Gboard emoji size setting adds 7 new options in beta

Google is testing a small but overdue fix for anyone who's ever wished their keyboard's emoji tray behaved differently.

A new "Emoji size" setting has started appearing for Gboard beta users, tucked inside a part of the app most people never open.

Google's new emoji size setting

The new option is located under Settings > Preferences > Appearance right after the font size option.

There is a slider which enables users to “set the size and number of emojis displayed in a row” along with the live preview shown immediately above it.

For example, on Pixel 10 Pro, there are seven options in this slider: 9, 8, 8+, 7, 7+, 6, and 5. By default, the value is set at nine emojis per row, and five is an opposite one.

Moreover, the values of 8+ and 7+ don't affect the number of emojis but make them slightly bigger.

This update comes as Google rolls out Rambler, their voice-typing app powered by Gemini, to the recently released Pixel 11 line, along with some new 3D emoji designs.

Google is currently testing the feature in Gboard beta version 18.0.3.x, and there's no confirmation yet of when or whether it reaches the stable channel.

Pareesa Afreen is a reporter and sub editor specialising in technology coverage, with 3 years of experience. She reports on digital innovation, gadgets, and emerging tech trends while ensuring clarity and accuracy through her editorial role, delivering accessible and engaging stories for a fast-evolving digital audience.