WhatsApp allows users to format text in different ways, including bolding text to make it stand out. Bolding text in a WhatsApp message is easy to do once you know how.
Using asterisks
The easiest way to bold text in WhatsApp is by using asterisks (*) around the text you want to bold. Here’s how it works:
- Type your message as normal in the WhatsApp text box.
- Surround the text you want to bold with asterisks. For example: *this text is bold*
- When you send the message, the text between the asterisks will appear in bold.
You can bold multiple words or even entire sentences this way. Just be sure to place an asterisk on both sides of the text you want bolded.
Example
For example, if you type:
*Make sure to bring snacks for the party tomorrow!*
The message will appear as:
Make sure to bring snacks for the party tomorrow!
Using underscores
In addition to asterisks, you can also use underscores (_) to bold text in WhatsApp.
The process is the same:
- Type your message as normal.
- Surround the text you want bolded with underscores. Like: _bold text_
- Send the message and the text between underscores will be bold.
So if you type:
_Don’t forget to do your homework!_
It will appear as:
Don’t forget to do your homework!
Asterisks and underscores function the same way – use whichever you prefer!
Using HTML tags
You can also use HTML tags to bold text in WhatsApp if you need more advanced formatting options.
To bold text using HTML:
- Type your message as usual and surround the text you want bolded with tags. Like: bold text
- Send the message. The text between the tags will appear bolded.
For example:
Don’t be late! Let’s meet at 6 PM.
You can use HTML tags like to bold specific words or phrases while leaving the rest of the text normal.
Other HTML formatting
Using HTML, you can also italicize, underline, and strike through text in WhatsApp messages.
- Italics: italicized text
- Underline: underlined text
- Strikethrough:
strikethrough text
HTML tags give you finer control over text formatting in WhatsApp compared to using asterisks or underscores.
Bolding entire messages
If you want an entire message to appear in bold, you can use asterisks or underscores at the very start and end of your message.
For example:
*Remember to call Mom today!*
or
_Did you finish your project?_
This will bold the entire message, not just part of it.
Bolding text on iPhone
The process for bolding text in WhatsApp is the same whether you use iPhone or Android:
- Asterisks: *bold text*
- Underscores: _bold text_
- HTML tags: bold text
The only difference is that on iPhone, you need to tap and hold on the message to view the formatted bold text after sending. It won’t automatically show bold in the text box as you type like on Android.
Bolding text on Android
On Android devices, bold text will appear formatted right away as you type in the text box.
For example, typing:
*bold text*
Will automatically show the text between asterisks in bold style. This makes formatting easier on Android than iPhone.
Tips for using bold text effectively
Now that you know how to make text bold in WhatsApp, here are some tips for using it effectively:
- Use bolding strategically – don’t overdo it or bold entire messages. Reserve bold text for your most important points.
- Bolding single words or short phrases works best. Don’t bold large blocks of text.
- Be consistent with formatting. Use the same method (asterisks, underscores, or HTML) throughout.
- Bolding is great for highlighting action items and key details.
- Too much bold text becomes hard to read. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
Common issues
Text doesn’t appear bold
If your text isn’t displaying in bold when you use asterisks or underscores, make sure:
- You don’t have a space between the symbols and text.
- You used matching symbols on both sides of the text.
- You used the symbols supported (*, _, )
Bold only works partially
If only part of your text is bold, it means your formatting symbols are not around the entire section you want bolded. Make sure the asterisks or underscores surround all of the text.
Entire message is bold unexpectedly
If your whole message is bold even when you only wanted to bold part of it, you likely put the formatting symbols at the very beginning and end rather than around just the portion you wanted bolded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bold text in WhatsApp group chats?
Yes, the methods for bolding text work in both individual and group chats in WhatsApp.
Is bolding text available on WhatsApp Web/Desktop?
Formatting like bolding is available across WhatsApp, including WhatsApp Web accessed on computers and WhatsApp Desktop.
Can I combine bold and italics in one message?
Yes, you can combine formatting like bold and italics in the same message by using multiple HTML tags. Surround bold text in tags and italic text in tags.
Can I use bold in my WhatsApp status?
Unfortunately, bold formatting is not available for use in your WhatsApp status at this time. Statuses only support plain text.
Is there a limit to how long a bolded message can be?
There is no limit on the length of bolded text. You can bold entire messages of any length. The formatting will apply regardless of message length.
Conclusion
Bolding text in WhatsApp is easy to do by using asterisks, underscores, or HTML tags. It’s a great way to make key parts of your messages stand out and draw attention. Use bolding strategically to highlight important details and actions without overusing it. With these simple methods, you can format your WhatsApp messages to be clearer and more effective.
| Formatting Method | Example |
|---|---|
| Asterisks | *bold text* |
| Underscores | _bold text_ |
| HTML tags | bold text |