Yellow smiley face cookies on a tray, representing emojis and messaging
Jenny O'Brien April 03, 2025 A 2 minute read

Fixing Emoji Display Issues in Android Texts: A Quick Guide

Emojis are a fun and expressive way to communicate, but what happens when they stop showing up in your Android text messages? Whether you’re seeing blank boxes or missing characters, it can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Here are a few ways to get your emojis working properly again – and they’re all things you can do yourself, no tech wizardry required.

1. Clear Your Messaging App’s Cache

Sometimes, all your Messages app needs is a little refresh. Clearing the cache can help if there’s a small glitch causing emojis to disappear.

  • Head to Settings > Apps > Messages > Storage.
  • Tap Clear Cache.
  • Restart your device and give it another go.

2. Turn Off ‘Use Simple Characters’

This one’s a bit of a hidden setting. If the ‘Use simple characters’ option is switched on, it can prevent emojis from showing up properly in texts.

  • Open your Messages app.
  • Tap your profile picture (top right) and go to Messages Settings.
  • Scroll to Advanced.
  • Make sure Use simple characters is turned off.

3. Disable RCS Chat Features Temporarily

RCS (Rich Communication Services) adds loads of smart features to texting, but occasionally it clashes with how emojis are processed.

  • Go back into Messages Settings.
  • Tap Chat Features.
  • Turn off Enable chat features.

You can always switch this back on later – it’s just to test if it’s the cause.

4. Update or Reinstall the Messages App

Like most apps, the Messages app gets regular updates that squash bugs and improve performance. If your emojis have vanished out of nowhere, this might help.

  • Open the Google Play Store.
  • Search for Messages.
  • If you see an Update button, tap it. If not, uninstall and then reinstall the app.

5. Check Your Keyboard App

It might not be the Messages app at all – your keyboard could be the culprit.

  • Go to Settings > Apps > and find your keyboard app (usually Gboard).
  • Tap the three-dot menu and choose Uninstall updates.
  • Then reinstall the app or update it via the Play Store.

By following these steps, you should be able to restore the proper display of emojis in your Android text messages. If you’re managing a business and your customers rely on consistent communication (yes, including emojis!), making sure everything is working properly across your devices is super important.

Got bigger issues or looking to revamp how your business connects with customers digitally? Get in touch with us at O’Brien Media – we’re always happy to help.

📩 [email protected] | 📞 01793 239239