Gear emoji meaning
People use it to refer to app or device settings, or to signal that something is being worked on or adjusted. Common in tech talk or project updates, like 'Fixing some bugs ⚙️' or 'Check your ⚙️ for notification options.'
The official Unicode name for ⚙️ is gear. It belongs to the objects group and the tools subgroup. Keyboards and search boxes find it with keywords such as cog, cogwheel, tool.
It was added in Emoji 1, so it displays on every current phone, computer and browser.
How to get ⚙️ on iPhone and iPad
- Tap the emoji key (the smiley face) or the globe key on the keyboard.
- Tap Search Emoji at the bottom and type gear.
- Tap ⚙️ to insert it.
If the emoji keyboard is missing, turn it on in Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → Emoji.
How to get ⚙️ on Android
On Gboard, tap the emoji button next to the space bar, then use the search bar at the top and type "gear". On Samsung Keyboard, tap the emoji icon and use the search field the same way. Or copy ⚙️ from this page and paste it.
How to type ⚙️ on Windows
- Click where you want the emoji.
- Press Win+. (the Windows key and the period key) to open the emoji panel.
- Type "gear" and click ⚙️.
The panel remembers recently used emoji, so it will be one click away next time.
How to type ⚙️ on a Mac
Press Control+⌘+Space to open the emoji picker, type "gear" and double-click ⚙️. On a MacBook with a Touch Bar, or on recent macOS versions, the fn or globe key also opens the picker.
⚙️ in Word and Google Docs
Both accept emoji as normal text. On Windows use Win+., on Mac use Control+⌘+Space, or paste ⚙️ from this page. In Google Docs you can also go to Insert → Emoji. In Word, Insert → Symbol lists emoji under the Segoe UI Emoji font.
⚙️ in HTML, CSS and code
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| HTML decimal | ⚙️ |
| HTML hex | ⚙️ |
CSS content | "\2699\FE0F" |
| JavaScript | "\u{2699}\u{FE0F}" |
| Python | "\u2699\uFE0F" |
| URL encoded | %E2%9A%99%EF%B8%8F |
| Shortcode (GitHub, Slack, Discord) | :gear: |
Because ⚙️ is standard Unicode, you can paste it straight into any UTF-8 file. The escapes are for when the file encoding is uncertain or the emoji must be entered in code.
Frequently asked questions
What does the gear emoji mean? +
⚙️ shows a gear or cogwheel and represents settings, machinery, tools, or work being done behind the scenes. Its official Unicode name is "gear".
What does ⚙️ mean in a text about settings? +
It usually points to a settings menu or means something technical is being adjusted or configured.
Is ⚙️ used for anything besides settings? +
Yes, it can also represent work in progress, mechanical processes, or teamwork and systems running smoothly.
How do I get the gear emoji on my keyboard? +
On iPhone, open the emoji keyboard and search "gear". On Android, tap the emoji key on Gboard and search the same. On Windows press Win + . (period), and on Mac press Control + Command + Space, then type the name. Or simply copy ⚙️ from this page.
What is the Unicode for ⚙️? +
The gear emoji is U+2699. In HTML use ⚙️.
Why does ⚙️ look different on other phones? +
Every platform draws its own artwork for the same emoji character. Apple, Google, Samsung and Microsoft each have their own design, so ⚙️ looks slightly different but means the same thing everywhere.