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In Google Messages, a photo-based custom emoji is called a Photomoji. Start in the compose area to send one as a standalone sticker; start by touching and holding a message to attach one as a reaction. Both workflows use a photo from your gallery.
Send a Photomoji as a sticker
A sticker is sent into the conversation as its own item rather than being attached to a particular message.
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- Open Google Messages and the conversation where you want to send it.
- Tap the message box, then tap Emoji and Create.
- Select a photo from your gallery.
- If Google Messages identifies multiple subjects in the photo, tap the subject you want.
- Tap Send.
To send a Photomoji you have already saved, open the emoji picker from the message box and choose the Photomoji. Google’s Photomoji instructions describe this as sending a Photomoji as a sticker.
Use a Photomoji as a reaction
A reaction is attached to a specific message. The creation path therefore begins with that message, not the compose area.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
- Open the conversation and touch and hold the message you want to react to.
- Tap Create, select a photo from your gallery, and choose the subject if prompted.
- Tap Send.
To use a saved Photomoji, touch and hold the message, open the emoji or reaction picker, and choose the Photomoji. Google documents these Android app steps on its Photomoji help page.
Use, change, or remove a standard emoji reaction
For a regular emoji rather than a photo-based Photomoji, touch and hold a message and choose an emoji. To change or remove a reaction, touch and hold the message again and make the change; Google says you can change or remove only your own reactions. In a group chat, tap the reaction group to see who added a reaction. See Google’s instructions for adding reactions.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Google also documents reactions on a computer: hover over a message, click Reactions, then select a reaction. That computer workflow is for reactions; Google’s reviewed Photomoji creation instructions provide steps for the Android app, not for creating Photomojis on a computer.
Requirements and SMS/MMS limits
Google says Photomoji can be created on Android 8.0 and up, but the feature is not available on Android Go. An Android device must also be connected to the Google Messages account to use reactions.
Google’s regional and content restrictions below are specifically for SMS and MMS; they should not be read as rules for RCS:
- Google lists SMS/MMS reaction availability in the United States, France, Canada, and Australia.
- For SMS/MMS, you can react only to text—not to photos or videos received through MMS.
These limits and the account-connection requirement are covered in Google’s reaction help. The stated country and message-type limits apply to SMS/MMS, not generally to every conversation type.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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