You’re not hopeless at all—

When on a PC and you’re typing…

Click on Windows Key + (period)

And emoji keyboard will appear

😉☺️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

I think for Android:

First you need to download the app, there are a few—try:
ChompSMS

Once downloaded

When you’re typing —to the left of your typing screen there should be a plus sign and you’ll see your emoticon menu

Well at least I hope so! 😉🫶🏽