How to make strikethrough text on Android: from the keyboard to Unicode characters

Strikethrough text on Android is not only a way to highlight a typo or outdated information, but also a popular tool for creating memes, jokes or accents in correspondence. Many users mistakenly believe that this requires special applications or root access, but in fact, the majority of modern smartphones support this format out of the box. The problem is that the function is often hidden in non-obvious menus or requires knowledge of hidden combinations.

In this article we will examine all current methods creating strikethrough text on Android: from standard keyboard capabilities to workarounds with Unicode characters. You will learn how to do this in WhatsApp, Telegram, VK and even in Google Docs, as well as what restrictions exist for different versions of the operating system. We will pay special attention to situations when strikethrough does not work - and how to fix it.

Spoiler: the most universal method (works on 99% of devices) is described in the about section Unicode characters, but if you need “native” strikethrough text with the ability to edit, information about keyboard Gboard and alternative applications.

1. Standard Android tools: where to look for strikethrough in Gboard and Samsung Keyboard

Most users do not even suspect that the text strikethrough function is built into popular keyboards by default. In Gboard (keyboard from Google) and Samsung Keyboard this tool is hidden in the formatting menu, but is not available in all applications. Here's how to find it:

In Gboard the path looks like this:

1. Open any text input field (for example, in WhatsApp or Telegram).
2. Click on the icon three dots (⋮) in the top panel of the keyboard.
3. Select item Text formatting (or Rich text in the English version).
4. Tap on the icon S̶ (crossed out letter S).

Important: this method only works in messengers that support Markdown markup or HTML formatting (for example, Telegram, Slack, Discord). In SMS or VK standard strikethrough via Gboard not will work the text will remain normal.

For Samsung Keyboard the algorithm is similar, but the formatting menu may be called Text styles. If you have a different keyboard (for example, SwiftKey or Fleksy), check the settings - sometimes strikethrough is available through a long tap on the button formatting.

An input field is open in the messenger (Telegram/WhatsApp)

Icon ⋮ or "A" with underline found

There is an item "Text formatting" or "Rich" text"

The S̶ icon (crossed out letter) is visible

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10 and below, the formatting menu in Gboard may be missing. In this case, update the keyboard via Google Play or use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Unicode characters: a universal method for any applications

If standard tools do not work, Unicode characters with strikethroughcome to the rescue. This method is suitable for any applications - from Instagram to Word, - but has one caveat: the text becomes a “picture” and cannot be edited after insertion. But it does not require any additional apps!

Here's how it works:

1. Copy the desired symbol from the table below (or generate it on the website lingojam.com in the section Strikethrough Text Generator).
2. Insert the symbol into the text field instead of a regular letter.
3. If necessary, combine symbols to create words or phrases.

To speed up the process you can use online generators, which automatically convert your text to strikethrough. Popular services:

• 🌐 LingoJam - supports Cyrillic and Emoji.
• 📱 Strikethrough Text Generator (Android application) - works offline.
• 💻 YayText - allows you to combine strikethrough with other styles (bold, italic).

⚠️ Attention: In some applications (for example VKontakte or Facebook) Unicode strikethrough may be displayed as normal text due to platform limitations. Please check the result in preview mode before submitting.

3. strikethrough for the technically savvy

If you often work with texts in the Markdown format (for example, in Telegram, Notion or GitHub), then strikethrough can be added using a special syntax. This method requires minimal knowledge of markup, but gives flexibility. in editing.

For Markdown, use a double tilde ~~ before and after the text:

This is ~~strikethrough~~ text.

Result: This strikethrough text.

The tag is suitable for HTML <s> or <del>:

Outdated information

Where it works:

• 📌 Telegram — supports both Markdown and HTML.
• 📝 Notion — Markdown only (enable in the block settings).
• 💬 Slack/Discord — Markdown with tildes.
• 🌐 WordPress/Blogger — HTML tags in the code editor.

Limitations:

- B WhatsApp Markdown is not supported (except for bold/italics through asterisks).

- B VK and Instagram HTML/Markdown are ignored - use Unicode.

1. Strikethrough Text Generator (from Text Art Studio) - a simple generator with a preview. Supports Cyrillic and Emoji. Free, but with advertising.
2. Fancy Text Generator - allows you to combine strikethrough with other styles (for example, strikethrough italicsThere is a premium version without unnecessary ones). water.
3. Zalgo Text Generator — for those who like to experiment. In addition to strikethrough, it adds “glitchy” effects to the text (not recommended for official correspondence!).