Unable to add emojis to my Messages

Verify that you have the Emoji Keyboard by going to Settings > General > Keyboards > Keyboards. If you do not see "Emoji" as one of your keyboards, then tap the Add Keyboard button and look for the Emoji Keyboard. I assume that you are using the Apple Messages app and not a third party messenger.

Sorry, unable to visualize what you are seeing. Is it possible to provide a screenshot?

Take a screenshot on iPhone - Apple Support

Gramgolfher wrote:

I did that and it still doesn't work. I get a message that has Copy, Translate and More... on it.

What happens when tap on the key (could look like an emoji or a globe, depending on how many keyboards you have installed)? Do you see the emoji?