5 Easy Ways to Set an Avatar on an iPhone or iPad Pro

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Change your Apple ID Memoji avatar

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: November 13, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Creating a Memoji
|
• Sending Memoji Stickers
|
• Sending Animated Memoji Messages
|
• Using Memoji in FaceTime
|
• Changing Your Contact Photo
|
• Video

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Apple has its own customizable avatar called Memoji. These can be used as stickers or animated videos in the Messages app and FaceTime app. You can also set this avatar as your contact photo. Here's how to set an avatar on an iPhone or iPad.

Quick Steps

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap + and select More.
3. Tap Memoji.
4. Tap +New Memoji.
5. Customize your Memoji.
6. Tap Done.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Creating a Memoji

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1. 
   1
   Open a conversation in the Messages app. You can tap the Compose button in the top-right corner to start a new message or navigate to an existing one. Memojis can be created in the Messages app.

   • A Memoji is similar to Bitmoji. It can be used as a sticker to send to friends or as a video effect in FaceTime. It can also be assigned as your contact photo.
2. 
   2
   Tap +. This is to the left of the text field.

   • If you have an existing Memoji, select it, and then tap ••• to edit, duplicate, or delete it.
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3. 
   3
   Tap More. This is the bottom option. Alternatively, swipe up.
4. 
   4
   Tap Memoji. You can find this a few options down.
5. 
   5
   Tap +New Memoji. You may need to swipe right to find this option.

   • If this is your first time creating a Memoji, tap Continue first.
6. 
   6
   Customize your Memoji. The Memoji will move along with your face live. You can customize your skin, hairstyle, face, clothes, and body. Tap an option to see a preview of the live Memoji.
7. 
   7
   Tap Done. You can find this in the top-right corner. Your Memoji will be created.

   • You can now use your Memoji in Messages and FaceTime.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Sending Memoji Stickers

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1. 
   1
   Open a conversation in the Messages app. You can tap the Compose button in the top-right corner to start a new message or navigate to an existing one.
2. 
   2
   Tap +. This is to the left of the text field.
3. 
   3
   Tap Stickers. You can find this under Photos.
4. 
   4
   Tap the "Memoji" tab. The icon looks like the default Memoji avatar.
5. 
   5
   Select the Memoji you want to use. You'll see your created Memojis at the front of the list. You can also use one of the default emojis.
6. 
   6
   Select a Memoji sticker. Swipe up on the sticker menu to open its full view. Scroll through the selection to find a sticker you want to use. Tap the sticker to add it to the message.
7. 
   7
   Tap the send arrow. Your message with the Memoji sticker will be sent.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Sending Animated Memoji Messages

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1. 
   1
   Open a conversation in the Messages app. You can tap the Compose button in the top-right corner to start a new message or navigate to an existing one.

   • To send an animated Memoji message, you must have an iPhone or iPad that supports Face ID. For a complete list, visit the Apple website.
2. 
   2
   Tap +. This is to the left of the text field.
3. 
   3
   Tap More. This is the bottom option. Alternatively, swipe up.
4. 
   4
   Tap Memoji. You can find this a few options down.
5. 
   5
   Select your Memoji. You'll see your created Memojis at the front of the list. You can also use one of the default emojis.
6. 
   6
   Record your message. Tap the record button to start. As you talk, the Memoji will match your face movements. When you're finished, tap the record button again to stop.

   • You can record up to 30 seconds.
   • If you want to record the message again, tap the trashcan icon to delete the current recording. Then, tap the record button again.
7. 
   7
   Tap the send arrow. Your animated Memoji message will be sent.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Using Memoji in FaceTime

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1. 
   1
   Start a call in FaceTime. You can call someone or have someone call you. Be sure to answer with your camera on.

   • To use Memoji in FaceTime, you must have an iPhone or iPad that supports Face ID. For a complete list, visit the Apple website.
   • For the best experience, make sure you're in an area with proper lighting.
2. 
   2
   Tap the effects button. This looks like a grey flower.
3. 
   3
   Select the Memoji you want to use. You'll see your created Memojis at the front of the list. You can also use one of the default emojis.

   • The Memoji will appear on the call immediately. It will move along with your face and body movements.
   • You can also use FaceTime gestures to make unique effects pop up during your call.
4. 
   4
   Remove the Memoji (optional). Memojis will close when you end the call. However, if you want to remove the Memoji without ending the call, do the following:

   • Tap the effects button.
   • Tap the Memoji to remove it.
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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Changing Your Contact Photo

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1. 
   1
   Open the Contacts app. Use this method to change the profile picture associated with your contact card.
2. 
   2
   Tap My Card. This is at the very top with your name.
3. 
   3
   Tap Edit. You can find this in the top-right corner.
4. 
   4
   Tap Edit underneath your profile picture. This will open the Customize page.
5. 
   5
   Tap Customize. A pop-up menu will open.
6. 
   6
   Tap Contact Photo. This is the first option.
7. 
   7
   Tap Choose a Different Photo. If you don't already have a contact photo, you may need to tap Add or similar instead.
8. 
   8
   Tap Memoji. This is the option with the green icon.
9. 
   9
   Select the Memoji pose you want. You can use a Memoji you created or a default emoji.
10. 
    10
    Tap Next to select the Memoji. If necessary, move and scale the Memoji to your desired position.
11. 
    11
    Tap Choose. This will apply the Memoji as your contact photo.
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