You want to highlight an important message in WhatsApp bold, but don't know how to do it on a smartphone with Android? This function is hidden from view, but is available to everyone - just remember a few simple symbols or use the built-in tools of the messenger. Unlike the computer version, where formatting is intuitive, on mobile devices the process is slightly different.

In this article we will examine all current methods making text bold in WhatsApp on Android —from standard separator characters to little-known tricks with voice messages. You will learn how to place signs correctly, what mistakes users most often make, and why sometimes bold font does not work. And also - how to preserve formatting when forwarding messages and copying to other chats.

Spoiler: this does not require third-party applications or root access. Everything is done through the standard messenger interface, and we will show how it works with examples from Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi and other popular smartphones.

Standard method: symbols for bold text

The most reliable and universal method is the use of service symbols. WhatsApp supports Markdown-like formatting, where bold font is activated using asterisks (*). Here's how it works:

  1. Open chat and start typing a message.
  2. Before the word or phrase you want to highlight, put * (without a space).
  3. Write the text, then again add * at the end.
  4. Send a message - the text inside the stars will become bold.

Example:

Enter: Hello! This is an important message

You will receive: Hello! This is an important message

Stars are without spaces on both sides|Text does not contain extra characters|Message checked in preview mode|Formatting works in test chat-->

This method works in all versions WhatsApp on Android, including latest updates 2026. But there are nuances:

  • 🔹 If you put a space between the asterisk and the text (for example, text), formatting will not work.
  • 🔹 There should be asterisks Latin — Cyrillic “*” (from some keyboards) may not be recognized.
  • 🔹 The maximum length of the selected text is 2048 characters (limit WhatsApp for one message).
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If asterisks are not displayed on the keyboard, hold down the number button with your finger 0 —special characters are hidden there.

Alternative characters: underscore and tilde

In addition asterisks, in WhatsApp Other formatting characters are also supported. They come in handy if you need to combine styles or if stars don't work for some reason:

