How To Delete Recent Emojis In WhatsApp?

One of the key features that enhance messaging on WhatsApp is the use of emojis. Emojis add emotion, personality, and context to conversations, making them more engaging and expressive. Whether it’s a simple smile 😊 or a thumbs-up 👍, emojis help convey feelings in ways words sometimes cannot.

However, as we frequently use different emojis, our recent emoji list can become cluttered with symbols we no longer use. This can make it harder to find the ones we actually need. If you want a cleaner and more organized emoji picker, clearing or deleting recent emojis in WhatsApp can be helpful.

We’ll walk you through the steps to remove recent emojis on WhatsApp, ensuring a more streamlined and customized messaging experience.

WhatsApp’s Recent Emoji Feature

WhatsApp automatically keeps track of the emojis you use most frequently and stores them in the Recent Emoji section. This feature is designed to provide quick access to your commonly used emojis, saving you time from scrolling through the entire emoji library every time you want to add an expression to your messages.

Benefits of the Recent Emoji Section

• Quick Access: Instead of searching through multiple emoji categories, your most-used emojis are conveniently available in one place.

• Efficient Conversations: Helps you maintain a fast and fluid messaging experience by reducing the time spent looking for frequently used emojis.

• Personalized Selection: The recent emoji list adapts based on your usage, making it unique to your messaging style.

Why You Might Want to Delete or Clear Recent Emojis

Despite its convenience, there are several reasons why you might want to clear your recent emojis:

1. Privacy Concerns: If you’ve used certain emojis in private conversations, you may not want them to be visible when someone else accesses your WhatsApp.

2. Better Organization: Over time, your recent emojis list may become cluttered with symbols you no longer use, making it harder to find your favorite ones.

3. Changing Preferences: You might want to reset your emoji history to start fresh with a new set of commonly used emojis.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Recent Emojis in WhatsApp

If you want to clear or remove recent emojis from WhatsApp, follow these steps based on your device type.

For Android Users

Method 1: Manually Remove Specific Emojis (If Available)

1. Open WhatsApp and start a chat.

2. Tap the emoji button to access the emoji picker.

3. Long-press on a recent emoji you want to remove.

4. Select “Remove from Recently Used” (if this option appears).

Method 2: Clear WhatsApp Cache (Resets Recent Emojis)

1. Go to your phone’s Settings.

2. Navigate to Apps > WhatsApp.

3. Tap on Storage & cache.

4. Select Clear Cache.

5. Restart WhatsApp, and your recent emojis should be reset.

Note: Clearing the cache won’t delete chats but will remove temporary app data, including recent emojis.

For iOS Users

Method 1: Manually Remove Recent Emojis (If Available)

1. Open WhatsApp and go to any chat.

2. Tap the emoji button to open the emoji picker.

3. Swipe left on the recent emoji section (if supported).

4. Tap “Clear” to remove recent emojis.

Method 2: Reset Recent Emojis by Reinstalling WhatsApp

1. Back up your chats (Settings > Chats > Chat Backup).

2. Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.

3. Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.

4. Restore your chat backup when prompted.

Note: This will reset all app settings, including recent emojis, but will not delete backed-up conversations.

Using Third-Party Keyboard Apps

If you’re using a keyboard like Gboard or SwiftKey, your recent emojis might be stored separately from WhatsApp.

Clearing Recent Emojis in Gboard (Android & iOS)

1. Open your phone’s Settings.

2. Navigate to System > Languages & Input > Virtual Keyboard > Gboard.

3. Select Advanced > Delete Learned Words & Data.

4. Confirm the reset by entering the provided number.

Clearing Recent Emojis in SwiftKey

1. Open SwiftKey Settings (through your phone’s keyboard settings).

2. Go to Typing > Clear typing data.

3. Confirm the action, and recent emojis will be reset.

Tip: Some third-party keyboards store emoji history separately from WhatsApp. If your emojis remain unchanged after clearing WhatsApp’s cache, try resetting your keyboard settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Removing Recent Emoji

If you’re unable to remove recent emojis in WhatsApp or your emoji history isn’t resetting as expected, here are some troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue.

1. “Remove from Recently Used” Option Not Available

If WhatsApp doesn’t provide an option to manually remove a specific emoji, try these alternative methods:

• Use more emojis: Recent emojis get replaced over time as you use new ones. Start using different emojis frequently to push out the unwanted ones.

• Clear WhatsApp cache (Android only): This resets the recent emoji list without affecting your messages (steps in the next section).

• Reinstall WhatsApp (iOS & Android): If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to reset app data, including recent emojis.

2. How to Clear WhatsApp Cache or Data Without Losing Chats

On Android:

1. Open Settings on your phone.

2. Navigate to Apps > WhatsApp.

3. Tap Storage & Cache.

4. Select Clear Cache (This removes temporary files but keeps chats and media intact).

5. Restart WhatsApp and check if recent emojis are cleared.

⚠ Warning: Do NOT tap “Clear Data” as this will reset WhatsApp completely, logging you out and deleting all unsaved chats.

On iOS:

Unfortunately, iPhones do not allow clearing an app’s cache manually. The only way to reset WhatsApp emoji history is by reinstalling the app (after backing up chats).

3. Fixing Issues with Recent Emojis Not Updating or Resetting

If your recent emojis are not changing or resetting even after clearing the cache, try the following:

• Restart your phone: A simple reboot can refresh app settings.

• Ensure WhatsApp is updated: Go to the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and update WhatsApp to the latest version.

• Check for third-party keyboard interference: If you’re using Gboard or SwiftKey, recent emojis may be stored separately. Try clearing your keyboard’s emoji history (refer to the previous section).

• Use WhatsApp Web: Sometimes, changes made on WhatsApp Web reflect faster on mobile. Try opening WhatsApp Web and checking the emoji picker.

Tips for Managing Emojis in WhatsApp

Want to make your emoji usage in WhatsApp more efficient and fun? Here are some helpful tips to keep your emoji selection organized and accessible.

1. Organize Your Emoji Usage for Better Accessibility

• Use emojis regularly to keep them in the recent section : WhatsApp automatically updates your recent emojis based on usage, so consistently using certain emojis keeps them easily accessible.

• Categorize your emojis by type : For example, use different sets of emojis for work chats (✅📌📅) and personal conversations (😂❤️🎉).

• Pin frequently used emojis in third-party keyboards : Some keyboards, like Gboard and SwiftKey, let you create a custom emoji bar for quick access.

• Save time with emoji shortcuts : Some keyboards allow you to type words like “happy” or “love” to bring up relevant emojis instantly.

• Combine emojis for better expressions : Instead of just using 🙂, you can add 🎉 for excitement or 🤔 for curiosity.

• Use emojis in text replacements : On iPhones, you can create keyboard shortcuts (Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement) to insert emojis by typing a specific word.

• Try WhatsApp Stickers : Stickers offer a more fun and personalized way to express emotions. You can download new sticker packs or even create custom stickers.
• Use GIFs for dynamic reactions : WhatsApp integrates GIF search (via Giphy or Tenor), letting you send animated responses instead of just static emojis.

• Mix emojis, stickers, and GIFs : Create unique message combinations using a mix of all three for more expressive conversations.

Conclusion

Managing recent emojis in WhatsApp helps keep your emoji picker organized, making it easier to find and use the ones that matter most. By clearing unwanted emojis, organizing frequently used ones, and exploring stickers and GIFs, you can enhance your messaging experience.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ways to customize your emoji usage for better accessibility and expression.

What are your favorite emoji management tips? Share your thoughts or ask any questions in the comments below!