Emojis Not Showing on Galaxy S6: Fixes

If emojis are not showing on your Galaxy S6, the fix is usually to update or clear the cache of the Samsung Keyboard app, or to switch to a different keyboard. This article explains why emojis disappear and provides step-by-step fixes to get them back.

Why Emojis Disappear

Emojis are not part of the Android operating system itself; they are provided by the keyboard app you are using. The Galaxy S6 ships with the Samsung Keyboard, which includes its own set of emoji characters. When emojis fail to appear, it is almost always a problem with that keyboard app—either its cache is corrupted, the app has a bug after an update, or the keyboard has been changed to a third-party one that does not support emojis. Another common cause is that the keyboard is in a mode that hides the emoji key, such as when the input field is set to a numeric or password type.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into deeper troubleshooting, try these simple steps. They resolve the majority of cases:

• Restart the phone: This clears temporary glitches and reloads the keyboard service.
• Check the keyboard mode: In a text field, long-press the settings gear icon on the keyboard and ensure “Emojis” is enabled.
• Switch to another keyboard: Install a free keyboard like Gboard from the Play Store and select it as the default. If emojis appear there, the issue is with the Samsung Keyboard.
• Update the Samsung Keyboard: Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Update to install any pending system updates, which often include keyboard fixes.

Clear the Samsung Keyboard Cache

The most effective fix for missing emojis is to clear the keyboard’s cache and data. This resets the keyboard to its default state without deleting personal data. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Applications (or Apps).
3. Scroll to and tap Samsung Keyboard (or Samsung Input Keyboard).
4. Tap Storage.
5. Tap Clear Cache, then tap Clear Data.
6. Go back to a text field and open the keyboard. You may need to re-enable emojis in the keyboard settings.

Note that clearing data will reset your keyboard preferences, such as autocorrect and personalized words, but it will not delete your contacts or photos.

How to Access Emojis on the Samsung Keyboard

If the emoji key is simply hidden, here’s how to find it. On the Samsung Keyboard, the emoji key is located on the bottom row, usually to the left of the space bar. It looks like a smiley face or a small globe. If you don’t see it, tap the + icon on the left side of the keyboard to open the toolbar, then tap the emoji icon. Alternatively, press and hold the microphone key to see a pop-up menu with the emoji option.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are specific scenarios and their fixes:

• Emojis show as empty boxes: This happens when the keyboard sends emojis that the phone’s system doesn’t recognize. Update the system software to the latest version (Android 7.0 Nougat is the last official update for the S6) to get the full emoji set.
• Emojis work in some apps but not others: Some apps, like older versions of banking apps, use custom text fields that disable the emoji key. Try using a different keyboard like Gboard, which often bypasses this limitation.
• Emojis disappeared after a system update: This is a known glitch. Clear the keyboard cache as described above, and if that fails, do a factory reset after backing up your data.

When to Use a Third-Party Keyboard

If the Samsung Keyboard continues to have issues, switching to a third-party keyboard is a reliable alternative. Gboard (by Google) and SwiftKey are popular choices that support a wide range of emojis and are regularly updated. To switch:

1. Install the keyboard from the Play Store.
2. Open Settings > Language and Input.
3. Tap Default Keyboard and select the new keyboard.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable it.

Third-party keyboards often have more emoji options and predictive features, making them a long-term solution.

Preventing Future Emoji Issues

To avoid emojis disappearing again, keep your phone’s software updated. Samsung released the final major update for the S6 in 2017, but security patches may still be available. Also, avoid clearing the keyboard data unless necessary, as that can reset emoji settings. If you use a third-party keyboard, ensure it is updated regularly from the Play Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my emojis suddenly disappear?

A recent app update or system cache corruption often causes this. Try clearing the keyboard cache, and if that fails, restart your phone.

Can I get the latest emojis on my Galaxy S6?

Yes, but only if you install a third-party keyboard that includes newer emoji sets, since Samsung no longer updates the S6’s system to add new emojis.

What if the emoji key is missing entirely?

Tap the plus icon on the keyboard toolbar and select the emoji icon. If it’s still missing, reset the keyboard settings by clearing its data.

Will clearing keyboard data delete my personal emojis?

No, it only resets keyboard preferences like autocorrect and custom dictionary. Your personal emojis are part of the system and remain intact.

Is there a way to see emojis in my text messages if they don’t show?

If you receive emojis that appear as blank boxes, it means your system doesn’t support those specific characters. Updating to the latest Android version or using a third-party keyboard will help display them.

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