial Features

Pick the shape and color of your eyes and eyelashes next. Move onto your brows, and then the shape and color your nose and lips.

Select Ears and Eyes

The ears are next. Choose the shape and spice them up with some earrings if you wish. Next, give yourself facial hair with sideburns, a moustache, and a beard. Do you wear glasses? You can choose the style and color for your spectacles.

Headwear and Eyewear

Want to plop a hat on top of your noggin? You can choose from a variety of headwear. Finally, swipe back through each of the previous screens to change any features. When you're finished, tap Done.

Record a Voice Message

You can now make various facial movements, and your Memoji will mimic you. Want to text someone a message via your Memoji? Tap the red record button to record your voice message. Tap the same button to stop the recording. Your Memoji speaks your message. If you like it, tap the send button to send it as a message. If not, tap the trashcan icon and try another recording.

Edit Your Memoji

Your new Memoji is stored along with the other Animoji. To see it and use it again, tap the animoji icon. The Memoji should appear as the first one in the gallery. If you want to edit or duplicate your existing Memoji, click the ellipsis icon () in the lower left. You can also create a completely new Memoji by tapping on the New Memoji button.

Place a FaceTime Call with Memoji

Finally, to use your new Memoji in a FaceTime call, open FaceTime and place your video call. Tap the symbol icon in the lower left. From the selection of stickers, tap the one for Animoji and select the Memoji you want to use to represent yourself in the call.

About Our Expert

Lance Whitney

Contributor

My Experience

I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn.

My Areas of Expertise

I've used Windows, Office, and other Microsoft products for years so I'm well versed in that world. I also know the Mac quite well. I'm always working with iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and Android on my various mobile devices. And these days, I write a lot about AI, so that's become another key area for me.

The Tech I Use

My wife always jokes about all the tech products we have around the house, but I manage to put them to good use for my articles. I like Lenovo computers, so I own a couple of Lenovo desktops and several laptops. I have three MacBooks and a Mac mini. For my mobile life and work, I use an iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Pro, and iPad mini as well as an Apple Watch. But since I write about Android, I own several Android phones and tablets. Like any tech person, I have a cabinet full of cables, wires, and assorted mysterious gadgets. And when it's time to take a break from writing, I have an old Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, both of which I use for exercise and fitness games.

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