If you use WhatsApp a lot, you already know how quickly important messages get lost in chat. Text formatting helps messages stand out more clearly, specially Underline in WhatsApp.
WhatsApp supports basic styles like bold, italic, strikethrough, and monospace. Lists and quotes also work inside the app. Still, there is no built-in option for underline.
This guide explains simple ways for WhatsApp underline and WhatsApp underline text. It also covers other simple tricks for underline WhatsApp style text across Android, iPhone, WhatsApp Web, and desktop.
Also read: How to Use Disappearing Photos in WhatsApp – Step by Step Guide
Why Use Text Formatting in WhatsApp?
Busy chats fill up fast with notifications, voice notes, and media. Formatting helps key points stand out clearly:
- Bold highlights deadlines or important info.
- Italic adds emphasis or a subtle tone like sarcasm.
- Strikethrough shows corrections or jokes.
- Monospace works well for code, passwords, or clean lists.
- Underlined text (via Unicode) draws extra attention.
These tricks do not need extra apps for most styles and work across devices.
WhatsApp Formatting Options At A Glance
Before I explain everything, here’s a simple cheat sheet you can use anytime. These are easy tricks that work right now on WhatsApp.
| Formatting Style | How to Do It | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | Wrap text in asterisks | *Hey* > Hey |
| Italic | Wrap text in underscores | _Hey_ > Hey |
| Wrap text in tildes | ~Hey~ > | |
| Monospace | Wrap text in triple backticks | Hey > Hey |
| Bold + Italic | Combine asterisks & underscores | *_Hey_* > Hey |
| Underline | Use Unicode apps/websites (not built-in) | H͟e͟y͟ > H͟e͟y͟ |
How To Bold In WhatsApp: Simple Steps!
On WhatsApp, long messages can quickly blend. When everything looks the same, people tend to skim or ignore it completely. That’s where bold text becomes powerful. It makes important words stand out instantly.
For example: Meeting at 2.30 PM sharp. No one can say they didn’t see it.
I’ve used bold in group chats many times to avoid confusion.
Here are two easy ways to use bold on WhatsApp:
Shortcut Style for Bold
This is the fastest method.
Just put an asterisk (*) before and after the word or sentence.
Once you send it, it will automatically appear in bold.
Menu Method for Bold
Already typed your message and forgot to format it? No problem.
- Long-press the word you want to change.
- Tap the three dots (or “BIU” on some phones).
- Select Bold.
Done.
Bold is perfect for professional messages, announcements, reminders, and instructions. But it’s also fun when you want to really stress how amazing that meme was.
Also read: How To Use WhatsApp On Computer Without WhatsApp Web
How To Write In Italics In WhatsApp?
Just like you can make text bold on WhatsApp, there are two easy ways to put text in italics. One way is a simple shortcut, and the other is a format option. Italics can help underline part of your text, which makes it stand out, just like bold text does.
They also become useful in highlighting some names or some terms in order to set them apart from all the rest.
How To Write In Italics in WhatsApp Using Shortcut?
Before learning how to underline in WhatsApp, let’s first look at how to write in italics. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Put an underscore (_) before the word or sentence you want to italicize.
For example: Cashify - After typing, close it with an underscore (_) again.
Your text will then appear in italics!
Also read: How To Lock Apps On Samsung Phone? A Step-By-Step Guide!
How To Write In Italics In WhatsApp Via Formatting?
If the previous method seems tricky, you can use WhatsApp’s built-in formatting options. Here’s how:
- Type the text you want to italicize. Long press the text to select it.
- Tap on the three vertical dots (the “More” option).
- From the menu, select Italics.
This will make your text appear in italics.
How To Italicise Text On WhatsApp Web Or Desktop App?
If you use WhatsApp on your computer via browser or desktop app, you do not have to rely only on typing symbols. You can use standard keyboard shortcuts to format your text instantly.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Fastest)
- Type out your message in the chat box.
- Highlight the specific word or phrase you want to change.
- Press the following keys on your keyboard:
- Windows: Press Ctrl + I
- Mac: Press Cmd + I
- Your text will instantly tilt into italics.
Method 2: Using the Context Menu (Mouse)
- Type your text and highlight it using your cursor.
- Right-click on the highlighted text.
