Modern mobile communication requires not only speed, but also the emotional coloring of messages. Often there is a need to highlight a certain phrase, point out an error, or simply add irony to correspondence using strikethrough. However, stock Android keyboards don't come with a button to create a strikeout font out of the box, which leaves many users stumped. If you are looking for a way how to make a strikethrough font on Android, then this article contains comprehensive solutions for any problem.
Unlike desktop versions of instant messengers, which often have formatting panels, mobile applications rely on special characters or hidden commands. Methods range from using third-party keyboard apps to simply copying pre-made Unicode characters. The choice of a specific method depends on where exactly you plan to publish the text: in an official status, in a personal chat or in a comment on a social network.
Below we will look at the most effective techniques that work on most versions of the operating system, from old Android 8 to the latest Android 14. You don't need root access or complex manipulations with system files. All methods are safe and can be applied instantly while typing a message.
Use of special Unicode characters
The most universal method, which does not require the installation of additional software, is based on the capabilities of the Unicode standard. This standard includes thousands of characters, among which there are so-called “combining characters”. These signs are superimposed on top of a regular letter, visually crossing it out. When you insert such a symbol after a letter, the system displays them as a single whole.
To implement this method, you do not need special applications, just find the desired symbol on the Internet. There are many generator sites that allow you to enter plain text and immediately get a strikethrough version of it. You simply copy the result and paste it into the desired location. This works almost anywhere that supports displaying standard fonts.
⚠️ Attention: Some older smartphone models or specific applications may display combining characters incorrectly, showing a square or question mark instead of strikethrough text.
The process of creating such text is as follows:
- 🔍 Open browser and enter the request “strikethrough text generator”.
- ✍️ Enter your phrase in the input field on the site.
- 📋 Copy the result and paste it into the messenger.
- ✅ Check the display in the preview before sending.
This method is ideal for one-time promotions when you need to quickly send one message. However, it has a drawback: with the massive use of such symbols, the text may become difficult to read for the recipient, since the line height may visually change.
If you often use strikethroughs, add the generator site to your browser bookmarks so as not to search for it again every time.
Formatting in popular instant messengers
Large platforms for communications, such as WhatsApp, Telegram i Viber, have implemented their own text markup system. They use syntax similar to the Markdown markup language. This allows you to format messages without external tools, using only your phone keyboard. The rules may vary slightly in each application, so it is important to know the exact combinations of characters.
To WhatsApp to create strikethrough text, you need to surround the phrase with tildes. The tilde is a wave symbol that is usually found in the keyboard symbol layout. If you write ~text~, then after sending the message it will automatically be converted into a strikethrough. This is a built-in function that works at the application engine level.
In Telegram the situation is a little more complicated, since Markdown support is more strict there, but is also available. Some versions of the client use double strikethrough or special tags.
A comparison of formatting methods in different applications is presented in the table below:
| Application | Separator character | Input example | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tilde (~) | ~error~ | ~~error~~ | |
| Telegram | Menu/Tags | text | ~~text~~ |
| Viber | Not supported | - | Plain text |
| Discord | Two tildes (~~) | ~~text~~ | ~~text~~ |
Using built-in messenger tools is preferable, since such text remains readable even on devices with limited fonts. In addition, the recipient sees that the text was specially formatted and does not just contain strange characters.
Using third-party keyboards
If the built-in keyboard of your smartphone, be it Gboard or Samsung Keyboard, does not provide convenient access to special characters, it is worth considering installing third party solution. Application stores such as Google Play offer dozens of keyboards designed for advanced text formatting and the use of emoji.
One of the popular solutions are keyboards called “Facemoji” or “BlueKeys”. They often have a separate panel for text styling, where you can select bold, italic, or strikethrough fonts with one click. Such applications intercept input and automatically substitute the necessary Unicode characters or formatting tags.
Before installing any third-party keyboard, you should carefully study the permissions it requests. Since the keyboard has access to everything you type, including passwords, you should only trust trusted developers with a lot of positive reviews.
