Most users are probably well aware by now that Emoji icons are a cute Japanese version of what we call “emoticons” used by all Japanese wireless carriers. Emoji icons are not enabled on iPhones outside of Japan but all iPhones are equipped with the ability to display them, they just have to be unlocked. We already have a well documented way of unlocking them for jailbroken iPhones but now there is a free way to unlock them on non-jailbroken devices.
A new application called Spell Number has surfaced with dual purposes. One purpose is to display the written form of a number but we don’t really need this portion of the application. The other purpose is to unlock Japanese Emoji icons through a simple easter egg within the application.
Your iPhone or iPod touch must have software version 2.2 or greater for this to work:
1. Download Spell Number from the App Store for free.
2. Launch the application and enter these numbers in the exact order, including the decimal: 91929394.59
3. Once you have entered the number go back to the home screen.
4. Now enter Settings>General>Keyboard>International Keyboards>Japenese
5. Turn on the Emoji switch and go back to the home screen. It’s time to start using Emoji icons.
6. To enter Emoji icons, open your application of choice and tap the planet symbol located next to the space bar. There are oodles of icons so don’t forget to scroll through the lists.
Just so everyone is aware, Emoji icons will most likely not be displayed correctly on other devices. If you attempt to send a message including Emoji icons, they will simply appear as small boxes. If you want to be sure your recipient is seeing the icons properly, they must have an iPhone or an iPod touch.
If you would like to delete Spell Number at this point you may do so. The application doesn’t need to remain on the iPhone to display the Emoji icons.
Thanks for the heads up Sean (http://semdi.com), we appreciate the tip!
UPDATE: We have gotten word that the new code to unlock Emoji in Spell Number is now: 91929394.59 We have updated the post accordingly.
I wonder why apple does not enable emoji icons by default if apple allow an application to do that? Thanks
What no credit…. I sent you guys this tip a week a ago!
Hey Sean, sorry for the oversight and thanks again!
Thank you this was so helpful i saw other tutorials but they just showed apps that you have to pay for so thanks
the app returns to free now
this does not work what is going on??? i tried about 15 times and still no go?
@beserkr – As of a few days ago, Apple has forced all developers who placed Emoji enablers in their applications to remove them. We are stuck at the wait and see approach for now. Watch the site for any updates.
i have tried following these instruction’s, but when it gets the the japanese screen the Emoji icon does’nt show up for me to click on or off !!! Any idea’s pleaseee
We have updated the article with the new code 91929394.59
Hopefully it works for everyone again!
@ashley – Please note my comment above. Emoji enablers are no longer allowed at the App Store until further notice. Basically, this How-To won’t work anymore unless something changes.
you think this yr round of 3.0 they would have just enabled the emoji for us .that saying that much for apple huh. i didnt even bother for the new 3gs phone. i mean compass is cool and the way the map works with the compass the cpu speed and graphics card a plus omg apple how did u get a hold of 3 megapixel camera … couldnt squeeze a 4mp in by chance and lets not thank AT&T FOR not giving us MMS yet and make us wait just a bit longer till the END OF THE SUMMER
Thanks very much, its really helpful!!
Worked like a champ, thanks for the post!
The new code works perfectly. This is so much fun! Thanks!
YAY! I’ve been cursing Apple since I got my iPhone in Feb. I take it all back.
Thanks!
Works perfectly! thanks for the tip!
WOrked yesterday. Did it on an Iphone 3Gs and a 3G. THANKS!!!!
Works great on my 3GS with 3.0.1 software! Thanks!
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=320270345&mt=8&s=143441
This app enables Emoji perfectly too and does not require any secret number!
Thanks! Works awesome!!!!!
Works like a charm
Thanks, this is so cool..:-)
Works 100%!!!! Thanks!
To enable Emoji for FREE, you could also do this:
1. Download Todew Lite
2. Create a task called “Emoji” (without quotes).
3. Follow on-screen instructions.
Has any1 else clicked the link Josh posted? I did & nothing happened. Hoping to god it’s not a hack link!!!!