To cross out a word in WhatsApp, put a tilde (~) right before and right after it, with no spaces between the tildes and the text. For example, typing ~3 PM~ sends 3 PM. On a phone, you can also select the text you’ve typed, tap Format (or the three-dot menu on Android), and choose Strikethrough. The formatting shows up after you send the message, for both you and the person you’re chatting with.
Method 1: Use tildes
- Type your message.
- Add ~ directly before the first letter and directly after the last letter of the words you want crossed out, like ~old plan~.
- Send the message.
Where to find the tilde:
- iPhone: Tap 123, then #+=. The ~ is in the second row.
- Android (Gboard): Tap ?123, then =\<. The ~ is in the top row.
- Computer: Press Shift and the key to the left of 1 on most US keyboards.
Method 2: Use the formatting menu
iPhone
- Type your message, then double-tap a word or drag to select text.
- Tap Format in the menu that appears (tap the arrow to find it if needed).
- Tap Strikethrough.
Android
- Type your message and touch and hold to select text.
- Tap the three dots in the menu that appears.
- Tap Strikethrough.
WhatsApp Web and Desktop
Type tildes around the text, or select it and use the formatting menu if it appears in your version.
Other WhatsApp formatting codes
| Format | Type this |
|---|---|
| Strikethrough | ~text~ |
| Bold | *text* |
| Italic | _text_ |
| Monospace | ```text``` |
| Inline code | `text` |
| Bulleted list | – item (dash and a space at the start of a line) |
| Numbered list | 1. item |
| Quote | > text |
You can combine them, for example *~text~* for bold strikethrough.
If strikethrough doesn’t work
- No spaces inside the tildes. ~ text ~ won’t work, but ~text~ will.
- Check for a smart tilde. Some keyboards insert a similar-looking symbol. Use the standard ~ key.
- Update WhatsApp. Newer formatting options, like lists and quotes, need a recent version.
- Check the edges. The tilde must touch the first and last characters, and there should be a space or line break outside the tildes.
Related: record WhatsApp calls on an iPhone.
Related: open a WhatsApp live location in Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cross out text in a message I already sent?
Yes, if you edit it within 15 minutes. Touch and hold the message, tap Edit, add tildes, and save.
Does the other person see the strikethrough?
Yes. Formatting shows for everyone in the chat who uses a supported version of WhatsApp.
Does this work in WhatsApp status and group chats?
It works in individual and group chats. Formatting support in status updates may vary by version.
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.