- Hover over or click on the Format option in the pop-up menu.
- Select Italic from the dropdown list.
How To Underline In WhatsApp?
You can not do underline in WhatsApp by default. But, you can still use some apps and website to underline in WhatsApp. Let’s check out how:
For Android (Using BlueWords)
- Download the BlueWords app from the Google Play Store (it’s free but has ads).
- Open the app and choose Underlined Words.
- Type your message, tap the copy button, then paste it into WhatsApp.
- Example: H͟e͟l͟l͟o͟ looks underlined.
For iPhone Users
- Use a website like LingoJam or YayText in your browser.
- Type your text, make the underlined version, then copy and paste it into WhatsApp.
- Or, write the message in the Notes app or Email, format it, and copy it into WhatsApp.
Pros And Cons Of Underline In WhatsApp
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works across platforms since it’s Unicode, not WhatsApp formatting | Requires an extra step. No direct shortcut in WhatsApp |
Also Read: How To Use Whatsapp Messenger To Boost Productivity?
How To Strikethrough In WhatsApp?
Strikethrough is a useful text style that shows something can be ignored while still keeping it visible for context. It often highlights edits, corrections, or a change in thought without removing the original words.
There are two simple ways to use strikethrough in WhatsApp: the formatting menu and a shortcut.
To apply strikethrough through the formatting option:
- Open WhatsApp and choose the chat.
- Type your message, then tap and hold to highlight the text.
- Select BIU from the pop-up menu.
- Tap Strikethrough.
For a quicker method:
- Place a tilde (~) before and after the text.
- Example: ~this text~ appears as strikethrough after sending.
The same shortcut pattern applies to bold, italics, and underline. This helps keep text styling quick and consistent.
Also Read: How To Start Using eSIM In India? A Guide for Airtel, Jio, And Vi!
How To Send Monospace Message In WhatsApp?
Remember there are ways to change the font on WhatsApp as well. Currently, WhatsApp only offers “Monospace” as a new font option for people. You can send your text message in Monospace to impress people around you. It feels refreshing and something new that WhatsApp has to offer. Here’s how to do it:
- Open any WhatsApp chat.
- Type three backticks before and three backticks at the end of your text message.
- For example,“`
Cashify“`. - That’s all, your text message will no be in Monospace.
Bonus: Other WhatsApp Formatting Options
Apart from Underline in WhatsApp, there are other formatting options. They can help you express yourself better. You can make a bulleted list, a numbered list, add a quote, or add any inline code.
This way, your WhatsApp messages would look really refined and provide a structure to it.
Let’s check them out:
| Feature | How to Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bulleted List | Start each line with * or - | * Item 1- Item 2 |
| Numbered List | Start with 1. (or 2., 3., etc.) | 1. Step one2. Step two |
| Quote | Start line with > | > This is a quote |
| Inline Code | Wrap text with single backticks ` | `code` |
| Strikethrough | Wrap text with ~ | ~Oops~ |
| Monospace | Wrap text with triple backticks | |
| Combined Formatting | Mix symbols together | ~*Bold Italics*~ |
Tips For Using Text Formatting In WhatsApp
Using text formatting can greatly enhance your WhatsApp conversations, but here are some useful tips to get the most out of it:
| Tip | Short Description |
|---|---|
| Use sparingly | Don’t overuse bold/italics highlight only key points |
| Combine styles | Mix formats for emphasis, but keep it clean |
| Check compatibility | Older WhatsApp versions may not show formatting |
| Use menu | Use WhatsApp text menu if shortcuts are hard to remember |
| Use in groups | Highlight key info in group/broadcast messages |
| Avoid overusing underline | Can look like a link, so use carefully |
Benefits Of Using Formatting Tools in WhatsApp
Using formatting tools in WhatsApp, like bold, italic, and Underline In WhatsApp, can make your messages better. Here are some benefits:
- Highlight Important Info: You can use bold text to make important details stand out.
- Emphasize Words: Italics can help you highlight specific words or phrases.
- Show Corrections: Strikethrough helps you show mistakes or things you’ve changed clearly.
- Make Messages Clearer: Formatting tools make your messages look neat and easy to read.
- Look Professional for Business: If you use WhatsApp for work, these tools help make your messages look more professional and organized.
