Crossing out a word in WhatsApp, also known as strikethrough text, is a simple yet nifty trick to add some flair to your messages. It involves using special characters before and after the word you want to strike through. This guide will show you how to master this technique in a few easy steps.
How to Cross a Word in WhatsApp
In this section, we’ll break down the steps to strike through text in WhatsApp. Follow these instructions to give your messages a unique touch.
Step 1: Open WhatsApp
The first step is to open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
Make sure you’ve got the latest version of WhatsApp to avoid any compatibility issues. When you’re in, navigate to the chat where you want to send the strikethrough text.
Step 2: Begin Your Message
Start typing your message.
Think about the context where you want to use the strikethrough text. Is it for humor, emphasis, or correction? This will help you decide which word or phrase to cross out.
Step 3: Add a Tilde Before the Word
Type a tilde (~) right before the word you want to strike through.
The tilde is that squiggly line you often see on keyboards. It’s usually located in the top left corner, next to the number 1. This symbol is crucial for creating the strikethrough effect.
Step 4: Type the Word to Be Crossed Out
Now, type the word you want to strike through.
After the tilde, type the word or phrase you want to cross out. Make sure there are no spaces between the tilde and the word.
Step 5: Add a Tilde After the Word
Complete the process by typing another tilde (~) right after the word.
This step seals the deal. The second tilde should be placed immediately after the word without any spaces. This tells WhatsApp to apply the strikethrough format to the text in between the tildes.
Step 6: Send the Message
Finally, hit the send button to deliver your message.
Your word or phrase should now appear with a line through it, indicating that it’s crossed out. This small touch can make your messages stand out.
After you complete this action, your message will display the selected word with a line through it, adding a unique touch to your WhatsApp conversations.
Tips for Crossing a Word in WhatsApp
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Use for Emphasis: Strikethrough can emphasize a point, like showing a correction or highlighting a mistake humorously.
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Combine Formats: You can combine strikethrough with bold or italic by using multiple formatting symbols together.
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Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the easier it will be to remember where the tilde is and how to use it effectively.
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Be Consistent: Consistency in using strikethrough can make your messages clearer and more professional.
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Check Before Sending: Always review your message to make sure the formatting looks right before you hit send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use strikethrough text on WhatsApp Web?
Yes, you can use the same tilde (~) method to cross out text on WhatsApp Web.
Can I combine strikethrough with other text formats?
Absolutely! You can combine strikethrough with bold, italic, and underline by using the appropriate symbols together.
Why isn’t my strikethrough text working?
Ensure there are no spaces between the tildes and the word. Also, confirm you are using the correct symbol.
Is strikethrough text visible to all WhatsApp users?
Yes, as long as both users have updated versions of WhatsApp, the strikethrough text will be visible.
Can I undo a strikethrough after sending?
No, once you send the message, you can’t undo the strikethrough. You would need to delete the message and resend it without the formatting.
Summary
- Open WhatsApp.
- Begin your message.
- Add a tilde before the word.
- Type the word.
- Add a tilde after the word.
- Send the message.
Conclusion
Crossing out a word in WhatsApp is a funky way to make your messages more interesting and engaging. By using the simple tilde (~) symbol before and after your chosen word, you can easily add a strikethrough effect. Whether you’re correcting a mistake, adding humor, or emphasizing a point, this little trick offers a lot of flexibility.
Practice these steps to become a pro at using strikethrough text. Don’t forget to experiment with combining different text formats to make your messages even more dynamic.
Feel free to share these tips with your friends so they can spice up their WhatsApp chats too! Happy messaging!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.