How to Make Bold, Italic and Strikethrough Text on WhatsApp
Most people type the same plain messages in WhatsApp every day without realising the app can format text for them. With a few simple characters placed around your words, you can make a message bold, slanted, crossed out or set in a typewriter style. It takes seconds to learn and needs no extra app or download at all.
In this guide we walk through each formatting trick, show the exact steps on iPhone and Android, and explain what to do when you want something fancier than WhatsApp offers. We also cover common mistakes, so your messages look tidy and your chats stay easy to read for everyone who receives them.
How WhatsApp formatting works
WhatsApp uses a small set of marker characters that you type before and after the words you want to change. The app spots the pair of markers, hides them once you send the message, and shows the styled result to everyone in the chat. Because the styling is built into the app, it works on phones, the desktop app and WhatsApp Web without any special fonts or add-ons.
The important idea is that the markers must wrap the text tightly. There should be no space between the marker and the first or last letter inside it. If you leave a gap, WhatsApp treats the characters as normal punctuation and shows them as they are. Remember this one rule and most formatting problems disappear before they begin.
Bold, italic and strikethrough with markers
To make bold text, place an asterisk on each side of the words, with no spaces inside. For italic text, use an underscore on each side instead. For strikethrough, use a tilde on each side. So an asterisk, the word hello, and another asterisk will show a bold hello once the message is sent. The same pattern applies to the other two markers.
Monospace text uses three backtick characters on each side of the words, which gives a typewriter look that is handy for codes, order numbers or short commands. You can also combine styles by nesting the markers, for example wrapping a bold phrase inside underscores to make it bold and italic together. Try it on a short line first and check the preview before sending.
Steps on iPhone
On an iPhone you can type the markers by hand, but there is an easier route. Type your message, then press and hold on the word or select the text you want to change. In the pop-up menu that appears, tap the arrow until you see BIU, then choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough or Monospace. WhatsApp adds the correct markers for you and the styling appears after sending.
If you prefer typing the markers, switch to the symbols keyboard by tapping the 123 key. The asterisk and underscore are on the first or second symbols page, and the tilde sits on the second page. Tap the marker, type your words, then tap the same marker again. This method is quick once your thumbs know where the keys are placed.
Steps on Android
On Android, type your message and then long press on a word to select it. Drag the handles to cover the exact text you want to style. Tap the three dots in the toolbar that appears, and choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough or Monospace from the list. The app wraps your selection in the right markers and you can check the result before you send it.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
The most frequent problem is a stray space. If you write an asterisk, a space, then your word, the formatting will not work. Another issue is formatting that stops halfway because a marker character appears inside the text, such as a tilde used in a price range. In that case, reword the line or add a small gap to separate the characters.
Line breaks can also cause confusion. Some markers do not carry across a new line, so format each line on its own if you want a whole list to look bold or italic. It also helps to keep the styling light. A message where every second word is bold is tiring to read, while one highlighted phrase draws the eye exactly where you want.
When Unicode styles help
Native formatting cannot change the shape of letters. If you want cursive, bubble, gothic or other decorative letters in your WhatsApp status, group name or profile about line, you need Unicode styled text. These are special characters that look like a different font but are really ordinary text, so you can copy and paste them into almost any field in the app.
Tools such as the Font Generator, Fancy Text Generator, Cursive Font Generator and Bold Text Generator turn plain words into these styles instantly. Just type your words, pick a style you like, copy it and paste it into WhatsApp. Keep in mind that a few older phones may show empty boxes for rarer styles, so test a message with a friend before relying on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my WhatsApp bold text not working?
Usually there is a space between the marker and the word, or the marker sits next to another symbol. Remove the gap and make sure both markers are present.
Can I combine bold and italic?
Yes. Nest the markers, for example an underscore pair inside an asterisk pair, and WhatsApp will show both styles on the same words.
Do styled Unicode letters work in every chat?
Most modern phones show them well, but some older devices may display boxes for rare styles, so send a test message first.
Final Thoughts
Formatting takes almost no effort once you know the markers, and it makes your messages clearer at a glance. Start with bold for key details, add italic or strikethrough when needed, and turn to a fancy text tool when you want a decorative touch for names or status lines.
