Memoji option disappeared with iPadOS26 update

Question

Level 1

8 points

Memoji option disappeared with iPadOS26 update

Device: iPad Air

Memoji in FaceTime (formerly the star) and iMessage has always worked on my kid´s iPad. That changed with the update to iPadOS26 this morning:

-Since the update the „Memoji“ Option from iMessage has completely disappeared.

-In FaceTime the Memoji option has also completely disappeared.

Comparing my iPad with my child´s iPad confirms that it still works/is still available on my iPad, but the options have been „removed“ from my child´s iPad.

Things I have tried:

Rebooting the iPad; Disabling „FaceTime“ and „iMessages“ in Settings and then enabling again; completely closing iMessage and FaceTime; Increasing allowed App age to as of 12yrs; Disabling all content restriction; deleting „emoji“ from keyboards in settings and reactivating.

Downtime is between 2300-0700: the Memoji’s also don’t reappear during the „allowed“ time.

Any other tips? This is pretty frustrating…

Thanks.

Posted on Sep 17, 2025 12:41 PM

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Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,569 points

Sep 17, 2025 6:23 PM in response to Reefst77

Re: Memoji option disappeared with iPadOS26 update

Wondering if Apple support's online article (link below) can help:

Add emoji, Memoji, and stickers with the iPad keyboard - Apple Support

For creating Memoji in Massages on iPad:

Create and send Memoji in Messages on iPad - Apple Support

or

With Apple Intelligence,* you can create custom emoji—called Genmoji.

(ie: have Apple Intelligence turned on.)

and Create your own emoji with Genmoji on iPad - Apple Support

Using memoji in FaceTime video calls: Change your appearance in a FaceTime call on iPad - Apple Support

________

If needed: iPad Support website: (info. /support / contact options etc.)

iPad - Official Apple Support

________

Resource: iPad User Guide - Apple Support

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Answer 2

brbo

Level 8

38,569 points

Nov 30, 2025 1:41 PM in response to NoRelix

The links to Apple's "how to" articles provided earlier in this thread may help.

Also:

Seems an update to iPadOS 26.1 is available (via Settings > General > Software update). Anyone know if the update changed anything for emojis / reactions ?

(Reminder: If you choose to update: It is always wise to back-up iPad first)

About iPadOS 26 Updates - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"This update adds Slide Over as a windowing option, a new tinted option for Liquid Glass and improvements to local capture, and includes other features, bug fixes and security updates for your iPad."

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Answer 3

Shahidx1

Level 1

8 points

Nov 3, 2025 5:00 AM in response to Reefst77

Hello Apple Community,

I’m using an iPad 9th Generation.

After updating from iPadOS 18.6 to iPadOS 26, I noticed that all FaceTime filters, Memoji stickers, and fun effects (like animal faces, backgrounds, etc.) are completely missing from FaceTime.

Previously, I could use:

Different face filters (cats, dogs, etc.)

Memoji and stickers during FaceTime calls

Background effects

But now, none of these appear in the FaceTime interface after the update.

I’ve already tried:

Restarting the iPad

Checking Camera and FaceTime permissions

Ensuring latest version installed

Still, those options are gone.

Please let me know:

Is this a known issue in iPadOS 26?

Is there any fix or upcoming update to bring those effects back?

Can I safely downgrade to iPadOS 18.6 (it had everything working perfectly)?

Thanks in advance for your help! 🙏

— Shahid

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Answer 4

brbo

Level 8

38,569 points

Nov 3, 2025 1:33 PM in response to Shahidx1

Re: "Memoji stickers, and fun effects (like animal faces, backgrounds, etc.) are completely missing from FaceTime".

What happens when you try the methods provided by Apple support (ie: in the linked articles, (especially the FaceTime one) in the reply above) ?

__________________________________

Re: Is this a known issue in iPadOS 26?

Not that I know of. However as Apple users just like yourself, we do not get to see whether any feedback on your issue has been sent to Apple.

Sorry I don't have an iPad with iOS 26 handy to check your issue out.

___________________________________________________________

Re: "Is there any fix or upcoming update to bring those effects back?"

Am unsure whether there is anything to fix, or whether it just requires becoming more familiar with new methods of using the effects. Also iPad OS 26.0.1 update did provide some bug fixes and security updates.

(NB: Reminder: It is always wise to back up iPad before updating iOS).

____________________________________________________________

Re: "Can I safely downgrade to iPadOS 18.6 (it had everything working perfectly)?"

As far as I know, the only way is to go forward, via upgrade to iOS 26.0.1.

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