Microsoft Teams Emoji Reactions Not Working, How to Fix Microsoft Teams Emoji Reactions Not Working?

Discover how to fix Microsoft Teams emoji reactions not working and access the latest emojis, evolving professionalism in hybrid work environments!

by Mathelene

Updated Jul 25, 2023

Microsoft Teams Emoji Reactions Not Working, How to Fix Microsoft Teams Emoji Reactions Not Working?
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Microsoft Teams Emoji Reactions Not Working

As businesses transition to hybrid work environments, emojis have become increasingly significant as a means of digital human interaction. Even before the pandemic, the concept of professionalism had started to evolve, incorporating emotional honesty and playfulness into work-life dynamics.

To actively engage in this ongoing evolution, Microsoft appointed Meghan Stockdale, who is tasked with transforming emojis into graphical expressions of professionalism. Her inspiration for this endeavor stemmed from Stuart Brown's insightful book, "Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul."

In pursuit of this goal, Microsoft has emphasized the use of 3D designs over 2D and has introduced animations to many emojis. The company also celebrated World Emoji Day on July 17, 2021, by unveiling five new emojis. As of December 22, 2021, the unique emoji style is currently available only in 2D for Windows 11, with 3D still in development.

However, despite these advancements, some users have encountered issues with these brand-new styles of emojis not functioning properly in Microsoft Teams. This problem has persisted from early 2021 to the present day. As Microsoft continues to enhance its emojis, addressing these compatibility issues may become a priority to ensure smooth and enjoyable communication experiences for users.

Why is Microsoft Teams Emoji Reactions Not Working?

There are several potential reasons why Microsoft Teams emoji reactions may not be working:

  1. Technical Glitch: Like any software, Microsoft Teams may encounter technical glitches or bugs that can affect certain features, including emoji reactions. These issues could be temporary and may be resolved through software updates or system fixes.

  2. Outdated Software Version: Using an outdated version of Microsoft Teams might lead to compatibility issues, causing certain features like emoji reactions to malfunction. Keeping the application updated can help ensure that all features work smoothly.

  3. Internet Connectivity Problems: Poor internet connectivity or intermittent network issues can interfere with the proper functioning of Microsoft Teams and its features, including emoji reactions.

  4. Restricted Permissions: In some cases, the organization's IT administrator might have restricted the use of emoji reactions within the Microsoft Teams environment as part of their messaging policies.

  5. Cache or Local Data Corruption: Local cache or temporary data related to Microsoft Teams may become corrupted, affecting various functionalities, including emoji reactions.

  6. Device or Browser Compatibility: Certain devices or web browsers may not fully support all the features of Microsoft Teams, which could result in emoji reactions not working as expected.

  7. Temporary Service Outage: Microsoft Teams might experience occasional service outages or server issues, causing disruptions to various features, including emoji reactions.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Emoji Reactions Not Working?

To fix the issue of emojis not working on Microsoft Teams, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Re-log into Teams Using the Task Bar:

  • Open the background app by clicking the up arrow icon on the taskbar.
  • Right-click on the Teams application and select "Sign-out."
  • Restart your computer.
  • Log back into Microsoft Teams.

Clear Cache File:

  • Close Microsoft Teams.
  • Press Win+R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type "%appdata%" and press Enter.
  • Navigate to Microsoft > Teams > Cache.
  • Delete the contents of the Cache folder.
  • Restart your computer and relaunch Microsoft Teams.

Enable Dark Theme:

  • Click on your profile icon in Microsoft Teams.
  • Select "Settings" > "General."
  • Choose the "Dark" theme option.
  • Try using emojis again in the chat to see if they work now.

Use Teams on Different Devices:

  • If the issue persists, try using Microsoft Teams on a different device, such as the web version or mobile application.

Review Messaging Policies of Your Organization:

  • If you are part of an organization, the admin might have restricted the use of emojis, memes, or gifs as per the organization's policy. Check your organization's messaging policy to see if emojis are allowed in the group chat.

How do I Get the New Microsoft Teams Emojis?

To get access to the latest Microsoft Teams emojis, the process varies depending on your platform. If you are using the desktop version of Teams, you can access the Windows emoji panel by clicking on the smiley face icon located in the message box. This panel will display a variety of emoticons to choose from, including any new ones that have been added for the year 2022.

For mobile users, the default emoji keyboard can be accessed by tapping on the emoji icon within the message box. If you find that you are unable to see the specific emoji you desire, it's possible that you need to switch to the "public preview" or "developer preview" version of Teams. By doing so, you may gain access to the latest updates, including new emojis and features.

Remember that Microsoft regularly updates its emojis and adds new ones to keep up with evolving digital expressions, making communication in Teams more engaging and expressive.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

Microsoft Teams Emoji Reactions Not Working - FAQs

1. Why are my Microsoft Teams emojis not working?  

Emojis in Microsoft Teams may not work due to various reasons, such as cache issues, outdated app versions, or organization policies limiting their use.

2. How can I fix Microsoft Teams emojis not showing up?  
  • Try re-logging into Teams using the taskbar or clear the cache files to resolve the issue.
  • Enabling the dark theme in Teams or using keyboard shortcuts for emojis might also help.
3. Can I switch to a preview version to access the latest Teams updates?  

Yes, switching to the "public preview" or "developer preview" of Microsoft Teams might grant you access to the latest updates, including new emojis.

4. Is the unique emoji style available in Windows 11?

As of December 22, 2021, the unique emoji style is only available in 2D for Windows 11, with 3D still in development.

5. Why is it essential to use emojis in hybrid work environments?  

Emojis play a crucial role in hybrid work environments, fostering digital human interaction, adding emotional honesty, and creating a playful work-life atmosphere.