← Back to the WordBoard blog

How to add kaomoji to iPhone keyboard (step by step)

Kaomoji are Japanese-style text faces like (づ。◕‿‿◕。)づ and ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. The fastest way to add them to your iPhone keyboard is to use WordBoard and save your favorites as tappable keys.

By Stuart Hall · Bytesize Apps Updated

Quick answer

Download WordBoard, enable the keyboard, and save kaomoji as custom keys. After that, you can insert any kaomoji in Messages, Mail, Notes, and more with a single tap.

Step 1: Download WordBoard

Download WordBoard on the App Store

Step 2: Enable the WordBoard keyboard

Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → WordBoard.

Optional: Enable Full Access if you use folders or sync.

Step 3: Create a Kaomoji folder

Open WordBoard, tap New Folder, and name it “Kaomoji” so your faces stay organized.

Step 4: Add kaomoji as keys

Tap New Key, paste a kaomoji, and give it a short label (e.g., “Shrug”).

Build sets by mood like Happy, Love, Shrug, and Table Flip for fast access.

Step 5: Use your kaomoji anywhere

Switch to the WordBoard keyboard in any app and tap a kaomoji key to insert it instantly.

Best kaomoji to save first

  • Happy: (^▽^) / (。◕‿◕。)
  • Shrug: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • Love: (づ。◕‿‿◕。)づ
  • Table flip: (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
  • Celebrate: \o/ / (^◡^)っ

Troubleshooting

  • If you do not see WordBoard in the keyboard list, download it first: WordBoard on the App Store.
  • If the keyboard does not appear, go back to Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards and re-add WordBoard.
  • If a kaomoji breaks or loses characters, save it as a WordBoard key so it inserts exactly as typed.
  • If your Kaomoji folder is missing, create a new folder and move your keys into it for faster access.

FAQ: Kaomoji on iPhone

  • How do I add kaomoji to my iPhone keyboard? Install WordBoard, enable the keyboard, and save kaomoji as custom keys so you can tap them anywhere.
  • Do kaomoji work in any app? Yes. Once saved as WordBoard keys, you can insert them in any app that uses the iOS keyboard.
  • What is the fastest way to use kaomoji? Save your favorites as WordBoard keys so you do not have to browse lists each time.

Store a full kaomoji library with WordBoard

Save your favorite kaomoji as custom keys and tap them into any app. WordBoard keeps your most-used faces one tap away.