Want to send bold, italic, or strikethrough text on WhatsApp? There are hidden formatting tricks built right in. Here is the complete list for 2026.
Text Formatting Codes
| Style | How | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | Asterisks around text | *hello* |
| Italic | Underscores around text | _hello_ |
| Strikethrough | Tildes around text | ~hello~ |
| Monospace | Three backticks each side | “`hello“` |
Tip: You can also select text, tap it, and choose formatting from the pop-up menu.
Lists and Quotes
Start a line with a hyphen or asterisk for a bullet list, a number and period for a numbered list, or a greater-than sign for a block quote.
FAQ
Does formatting work in groups?
Yes, all formatting works the same in personal chats and groups.
Can I combine styles?
Yes. Wrap text in both asterisks and underscores for bold italic.

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