How to put a dash on Android: step-by-step guide for all keyboards

Many Android users are faced with an unexpected problem: how to insert dash in text if it is simply not there on the virtual keyboard? An en dash (–), an em dash (—) or even a middle dash (―) - these symbols are often required to design lists, dialogues or correct punctuation. But unlike computer keyboards, where the dash is available through key combinations, on smartphones everything is not so obvious.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to insert a dash on Android —from standard functions Gboard and SwiftKey to hidden system menus and third-party applications. You will learn how to quickly add dashes to text without unnecessary movements, and also learn how to configure the keyboard for easy access to these symbols. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working on different versions Android (from 10 to 14) and popular brands - Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others.

1. Standard method: where to look for dashes on Gboard

Gboard —a standard keyboard from Googleinstalled on most smartphones. In it, the dash is hidden in the menu of additional symbols, but not everyone knows how to get there. Here are the step-by-step guide:

1. Open any application to enter text (for example, Messages or Notes).
2. Tap the input field to make the keyboard appear.
3. Click on the button ?123 (numbers and symbols) in the lower left corner.
4. In the top row of symbols, find the button =< —it will open an extended menu.
5. Scroll the list to the right: there you will see en dash (–) and em dash (—).

If you have Gboard version 12.0 and later, the symbols may be in the second tab of extended symbols (after clicking on =< again). Also note: on some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy with shell One UI) the path may be slightly different due to keyboard customization.

⚠️ Attention: On keyboards with a small screen (for example, on Android Go or devices with a lower resolution 720p) the character menu can be automatically shortened. In this case, the dash will have to be searched by long pressing on the hyphen (-).

2. Alternative keyboards: SwiftKey, Fleksy and others

If you use a third-party keyboard, the dash search algorithm may differ. Let's consider popular options:

• 🔹 SwiftKey (Microsoft): Go to the symbols section (?!123), then click =+ —the dash will be in the first row. In the settings, you can add a dash to Quick symbols for convenience.
• 🔹 Fleksy: Hold finger on hyphen (-) - a pop-up menu will appear with dash options. The em dash gesture is also supported.
• 🔹 Samsung Keyboard: Tap ?!123, then =<, and scroll to the right. button … (three dots).
• 🔹 Huawei Swype: Hold the hyphen - a context menu with a dash will appear. Alternatively: ?!123 → =+ → scroll right.

On supported keyboards gestures (for example, SwiftKey Flow or Gboard Glide) you can try to swipe up from the hyphen - this sometimes brings up a menu with a dash. Also, some keyboards (for example, Chroom) allow you to add a dash to Favorite characters through the settings.

Keyboard	Path to dash	Does it support gestures
Gboard	?123 → =< → scroll	Yes (hold hyphen)
SwiftKey	?!123 → =+ → first row	Yes (swipe up)
Samsung Keyboard	?!123 → =< → …	No
Fleksy	Hold -	Yes

3. exchange

If you need to insert a dash one time, the easiest way is to copy it from this paragraph and paste it into your text. Here are all the types of dashes to copy:

• 📋 En dash (en) dash): – (U+2013)
• 📋 Em dash: — (U+2014)
• 📋 Middle dash (horizontal bar): ― (U+2015)
• 📋 Hyphen: - (U+002D)

To copy:

1. Tap and hold the desired symbol above.
2. In the menu that appears, select Copy.
3. Paste (Hold → Insert) into your message.

This method is convenient if you need insert a dash once without searching through the menu, for example, to design ranges (2020–2026) or direct speeches (— Hello!However, for regular use it is better to set up a keyboard or create a text template.

4. Using Unicode input (for advanced users)

If you often work with texts and need non-standard characters, you can enter a dash through Unicode codes. data-i="137">Unicode codes

1. Install a keyboard that supports Unicode (for example, Gboard or AnySoftKeyboard).
2. In the input field, type the dash code:
   • U+2013 — en dash
   • U+2014 - em dash
   • U+2015 - middle dash

After the code, press space - the symbol will be automatically converted.

On some devices (for example, Pixel or OnePlus s pure Android) this method works without additional settings. On Samsung or Xiaomi you may need to enable Unicode input in the keyboard settings (Advanced → Text input → Unicode).

