Why can't I activate Emoji keyboard?

Emoji isn't enabled by default, but there are several apps in the app store that will trigger it. Don't pay for one. There are several free options. From what I've heard, the apps just pretty much flip a switch inside the iOS that lets you activate the Emoji keyboard, so it doesn't matter what app you download. The emoji icons will be the same.

I have a similar problem, after upgrading to iOS4 on a Japanese 3GS iPhone. Emoji were enabled before I upgraded, but after installing iOS4 the emoji keyboard suddenly disappeared. Although it shows up as enabled in the international keyboard settings, it never appears among the keyboards when I press the globe icon. Downloading a free emoji app has had no effect. Any advice appreciated!

Although it shows up as enabled in the international keyboard settings, it never appears among the keyboards when I press the globe icon.

Those settings do not create a separate keyboard. Instead there is an emoji key which generates a menu found in the e.g. Japanese keyboard when you hit the 123 key.

I find this to be incorrect. on my iPhone, I have the english keyboard and the emoji keyboard enabled, and they are toggled with the globe icon like any other keyboard.

I find this to be incorrect. on my iPhone, I have the english keyboard and the emoji keyboard enabled, and they are toggled with the globe icon like any other keyboard.

It looks like I was wrong, the emoji key on the Japanese keyboards is there even when the Emoji keyboard is turned off. But for me turning on the Emoji keyboard does not result in another keyboard (or a globe icon if there is only one other keyboard active). So it doesn't seem to have a function.....there must be a trick to it.

PS Here is one description of the trick (have not tried it myself yet):

http://www.apple-laptop-store.com/TB/?P=8450

Thanks for that link. It's worked for me - after doing a restore, installing Emoji Free, going through the keyboard selection procedure in Settings, and rebooting my iPhone I finally have emoji back.