Mobile device users are often faced with the need to visually separate information in their posts. Strikethrough text is a universal way to show that a task has been completed, a list item is outdated, or an idea needs revision. However, unlike desktop operating systems, there is no single system key for applying this style in all apps at once. The implementation of the function depends on the specific smartphone manufacturer and the selected note-taking application. Android There is no single system key to apply this style in all apps at once. The implementation of the function depends on the specific smartphone manufacturer and the selected note-taking application.
Standard keyboards, such as Gboard or SwiftKeyusually do not have a built-in button for striking out text in the input field. This creates the illusion that the function is inaccessible to beginners. In fact, formatting tools are hidden in the application menu or require the installation of specialized software. In this article, we will take a closer look at methods for applying style strikethrough in the most popular ecosystems.
Understanding how formatting works in your specific case will save time and nerves. We will look at both native solutions from Google and Samsung, as well as the capabilities of third-party editors that offer advanced functionality. In addition, you will learn about hidden features that may not be available at first glance in the app interface.
The functionality of Google Keep and standard solutions
The application Google Keep is one of the most common tools for quick entries on Android. Unfortunately, at the moment, the developers have not implemented a direct “Strikethrough” button in the text formatting panel inside regular notes. This limitation often confuses users expecting a full text editor experience. However, there is a workaround through task lists.
If your goal is to check off an item, your best bet is to use the list creation feature. When you click on the checkbox next to a list item, the text automatically becomes gray and strikethrough. This is a visual signal about the completion of an action that is synchronized across all devices. For a regular text block, unfortunately, this option is not available without the use of third-party utilities.
It is important to distinguish between the concepts of “deleting” and “formatting”. Some users try to simulate strikethroughs by using special characters from text generators on the Internet. This method works because it uses unique characters Unicodethat look like crossed out letters. However, such text may not display correctly on older devices or be unreadable to screen readers.
⚠️ Warning: Using Unicode-based strikethrough text generators may cause your notes to become unreadable to in-app search engines or accessibility tools for the visually impaired.
For those who are critical of having rich text in the ecosystem Google, it is recommended to consider switching to Google Docs. This application is fully integrated with your account and allows you to apply any font styles, including strikethroughs, with full synchronization. Although these are not “notes” in the classical sense, the functionality covers the need for complex formatting.
Advanced features of Samsung Notes
Owners of devices from the company Samsung are at a better advantage position thanks to the powerful application Samsung Notes. Here the developers have implemented a full-fledged toolbar available when editing text. To cross out a word, just select the desired fragment and click on the corresponding icon in the formatting menu.
The process is as follows: open the note, click on the “A” icon with a slider or the format key on the keyboard. In the menu that appears, select a style ABC with a line in the middle. This feature works instantly and is saved when synced with Samsung Cloud or Microsoft OneDrive. The support for styles here is much wider than that of competitors.
In addition, Samsung Notes a handwriting function is available. If you're using a stylus S Pen, you can simply draw a line through the text and the system will offer the option of crossing out or deleting a fragment. This makes working with notes intuitive and fast, especially for those who prefer handwriting to typing.
In Samsung Notes, you can assign S Pen gestures to quickly access the formatting menu. Go to the Air Command settings and set up a shortcut convenient for you.
It is worth noting that the interface may differ slightly depending on the shell version One UI. With the latest updates, Samsung is looking to unify the user experience, so icons may be moved to the bottom bar or hidden under the More menu. Always check for app updates in the store Galaxy Store to get the latest functionality.
Using Microsoft OneNote on Android
Microsoft's cross-platform solution, the app OneNoteoffers excellent support for text formatting on mobile devices. This is an ideal choice for those who work in conjunction with a Windows PC. The logic of operation here is similar to the desktop version: selecting text brings up a context menu with the necessary options.
To apply a style, select a piece of text with your finger. In the floating panel that appears, click on the down arrow or the “A” icon to expand additional options. Among them you will find a button Strikethrough. Changes are applied immediately and appear on all devices where your notebook is open.
