Android
Turn On/Off Emoji Suggestions auf Android
Emoji suggestions work like an extension of word prediction. While you type, Gboard checks if a matching emoji exists for the word you just entered and shows it above the keyboard as a quick replacement.
This behavior comes from the Text correction settings inside Gboard, not from the general Android keyboard settings. That distinction matters if you use a different keyboard app, since the toggle described here only affects Gboard.
To turn the feature on or off, open Settings ➔ System ➔ Languages and input ➔ On-screen keyboard ➔ Gboard ➔ Text correction and switch Show emoji suggestions on or off.
Disabling this option does not touch autocorrect, next-word prediction, or spell check. Those keep working as before.
If emoji still appear after you switch this off, check whether you are using a second keyboard profile or a different input language, since each language pack can carry its own settings inside Gboard.
When to leave it enabled
If you type quickly and rely on emoji in casual chats, keeping the suggestion on saves you from opening the emoji picker separately.