Example:
Enter: 2013{space} → get: -
Enter: 2014{space} → get: -

⚠️ Attention: On keyboards with predictive input (for example, SwiftKey in Flowmode), Unicode codes can be automatically replaced with plain text. In this case, temporarily disable autocorrect in the settings.

5. Creating text templates (for frequent insertions)

If you often use dashes (for example, to design posts on social networks or work with documents), it makes sense to create text templatesThis will save time and eliminate the need to search for characters:

Method 1: Built-in Android tools

Starting with Android 12, the system has a function Text replacements:

1. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Advanced settings → Text replacements.
2. Click Add and enter:
   • To field Abbreviation: --d (for em dash)
   • To field Text: —

Save. Now when you enter --d a space will be substituted —.

Method 2: Applications for templates

For more flexible settings, use applications like Text Blaze or aText:

• 📱 Set Text Blaze from Google Play.
• 📝 Create a new template with a trigger (for example, ;dash) and text —.
• 🔄 Now when entering ;dash a dash will be inserted in any field.

This method is especially convenient for users who work with multiple inserts for example, copywriters, journalists or students. Templates can also be synchronized between devices via an account Google.

How to synchronize templates between devices?

In applications like Text Blaze or aText there is an export/import function via Google Drive or Dropbox. Create a backup copy of the templates on one device, then restore it on another.

6. Problems and solutions: why the dash is not inserted

Sometimes users encounter the fact that the dash not displayed or is replaced by another character. Considerable problems and their solutions:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The dash is replaced with a hyphen	Autocorrect in the keyboard	Disable autocorrect in the keyboard settings (Text correction → Autocorrect)
No dash symbol in the menu	Outdated version keyboard	Update Gboard or SwiftKey in Google Play
The dash is displayed as ?	Unsupported font	Change the font in the display settings (Screen → Font)
Unicode input does not work	No keyboard support	Install AnySoftKeyboard or Hacker's Keyboard

If the problem persists, try resetting your keyboard:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Find your keyboard (for example, Gboard) and select Storage → Erase data.
3. Restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei without services Google) system keyboards may not support Unicode characters. In this case, use third-party solutions like Fleksy or Chroom.

7. Dash in different applications: Telegram, Word, social networks

In some applications, the dash may behave non-standardly. nuances:

• 📱 Telegram: Supports all types of dashes, but in the web version (Telegram Web) an en dash (–) can be automatically replaced with a long one (—To avoid this, paste the symbol via the clipboard.
• 📄 Microsoft Word/Excel: On Android in the mobile version Word the dash is inserted through Insert → Symbol → Other symbolsHyphen retention also works.
• 📘 Google Docs: Supports all insertion methods (keyboard, Unicode, copying). For quick access, add a dash to Special characters via the menu Insert.
• 💬 Social networks (VKontakte, Facebook): Eng dash (–) may appear long due to platform fonts. To ensure that you insert the correct character, use the clipboard.

In Instagram i TikTok a dash is often used for design. hashtags or signatures. For example:

#travel_2026
- Moscow
- St. Petersburg
- Sochi

Convenient for such cases prepare a template in advance in Google Keep or Notes and copy it as needed.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the dash on Android

Can I add a dash by voice input?

Yes, but with reservations. Voice input in Gboard recognizes commands like “em dash” or “dash with spaces,” but it works unstable. It’s better to use text templates or copying.

Why is the dash missing in the symbol menu on my Samsung?

On devices Samsung with a shell One UI the dash can be hidden under the button … (three dots) in extended characters. If it is not there, update Samsung Keyboard via Galaxy Store.

How to insert a dash on a tablet. Android?

On tablets (for example, Samsung Tab or Lenovo Yoga) the algorithm is the same as on smartphones. However, due to the large screen, the symbol menu may look different - the dash is usually on the second tab after pressing =<.

Is it possible to assign a gesture to dash?

Yes, in some keyboards (for example, SwiftKey or Fleksy) you can customize the gesture. For example, in SwiftKey go to Settings → Gestures → Add gesture and assign a swipe up from the hyphen to insert. dash.

Why does the dash turn into a question mark?

This is due to font incompatibility or encoding Try changing the font in the display settings (Screen → Font → Standard) or use a different one. messenger (for example Telegram instead of SMS).