- Creative Touch: Using different fonts like monospace makes your messages more fun and interesting.
Using these simple formatting tools can help you communicate better on WhatsApp!
Combining Formatting Shortcuts
You can combine text styles by using the right symbols together:
Bold + Italics: text
Example: BoldItalics becomes BoldItalics
Bold + Strikethrough: text
Example: StrikeBold becomes StrikeBold
Italics + Strikethrough: text
Example: StrikeItalics becomes StrikeItalics
All Three: text
Example: Fancy becomes Fancy
Note: Monospace and Underline In WhatsApp can’t be combined with others, as it uses triple backticks.
Cons Of WhatsApp Formatting
WhatsApp formatting is handy for highlighting text. But, it comes with a few limitations that can catch you off guard:
| Limitation | Description |
|---|---|
| No Mixing Styles | You can’t easily combine different text styles. For example, making only a few words bold inside italic text may not work properly. |
| Limited Font Options | WhatsApp only offers the normal font and a monospace font. You cannot use fancy or custom fonts. |
| No Text Colours | There is no option to change the colour of your text. Messages use WhatsApp’s default colours. |
| No True Hyperlink Styling | You cannot hide a link behind custom text. The full URL will always be visible. |
| Manual Formatting Only | You need to use symbols or formatting options manually. There are no formatting buttons like in Word. |
| No Underlining | WhatsApp does not support underlined text. |
| Fixed Alignment | You cannot center or right-align text. Messages stay in the default alignment. |
| Weak List Control | Simple lists work, but complex or nested lists may not display correctly. |
Troubleshooting Formatting Issues In WhatsApp
First, make sure WhatsApp is updated to the latest version. Older versions sometimes don’t handle formatting properly. Next, check your message carefully before sending. Even a small thing like extra spaces around symbols (like * or _) can break formatting.
Also keep in mind that formatting usually shows after you send the message, not always in the preview while typing. So send a test message before assuming it’s not working. If things still look off, restart the app or, on Android, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage & cache and clear the cache. This helps fix temporary glitches.
Sometimes the issue comes from the keyboard. Try switching to the default keyboard on your phone and see if the symbols work properly there. If nothing helps, reinstall WhatsApp as a last option. Just remember to back up your chats first so you don’t lose your messages.
Common Mistakes To Avoid While Formatting
While formatting messages on WhatsApp can make your texts stand out, it is easy to make small mistakes that reduce clarity or impact. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Forgetting the Symbols: One of the most common errors is missing an asterisk, underscore, or tilde. For example, typing *Hello instead of *Hello* won’t make your text bold.
- Overusing Formatting: Using bold, italics, and strikethrough in every word can make messages hard to read. Use formatting selectively to emphasize key points.
- Incorrect Combinations: Mixing symbols incorrectly, like _~Hello~_, may not render as expected. Always double-check the order of symbols.
- Ignoring Platform Differences: Formatting works across Android, iOS, and WhatsApp Web, but older app versions might not display styles correctly.
- Forwarded Messages: Remember that some formatting may not carry over if a message is forwarded to another chat or exported.
Conclusion
You can use bold for important points, italic for light emphasis, and strikethrough when something needs correction or change. Monospace text works well for code or anything that needs a neat block style.
Many people search for how to underline in WhatsApp. WhatsApp does not have a direct underline option. Some tools like BlueWords or YayText can create underlined text. They work on Android, iPhone, and WhatsApp Web. Using these styles can help keep chats organised. Try using these styles in normal chats and see how much better your messages look.
FAQs
1. Can you underline text in WhatsApp?
No, WhatsApp does not have a built-in underline option. You can use Unicode text tools to create underlined text.
2. How do I underline text in WhatsApp?
Use an underline text generator, copy the styled text, and paste it into WhatsApp.
3. What text formats does WhatsApp support?
WhatsApp supports bold, italic, strikethrough, and monospace formatting.
4. Does WhatsApp underline work on Android and iPhone?
Yes, Unicode-based underlined text works on Android, iPhone, and WhatsApp Web.
5. Why is my WhatsApp formatting not working?
Check that symbols are placed correctly and WhatsApp is updated to the latest version.
6. Can I combine WhatsApp text styles?
Yes, some styles like bold and italic can be combined, but underline has limitations.
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