January 9, 2026
Emojis reactions in Gmail will now be on by default
What’s changing
In 2025, we introduced the ability to react to emails in Gmail with emojis. This feature lets users respond quickly to acknowledge receipt of an email in a fun, informal and more authentic way. While initially enabled as an opt-in feature for early customer access, starting February 9, 2026, emoji reactions in Gmail will be enabled by default.
Organizations wishing to disable this feature can do so at any time in the Admin console, and the feature will not be enabled by default for organizations who have previously disabled or modified this feature setting in the Admin console (check the Audit & Investigation tool to confirm).
Whether you’re using a ‘thanks’ emoji to express gratitude, voting for a team dinner with a food emoji, or congratulating your client for reaching a milestone with a celebratory emoji, emoji reactions provide an expressive and more personal way to respond to emails.
Note that reactions cannot be sent in certain scenarios, for example if an email was received via a Google Group email alias or if there is a Google Group on the recipient list. Visit the Help Center to learn more about these scenarios.
Getting started
- Admins: If you do not wish to have emoji reactions on by default, visit the Admin console (Apps > Gmail > End User Access > Emoji reactions) before February 9, 2026, and ensure the setting is unchecked before clicking “Save.” Even if the setting is already unchecked, we suggest clicking “Save” to ensure it does not default to enabled on February 9. Visit the Help Center to learn more about managing Gmail settings for your users.
- End users: Emoji reactions are best experienced via the Gmail app on Android and iOS and via Gmail.com on the web. Visit the Help Center to learn more about replying to emails with emoji reactions and why you may get emoji reactions as an email.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Admin console setting available now. Unless changed per the instructions above, it will be default enabled on February 9, 2026.
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers.