How To Turn Off Facebook Messenger Emoji: Company Adds 1500 New Emoji In Latest Update But Not Everyone Loves Them

Facebook’s latest Messenger update brought 1500 new emoji but not everyone loves them. Find out how to turn off the new emoji emoticon replacements, here.

On Thursday, Facebook rolled out a new update to Messenger on iOS, Android and Desktop computers that dramatically changes the look of the app’s emoji. The update brings 1500 new and diverse emoji to better represent Messenger’s global user base. The emoji appear automatically as a new option in the Facebook Messenger app once it’s been updated and will also replace any emoticons you type in with your keyboard. Despite offering more options, not everyone is thrilled with this change.

In a blog post about the new emoji the company explained that the changes bring not only more skin tone options for various human emojis, it also adds several new empowering female emojis like police officers and runners. In addition, the update was meant to equalize the user experience for all Messenger users regardless of their platform.

“Emojis have changed the way we talk to each other,” the company wrote. “It’s a fun, easy way to express yourself when words just aren't enough — and people love them! In fact, nearly 10% of mobile sends in Messenger include emojis. However, not all platforms have kept up with emoji standards as they've evolved - which means sometimes the emoji you wanted to send wasn't the one that showed up. Nor are they living up to the gender and skin tone diversity that we see in our world every day. Messenger is addressing emoji woes by rolling out a new set of standardized emojis so you can be sure you're sending the right message. No matter what emoji you pick, it will now look the same for all Messenger users, regardless if the recipient is on Android, iOS or another platform.”

Though it’s certainly nice to know that whatever emoji I send will look the same and convey the same message to the receiver on the other end, for many, the change was more than they were ready for. While some just like the comfort and familiarity of their old emoji, others find the new Facebook Messenger emoji down right ugly.

The new update has turned the latest messenger emoji on by default, but fortunately, Facebook isn’t demanding that you use them. In fact, if you aren’t a fan of the new Messenger emoji there is a way to turn them off.

How To Turn Off New Facebook Messenger Emoticon Emoji

If you want to disable the new Facebook Messenger Emoji and get back your standard emoji, Facebook does allow you to do so from its mobile app. Here’s how:

1. Open Facebook Messenger App on your iPhone or iPad (option not working on Android)
2. At the bottom of the app, tap on the “Me” tab
3. Tap on the Photos and Media option
4. Toggle the Messenger emoji button to the off position
5. Your emoticon and emoji sent will return to your device’s standard set

NOTE: It appears there is no option to turn off Messenger emoji on desktop computers.

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