⚠️ Attention: When you activate a new keyboard, Android will warn you about the potential risk of data collection. Carefully read the application's privacy policy before clicking "OK".
The setup process usually looks like this:
- 📥 Download the selected keyboard from the official store.
- ⚙️ Go to the phone settings in the section
Language and input. - 🔌 Activate a new keyboard in the list of available ones.
- 🔄 Switch to it while typing.
☑️ Safe keyboard installation
Features of display on social networks
Social networks, such as Instagram, VK or TikTokhave their own text processing algorithms. Standard formatting is often not available in the profile description (bio) or comments. Users are forced to resort to tricks with Unicode characters, which were discussed in the first section.
In Instagram strikethrough text in bio looks stylish and attracts attention, but it is important not to overdo it. Ranking algorithms may negatively perceive profiles full of special characters, considering them spam. It is better to use strikethrough pointwise, for example, to show the old price next to the new one or to strike out outdated information.
In VK i Facebook support for character combinations is also present, but fonts on different devices (iOS and Android) may render them differently. What looks like a neat line on one screen may shift up or down on another, crossing only the top of the letters.
Why does text look different on some social networks?
Different operating systems use different system fonts to display Unicode. The way a character is rendered on an iPhone may differ from how it looks on a Samsung or Xiaomi.
To check how your text will look to followers, it is recommended to use incognito mode in the browser or ask a friend to look at your profile from another device. This will help avoid situations where formatting breaks the layout of the description.
Technical limitations and compatibility
Despite its apparent simplicity, the use of a strikethrough font is associated with a number of technical limitations. The main problem is that not all applications support rendering of combining characters. In some older versions of instant messengers or in system notes, such text can turn into a set of incomprehensible characters.
In addition, there is a problem with the search. If you use Unicode strikethrough characters, the built-in message search may not find the phrase if you search for it using regular letters. This is because for the system, a crossed out "A" and a regular "A" are two different characters with different codes.
It is also worth considering the impact on accessibility. People using screen readers for the visually impaired may have difficulty understanding crossed out text. Speech synthesizers may try to read each special character separately, which will make the message non-auditory.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and symbol support are constantly being updated. What worked a year ago may change after the next system or messenger update.
Always keep in mind that standard formatting tools (like WhatsApp) are more reliable than third-party charactersas they are guaranteed to be supported by the application developers.
Alternative methods for highlighting text
If the purpose of your message is simply to highlight information, and not necessarily use strikethrough, consider other options. Often, bold or italics serve the same function, but look neater and more readable on small smartphone screens.
In cases where a strikethrough is needed to indicate undoing an action or correcting an error, you can use an emoji combination. For example, a cross ❌ in front of the text or a prohibition sign 🚫 can visually convey the meaning better than a thin line in the middle of the letters.
Some users create their own message templates in notes, where the text with the desired formatting has already been prepared. If necessary, they simply copy the required block and send it to the interlocutor. This saves time and eliminates the need to generate text anew each time.
The main goal of communication is to be understood. If strikethrough text impairs readability, it is better to use standard highlighting or emoji.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to make strikethrough text in regular SMS?
In classic SMS messages (GSM 7-bit or UCS-2) support combining symbols is extremely limited. Most phones will not display this text correctly. It is recommended to use only standard characters or send the message via instant messengers.
Why does strikethrough text in WhatsApp not work?
Make sure you use the tilde (~) and not an apostrophe or other similar symbol. Also check that the tilde appears on both sides of the word without spaces. For example: ~word~.
Does strikethrough text affect the length of the message?
Yes, using Unicode characters can increase the weight of the message. In SMS, this can lead to one message being split into several parts, which will increase the cost of sending. In instant messengers, this has no financial significance, but may affect character limits.
Is it possible to use a strikethrough font in a contact's name?
Technically, this is possible by copying the name from the generator site and saving the contact. However, this may cause problems finding a contact in the phone book, since the system will search using regular letters.
Is it safe to use applications to format text?
Most simple text generators are safe because they run locally or simply provide characters. However, avoid applications that require full access to your data or work only when constantly connected to dubious servers.