Symbol Effect Input Example Result
Text Bold Hello Hello
_text_ Italic _Hello_ Hello
~text~ Strikethrough ~Hello~ Hello
```text``` Monospaced ```Hello``` Hello

Important: these symbols do not add up. For example, if you write _text_you will get either bold or italic, depending on which character WhatsApp recognizes first. To combine styles, use only asterisks and underscores in the correct order:

  • 🔹 _text_ → bold italic
  • 🔹 _*text*_ → bold italic (visually the same)
Why does the character combination not work?

If you are trying to apply several styles at the same time (for example, bold + strikethrough) WhatsApp can ignore formatting. This is due to limitations of the messenger parser. For reliability, use only asterisks and underscores.

Formatting through the menu (for new versions)

In the latest updates WhatsApp (starting from version 2.23.12), it became possible to highlight text in bold without manually entering characters. Here's how to do it:

  1. Start writing a message.
  2. Select the desired piece of text (hold your finger on the word, then move the markers).
  3. In the menu that appears, click on the icon B (bold).
  4. Send a message - the selected text will become bold.

This method is more convenient than manually entering characters, but has limitations:

  • 🔹 Does not work on all devices (depending on the version WhatsApp and firmware Android).
  • 🔹 On some smartphones (for example, Huawei s EMUI) the formatting menu may be missing.
  • 🔹 Does not allow you to combine styles (for example, make text bold and italic simultaneously).

Manually through symbols|Through the selection menu|I use voice messages|I do not use formatting-->

If you do not see the formatting menu, check:

  1. Update WhatsApp to the latest version in Google Play.
  2. Restart the application (close it in the recent tasks menu).
  3. Try on another device - perhaps the problem is in the firmware.

Bold text in voice messages (hidden trick)

Few people know, but WhatsApp you can do bold formatting even in voice messages! To do this:

  1. Record a voice message as usual.
  2. Before sending, click on the icon ✏️ (edit).
  3. In the text field, add asterisks around words that should be bold (for example, attention).
  4. Send a message - the transcript text will be formatted.

This method works because what WhatsApp automatically transcribes voice messages and applies the same formatting rules to them as to plain text. Please note:

  • 🔹 Transcription is available only if the function Show text is enabled in the voice message settings.
  • 🔹 Formatting will be visible only in text transcript, but not in the text itself audio.
  • 🔹 In some languages (for example, Chinese or Arabic), the transcript may not work correctly.
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Voice messages with bold text are the only way to highlight important information in audio format. This is useful for reminders or instructions where you need to focus on key points.

Problems and errors: why bold font does not work

Sometimes users encounter the fact that the text does not become bold, despite the characters being placed correctly. Here main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Problem Cause Solution
Symbols are displayed as usual text Non-Latin asterisks or extra spaces are used Remove spaces, check your keyboard layout
Formatting disappears after sending Outdated version WhatsApp Update the application in Google Play
Bold font does not work in group chat Server limitations WhatsApp Try sending a message in a personal chat
The text becomes only partially bold Exceeded the character limit (2048) Split the message into several parts

If none of the methods helped, try:

  1. Clear cache WhatsApp in settings Android (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Memory → Clear cache).
  2. Reinstall the messenger (make a backup of your chats first!).
  3. Check if traffic saving mode is enabled in the settings WhatsApp —it may block some functionality.
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To check if the formatting works, send a test message to yourself. If bold font is displayed in your chat, but not the recipient, the problem is on his side.

Tips for using bold text effectively

Bold font is a powerful tool for emphasizing attention, but incorrect use can irritate your interlocutors. Here are some rules of etiquette:

  • 🔹 Do not use bold more than 20% of the text - this reduces readability.
  • 🔹 Use formatting for key phrases: dates, names, important requests.
  • 🔹 In business correspondence, bold font is suitable for terms, amounts and conditions.
  • 🔹 Avoid bold in argumentative or emotional messages - this can be perceived as shouting.

Examples of appropriate use:

  • 📅 *Meeting rescheduled to May 15 in 14:00
  • 💰 Service cost: 2500 rubles. Pay by tomorrow
  • ⚠️ Attention! Access to the system will be disabled 20.06.2026

Here's what to do not recommended:

  • 🚫 Bold entire message entire message.
  • 🚫 Use formatting every third word every third word.
  • 🚫 Combining bold font with caps (CAPITAL LETTERS) - it looks aggressive.
How to cancel bold font after sending?

Unfortunately, after After sending a message, formatting cannot be undone. The only way is to delete the message (hold your finger on it → Delete for everyone). But remember: the recipient will still have a notification that the message has been deleted.

Bonus: how to preserve formatting when forwarding

If you forward a message with bold text to another chat, formatting may disappear. To avoid this:

  1. Copy the text with bold font (hold your finger → Copy).
  2. Paste it into a new chat no changes (hold your finger → Insert).
  3. If the formatting has disappeared, manually add asterisks again.

When sending via function Forward (right arrow) bold font saved only if:

  • 🔹 The message is forwarded to single chat (not to the group).
  • 🔹 The version WhatsApp is the same for the sender and the recipient.
  • 🔹 There are no other types of formatting in the message (for example, links or emoji).

If you often need to forward messages while maintaining the style, use this life hack:

⚠️ Attention: Before forwarding, copy the text into a notepad (for example, Google Keep), then paste it into a new chat. This helps to avoid losing formatting due to bugs WhatsApp.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about bold font in WhatsApp

Is it possible to make text in a WhatsApp status bold?

No, in WhatsApp Status (stories) text formatting is not supported. You can only use standard fonts and colors offered by the messenger.

Why don’t I have a formatting menu when selecting text?

This may be due to:

  • Outdated version WhatsApp (update the application).
  • Modified firmware Android (for example, MIUI or ColorOS with a customized interface).
  • Cache error (try clearing application data in the settings Android).
Is it possible to make the text in the group name bold?

No, the names of groups and chats in WhatsApp do not support formatting. You can only use plain text and emoji.

How to make text bold in WhatsApp Web?

Q web version and desktop version WhatsApp bold font is activated by the same symbols (textIn addition, there is a toolbar with a button B for quick formatting.

Does bold font work in voice calls or video chats?

No, text formatting is only available in text messages and voice message transcripts. During calls, you can only use standard functions (for example, muting the microphone).