How to Use Microsoft Teams Secret Emoticons and Emoji Shortcuts

To use Microsoft Teams secret emoticons, type a colon followed by an emoji name, such as :smile, in the message box. Select a suggestion to insert it, then send your message. Microsoft documents this as an emoji keyboard shortcut; it does not unlock a separate hidden collection.

Use the Teams emoji shortcut

Start in a chat or channel message where you can compose a reply. Use an ordinary colon with no space before the emoji name. Microsoft's example is :smile:.

1. Type the emoji name. Click in the message box and begin typing :smile. Continue typing to narrow the suggestions.
2. Choose the emoji. Click the result you want, or press Enter while the suggestion list is open to insert the top match.
3. Review and send. Check the inserted emoji and accompanying text, then select Send.

These are the steps in Microsoft's emoji instructions. Pay attention to the selected suggestion: Enter can choose an emoji while that menu is open, so check the draft before sending.

You do not need to memorize a long code list. Start with a familiar name and inspect the results. For example, add a smile after “Thanks for the update!” when that tone fits the conversation. Keep important instructions in words so the recipient does not have to interpret an emoji.

Find an emoji without knowing its shortcut

Select Emoji, GIFs and Stickers on the right side of the message box. Choose the Emoji tab, search for a name or browse the gallery, and select an emoji. It appears in your draft before you send it.

The picker is useful when you recognize a face but cannot remember its name. Interface examples here focus on the relevant controls; their layout can vary by Teams version.

Use the Windows or Mac emoji keyboard

Your computer also offers an emoji picker during text entry. Click where the emoji belongs before opening it.

See Microsoft's Windows keyboard guide and Apple's Mac keyboard shortcuts. These open operating-system tools. For an emoji you found in Teams, use the Teams picker to locate it again rather than expecting an identical catalog in every picker.

Add a reaction to an existing message

An emoji in a draft becomes part of your message. A reaction attaches to a message already in the conversation. On desktop, hover over that message and choose a reaction. Select More reactions, shown as a smiley with a plus sign, for additional choices.

Microsoft's reaction guide also explains how to customize your quick reactions. Use a reaction for a simple acknowledgment; send a written reply when someone needs an answer, deadline, or clarification.

Are custom emoji secret emoticons?

Custom emoji are images or GIFs added by people in an organization. They are a separate feature from typing standard emoji names. In supported work accounts, the picker includes Your org's emoji. Availability and upload permissions depend on your organization's settings.

Check Microsoft's custom emoji guide if a coworker uses an unfamiliar image. A missing upload option does not mean you need a secret shortcut.

If the shortcut does not work

• Check the input. Type in the message composer, and try :smile without a space after the colon. Select a visible suggestion rather than assuming any typed name will convert.
• Use the picker. If suggestions do not appear, choose an emoji directly instead of repeatedly sending the unconverted text.
• Check for updates. Microsoft's version guide points desktop users to Settings and more > Settings > About Teams. Install an available update; update mobile Teams through your device's app store.

The old desktop-only restriction is outdated. Microsoft's August–September 2026 mobile release notes list colon-based emoji shortcuts for iOS and Android. If your mobile app does not show them yet, use its emoji picker and check for an update.