Missing emoji keyboard in iPadOS 26.1

I’m using an iPad Air 11-inch (M3) with Zagg Bluetooth keyboard and after upgrading to 26.1 was unable to get to the emoji keyboard while texting. The CMD+Control+Space works great to bring it up.

Thank you!😁

Just started to experience this issue on iPad Pro with a Slim Folio Pro kb, after recently updating to 26.2. Found the ctrl-cmd-space workaround, and glad to have that, but it is SO much clunkier than how they used to appear for me in a small floating bar above the text box. I'm very used to typing the emoji name and then selecting it from that floating bar. I really hope this is fixed soon!

Try doing CMD + Control + Space, me personally that helped out, also have a look at the reddit post that ExplorerAdrift read, i had a skim through that and found it personally really useful for my old ipad (i do not know if it works with more modern update or models since i only have a keyboard case for my ipad)

We cannot do polls here (Apple's playground, Apple's rules) but you can let Apple know using this feedback link:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

On my iPhone 11, I went to Keyboards general. scrolled down to Emoji. Switched Stickers off and on again. That worked for me. Good Luck

Certainly not intentionally.

In the forum Apple Support Community Terms of Use agreement we all agreed to follow, under Section B.4, it says don't post polls. To me, some people see "anyone else have..." and tag on with often unrelated issues. The thread gets out of control and very hard for volunteers to works effectively.

It's like a doctor finding a dozen people in one exam room with "maybe similar symptoms." People adding on to your post will eventually dilute the help you deserve. This is one forum where "Start a new thread" is always a good practice. And you did that.

You've done the right thing in reporting it. You're good. I'm not reporting this. Glad you found us!

Thank you! This worked for me. However I still find it very wonky compared to what it was prior to iOS 26.x. I hope Apple provides a more elegant and fluid fix in the future, especially when one is using Apple’s own Magic Keyboard case for the iPad. Cheers!

Try "CMD + Control + Space". I found it on a reddit post. I had the same issue while using the Magic Keyboard on a 2nd Gen iPad Pro, but that keyboard shortcut worked for me. But I guess if you are using a windows layout bluetooth keyboard, then you'll have to figure out what button is cmd and control.

Try control command space. That works for me on a no-name Bluetooth keyboard