One of the strengths OneNote is the freedom to place elements on the page. You can insert a text field anywhere and format it independently of the main thread. This is useful for creating mind maps or structured plans where strikethrough text acts as a visual status marker.
| App | Button presence | Sync | Handwriting support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Keep | No (lists only) | Instant | Basic |
| Samsung Notes | Yes | Samsung Cloud/OneDrive | Advanced (S Pen) |
| Microsoft OneNote | Yes | OneDrive | Yes |
| Notion | Yes (via menu) | Notion Cloud | No |
If you are using a Microsoft corporate account, make sure you have editing rights in shared notebooks. Sometimes an organization's security policies may limit how certain types of data can be formatted or synchronized. There are no such restrictions in personal accounts.
Third-party editors and specialized applications
When standard tools are not enough, third-party developments come to the rescue. App stores offer dozens of options, from minimalist notepads to powerful knowledge management combines. Applications like Joplin, Notion or Evernote provide flexible text display settings.
In the application Notion, which is gaining popularity due to its flexibility, formatting is called up through a pop-up menu. Select the text and select the option from the menu Strikethrough or use the slash command /strike. This is especially convenient for those who are used to working with a keyboard and hotkeys, even on a mobile device.
The open application Joplin supports markup language Markdown. This means you can strike out text simply by surrounding it with double tildes. For example, the design ~~text~~ will automatically turn into strikethrough when switching to view mode. This is a quick way to format without unnecessary taps on the screen.
☑️ Selecting the ideal application
When choosing a third-party application, pay attention to the monetization model. Some features, including advanced formatting or syncing across multiple devices, may only be available with a paid subscription. Free versions often have limitations on storage space or number of devices.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces are constantly updated. The layout of the formatting buttons may change after a major software update. Check the current instructions in the “Help” section inside the application itself.
Working with Markdown and special characters
For advanced users who do not like to depend on the graphical interface, there is a markup language Markdown. Many modern editors on Android understand this syntax. To cross out a word, just use double tildes ~~ before and after the text.
This method is universal and works in Telegram, Discord, GitHub and many code editors. If your notes app supports Markdown preview, you'll see the results right away. If not, you will see the source code, which will still be understandable when reading.
~~This word will be crossed out~~
An alternative is to use the combined strikethrough characters from the Unicode table. There are online generators that convert plain text into a set of accented characters. You copy the result and paste it into any note, even a simple voice recorder or SMS.
How do Unicode characters work?
Strikethrough characters are not a font style, but individual characters that “stick” to a letter. Because of this, searching for such text may not work, since the system sees a set of complex characters, and not ordinary letters.
However, the Unicode method has a serious drawback: such texts often break the layout and can look like “crazy” on devices with outdated fonts. Use this trick only for short messages in instant messengers, but not for important long-term notes.
Solving display and synchronization problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where strikethrough text created on a computer is not displayed correctly on a smartphone. This is a font compatibility or application version issue. Make sure that the latest versions of the software are installed on both devices.
In some cases, clearing the application cache helps. Go to Settings → Applications → [Your application] → Memory and click “Clear cache”. This will not delete your data, but will force the application to redraw the interface and load the latest font styles from the system.
If the problem persists, check your theme settings. In a dark theme, some strikethroughs may be less noticeable due to low line contrast. Try temporarily switching to a light theme to make sure the text is actually formatted and not visually lost.
The most reliable way to preserve formatting is to use cloud-based editors with their own text rendering system, such as Google Docs or Notion, rather than system notepads.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to cross out text in a standard Xiaomi notepad?
In the standard Notes application from Xiaomi, the functionality is limited. There is usually no direct strikethrough button in text mode. It is recommended to use the creation of to-do lists, where completing an item automatically strikes out the text, or install a third-party editor from Google Play.
Why is strikethrough text not visible when exporting to PDF?
It depends on the export method. If you use the Print -> Save as PDF function, the styles should be preserved. If you take a screenshot or use a third-party converter, some formatting may be lost. The best way to export is through the built-in "Export" function of the application itself.
How to remove the strikethrough if the button is inactive?
If the button is inactive, make sure you highlight the text. Some applications require you to select at least one character. If the text is pasted as an image or from the clipboard in a non-standard format, try copying it, pasting it into a simple text editor (such as Notepad), and then returning it back to the notes application.
Does strikethrough text affect voice input?
No, formatting styles do not affect how speech recognition algorithms work. Voice input Gboard or other keyboards perceives only the letter composition of the word. However, when text is read out by TalkBack for the visually impaired, crossed out text may be read with style notes, depending on accessibility settings.