Tech
How to Use Emojis on a Chromebook with Just Your Keyboard

Emojis are a fun and easy way to express your feelings, reactions, or ideas in digital messages. If you use a Chromebook, you might be wondering how to use emojis on Chromebook, especially if you’re used to smartphones or other devices. The good news is that Chromebooks come with built-in support for emojis, and you can access them using your keyboard or a few simple tricks.
This article will show you step-by-step how to use emojis on Chromebook, how to get emojis on Chromebook, and how to type emojis on a Chromebook keyboard without needing to install any extra software or apps.
Why Use Emojis on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are popular for their speed, simplicity, and easy connection to Google services. Whether you are writing an email, chatting with friends, or posting on social media, emojis can add a personal touch to your messages. Many Chromebook users want to know how to do emojis on Chromebook with keyboard shortcuts or other easy methods.
Here’s everything you need to know.
How to Do Emojis on Chromebook
To get started, the easiest way to use emojis on a Chromebook is by using the built-in emoji picker. This tool allows you to browse, search, and insert emojis into any text field.
Here is how to do emojis on Chromebook:
- Place your cursor in any text box where you want to insert an emoji.
- Press the Search or Launcher key (usually the magnifying glass or the key with a circle icon) + Shift + Space.
- This will open the emoji picker.
- Browse through the emoji categories like smiley faces, animals, objects, or flags.
- Click on the emoji you want, and it will be inserted into your message.
This method works on Google Docs, Gmail, social media websites, and most other places where you can type text.
How to Do Emojis on a Chromebook Keyboard
Some users may ask specifically how to do emojis on a Chromebook keyboard without using the mouse. The good news is that you can fully use the emoji menu with the keyboard.
Here is how to do emojis on a Chromebook keyboard:
- Open a text field where you can type.
- Press Search or Launcher + Shift + Space to open the emoji keyboard.
- Use the arrow keys to move through the emoji categories and options.
- Press Enter to select and insert the emoji.
This keyboard-only method is fast and useful, especially for users who prefer to avoid using the touchpad or mouse.
How to Get Emojis on Chromebook
If the emoji picker does not show up or you are using an older version of Chrome OS, you may need to update your system.
Here is how to get emojis on Chromebook:
- Click the time in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down and click About Chrome OS.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates.
Once your system is updated, the emoji feature should be available. If you still don’t see it, try restarting your Chromebook.
You can also enable the on-screen keyboard as another way to access emojis.
Steps to enable the on-screen keyboard:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Accessibility.
- Turn on On-screen keyboard.
- Click the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the emoji icon to see the full emoji menu.
How to Type Emojis on Chromebook
Typing emojis on a Chromebook is easy once you know the right method. You don’t need to memorize emoji codes or install apps. Just follow these steps to type emojis on Chromebook:
- Use the Search + Shift + Space shortcut to open the emoji picker.
- Choose the emoji using your mouse or arrow keys.
- Press Enter or click to insert it into your text.
This works on all major platforms like Google Docs, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. It is the best way to type emojis on a Chromebook without any external tools.
How to Use Emojis on Chromebook in Web Apps
You might want to use emojis while chatting on Google Chat, Zoom, or other online apps. The same method works here too.
Just click into the chat or message box and press Search + Shift + Space to bring up the emoji picker. You can then insert emojis just like you would in a normal text field.
If you want more emojis than the built-in ones, you can also use emoji websites like emojipedia.org. These websites let you copy and paste emojis into your Chromebook, though using the built-in emoji keyboard is faster and easier.
How to Put Emojis on Chromebook Using the Touchscreen
If you have a touchscreen Chromebook, putting emojis on Chromebook is even simpler.
Follow these steps:
- Tap in a text field.
- The virtual keyboard will appear on-screen.
- Tap the smiley face icon on the keyboard.
- Browse and tap the emoji you want to use.
This method is ideal for users who use their Chromebook in tablet mode.
How to Do Emojis on Chromebook with Keyboard for Social Media
If you often use social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram on your Chromebook, you might want to know how to do emojis on Chromebook with keyboard while posting or replying.
Just click in the post or comment box and press the keyboard shortcut Search + Shift + Space. This brings up the emoji picker, allowing you to type emojis on Chromebook without any third-party software.
This method keeps your messaging fun and expressive without slowing you down.
How to Use Emojis on Chromebook in Google Docs
You can also use emojis in Google Docs using your Chromebook. Here’s how:
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Click where you want the emoji to appear.
- Press Search + Shift + Space.
- Select the emoji and insert it.
You can also go to Insert > Special Characters, and search “emoji” to find a wide range of emoji symbols. But the keyboard shortcut is faster for regular use.
How to Put Emojis on Chromebook for Email
When writing emails in Gmail or another service on your Chromebook, you can still use emojis easily.
Just follow these steps:
- Click into the body of the email.
- Press Search + Shift + Space.
- Choose and insert the emoji.
It helps add a friendly tone to your messages and makes your email stand out.
How to Type Emojis on Chromebook for School or Work
If you are using a Chromebook for school or work, emojis can be useful in some situations. For example, you might want to use emojis to respond quickly, provide visual feedback, or show emotion during remote meetings or discussions.
However, make sure emojis are appropriate in your setting. In formal or professional messages, use them sparingly.
To type emojis on Chromebook in work apps like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams:
- Click in the chat or message box.
- Press Search + Shift + Space.
- Select and insert the emoji.
Final Tips on Chromebook Emoji Use
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of emoji use on Chromebook:
- Use the emoji search bar in the picker to quickly find what you want.
- Frequently used emojis appear at the top for faster access.
- Add emojis to file names or folder names in Google Drive for a fun touch.
- Use emojis in Google Slides or Docs to make your school or work presentations more engaging.
Conclusion
Emojis are an easy way to add fun and emotion to your digital communication. Learning how to do emojis on Chromebook is simple once you know the built-in tools. Whether you want to know how to do emojis on Chromebook keyboard, how to get emojis on Chromebook, or how to type emojis on Chromebook, this guide has shown you all the main methods.
With the Search + Shift + Space shortcut, you can quickly open the emoji picker and insert emojis anywhere you can type text. You can also use the on-screen keyboard or emoji websites if needed.
Now that you know how to use emojis on Chromebook, try it out in your next message, comment, or email.