Microsoft Teams: New keyboard shortcut for adding emojis

Updated October 22, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

Coming soon: We are excited to announce a new feature in Microsoft Teams that allows users to insert emojis in the compose box by typing a word surrounded by colons. For example, :smile: will turn into the smiling face emoji. Users can soon add any emoji, including custom ones, for faster and easier personal expression.

This feature applies to Teams for Windows desktop and Windows for Mac desktop.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 369345.

When this will happen:

Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-June 2025.

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid October 2025 (previously early September) and expect to complete by late October 2025 (previously mid September).

General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out mid October 2025 (previously mid September) and expect to complete by late October 2025 (previously late September). 

General Availability (GCC High): We will begin rolling out early December 2025 (previously late September) and expect to complete by mid-December 2025 (previously late September).

General Availability (DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-January 2026 (previously early October) and expect to complete by late January 2026 (previously mid October).

How this will affect your organization:

This feature will be available by default.

Watch the video: Use colons to insert emojis (0:04 minutes)

What you need to do to prepare:

This rollout will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before or after the rollout. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.

Learn more: Send an emoji, GIF, or sticker in Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support (will be updated before rollout)