Quick answer
The easiest way to use kaomoji on iPhone is to save them as custom keys in WordBoard. After that, you can tap a kaomoji in any app without copying and pasting.
What is kaomoji?
Kaomoji are text-based emoticons that use Japanese characters and punctuation to create faces and gestures. Unlike standard emoji, kaomoji are built from text, so you can customize and remix them easily.
How to get kaomoji on iPhone
iOS does not include a dedicated kaomoji keyboard. Most people copy them from a website or Notes. A better approach is to save your favorite kaomoji in a custom keyboard such as WordBoard.
See the step-by-step guide: How to add kaomoji to iPhone keyboard.
How to add kaomoji to keyboard
- Download WordBoard and enable the keyboard in Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard.
- Create a folder named “Kaomoji” so your faces stay organized.
- Add each kaomoji as a key with a short label like “Shrug” or “Happy.”
- Switch to WordBoard in any app and tap a key to insert the kaomoji.
Want the full walkthrough? Visit Kaomoji keyboard iPhone.
How to favorite kaomoji
Favorites are the kaomoji you use every day. Save them as keys in WordBoard and keep them in a top folder so they are always one tap away.
If you also want to favorite standard emoji, see how to favorite emojis on iPhone.
How to save custom emoji shortcuts
There are two great options:
- WordBoard custom keys: Save a kaomoji once and label it with a short name. Tap the key to insert it instantly.
- iOS Text Replacement: Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement and add a shortcut like “;shrug”.
If you want a faster alternative to iOS shortcuts, see the text replacement keyboard for iPhone page.
Kaomoji vs the default emoji keyboard
- Default emoji keyboard: Great for quick emoji, but it does not include kaomoji and favorites are limited.
- Kaomoji with WordBoard: Works like a dedicated kaomoji keyboard, with folders, labels, and instant insertion.
If you rely on emoji too, see iPhone emoji keyboard.
Why WordBoard is better for kaomoji
- Save unlimited kaomoji and organize them by mood.
- Insert kaomoji with one tap, no copy/paste.
- Works in any app that uses the iOS keyboard.
- Combine kaomoji with snippets, templates, and shortcuts.
Want more iPhone keyboard ideas? See must-have custom iPhone keyboards for 2026.
FAQ
- How do I get kaomoji on iPhone? Save them as custom keys in WordBoard so you can insert them anywhere.
- Can I favorite kaomoji? Yes. Put your most-used kaomoji in a top folder or favorite section in WordBoard.
- Are kaomoji different from emoji? Yes. Kaomoji are text-based faces, while emoji are image-based characters.
- Do kaomoji work in every app? Yes. Once saved as keys, you can use them anywhere the iOS keyboard works.
Build your kaomoji keyboard in minutes
WordBoard lets you save, organize, and insert kaomoji with a single tap. Create a custom kaomoji keyboard for iPhone that stays with you in every app.
