(Updated) Microsoft Teams: Emoji shortcuts expand to iOS and Android

Updated October 5, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

[What and Why]

We are bringing desktop-style emoji shortcuts to Microsoft Teams on iOS and Android. Users can insert emojis directly in the compose box by typing a keyword between colons (for example, :smile: → 😊).

This update improves consistency across platforms and enhances user productivity by making emoji input faster and more intuitive on mobile devices.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 565370.

[Rollout Schedule]

• Targeted Release (Worldwide): We began rolling out in early August 2026 (previously late March) and expect to complete by mid-August 2026 (previously early July).
• General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in mid-August 2026 (previously early July) and expect to complete by early November 2026 (previously late August).
• General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out in mid-August 2026 (previously mid-July) and expect to complete by early November 2026 (previously early September).
• General Availability (GCC High): We will begin rolling out in late August 2026 (previously late July) and expect to complete by early November 2026 (previously mid-September).
• General Availability (DoD): We will begin rolling out in early September 2026 (previously early August) and expect to complete by early November 2026 (previously late September).

[Impact on Your Organization]

Who is affected: All Microsoft Teams users on iOS and Android devices

Platforms/Services: Microsoft Teams (iOS and Android)

What will happen:

• Users can open the emoji suggestion menu by typing : followed by at least two characters (e.g., :sm)
• Users can insert emojis by typing a full name between colons (e.g., :smile: → 🙂)
• Common emoticons such as :), :D, and :P automatically convert into emojis
• Lowercase emoticons (e.g., :d, :p) are also supported
• Emoji search supports fuzzy matching and mid-string search
• Custom emojis are supported
• Parenthesis () shortcuts continue to work and will be retired later in alignment with desktop
• The feature is enabled by default with no admin controls

[Action Required / Recommendations]

No action is required.

To prepare your organization:

• Notify your help desk about the updated emoji shortcut experience.
• Update internal training or adoption materials to include emoji shortcuts triggered with :.
• Consider sharing a brief user communication highlighting the new mobile parity experience.

Learn more: 

• Send an emoji or GIF in Microsoft Teams Free | Microsoft Support
• Send an emoji, GIF, or sticker in Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Support

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.