How to Change Font on WhatsApp: Bold, Italic, Monospace & More

You're typing a message on WhatsApp and plain text just doesn't cut it. You want to emphasize a word, add some personality, or make your status pop — but WhatsApp doesn't have a font menu like Google Docs.

Here's the thing: WhatsApp has more font control than most people realize. And with a free Unicode text generator, you can go even further — sending stylish, eye-catching text that no one else in the group chat is using.

This guide covers everything: WhatsApp's native formatting shortcuts, how to use a font generator, and the best styles for different situations.

WhatsApp's Built-In Text Formatting

WhatsApp supports a handful of native formatting options using simple markdown-style symbols. These work in both individual and group chats.

Bold Text

Wrap your text in asterisks: *like this*

Result: the text appears bold

Best for: emphasizing key words, making announcements in group chats, adding weight to important points.

Example:

• *Meeting at 6pm* → sends as bold text
• Don't forget — *bring your ID* → just the last part is bold

Italic Text

Wrap your text in underscores: _like this_

Result: the text appears in italic

Best for: titles, quotes, conveying tone (the subtle eye-roll), or a softer emphasis.

Example:

• _Can we talk?_ → sends as italic
• She said _maybe_ and we all know what that means → just "maybe" italicized

Strikethrough Text

Wrap your text in tildes: ~like this~

Result: the text appears with a strikethrough line

Best for: humor, sarcasm, crossing out plans that changed, ironic self-commentary.

Example:

• ~I'll be there at 8~ probably 9
• My plan: ~sleep early~ watch three more episodes

Monospace / Code Font

Wrap your text in backticks: `like this`

Result: the text appears in a fixed-width monospace font — looks like code

Best for: sharing addresses, codes, account numbers, or anything that benefits from clear, uniform spacing.

Example:

• `PIN: 4821` → clean, easy to read
• `Meeting link: zoom.us/j/12345`

Combining Formats

You can nest these to combine effects:

• *_bold italic_* → bold italic
• *~bold strikethrough~* → bold strikethrough
• _~italic strikethrough~_ → italic strikethrough

How to Apply Formatting from the WhatsApp App

On mobile (iOS and Android), you don't even need to type the symbols manually:

1. Type your message
2. Long-press to select the word or phrase you want to style
3. Tap the three dots (...) in the text toolbar
4. Choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, or Monospace

WhatsApp automatically wraps your selection in the correct symbols. Easy.

On WhatsApp Web (desktop), select text and use keyboard shortcuts:

• Ctrl+B (Windows) / Cmd+B (Mac) → Bold
• Ctrl+I / Cmd+I → Italic
• Or right-click the selected text for a formatting menu

Going Beyond Built-In Fonts with a Text Generator

WhatsApp's built-in formatting is useful, but limited — just four styles. If you want to stand out with fancy fonts, cursive text, bubble letters, or aesthetic Unicode styles, you need a text generator.

CoolFonts.xyz lets you type any text and instantly see dozens of Unicode font styles — all of which you can copy and paste directly into WhatsApp.

How to Use a WhatsApp Font Generator

1. Go to CoolFonts.xyz
2. Type or paste your text into the input box
3. Browse the results — you'll see styles like cursive, bold, bubble letters, small caps, and more
4. Click to copy any style you like
5. Open WhatsApp and paste directly into the message field
6. Send — the text arrives pre-styled, no markdown symbols needed

The recipient sees the fancy text exactly as you see it — because it's not formatting, it's actual Unicode characters that look like different fonts.

Popular Fancy Font Styles for WhatsApp

𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓲𝓿𝓮 Text

Elegant, flowing script that looks like handwriting. Great for:

• Romantic messages
• Special occasion wishes (birthdays, anniversaries)
• Status messages you want to look beautiful

𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘀-𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳

Thick, clean bold text without the markdown asterisks. Good for:

• Group announcements
• Status updates
• Making a statement without looking "formatted"

ⓑⓤⓑⓑⓛⓔ ⓣⓔⓧⓣ

Circled letters that look playful and eye-catching. Works well for:

• Fun group messages
• Birthday wishes
• Anything where you want to look festive

sᴍᴀʟʟ ᴄᴀᴘs

Subtle, refined style that reads naturally but looks polished. Perfect for:

• Status messages
• Casual but stylish text

ᵗⁱⁿʸ ˢᵘᵖᵉʳˢᶜʳⁱᵖᵗ

Miniature superscript text. Quirky and unique — great for adding a small-print effect.

For a full comparison of all Unicode styles, check out our complete guide to cool fonts copy and paste.

WhatsApp Status Fonts

Your WhatsApp status is visible to all your contacts — it's prime real estate for expressing personality. Since the status field supports Unicode text, you can use fancy fonts directly.

Status ideas with styled text:

• 𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝓋𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 ✨ (cursive)
• 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 🔨 (bold sans)
• ⓞⓕⓕ ⓣⓗⓔ ⓖⓡⓘⓓ 🌿 (bubble letters)

The same Unicode trick works on Instagram bios, Twitter bios, and LinkedIn profiles — one tool, many platforms.

How to Change WhatsApp Font Size

WhatsApp doesn't let you pick a custom font size per message, but you can adjust the global text size for the entire app:

Android: Settings → Chats → Font Size → Small / Medium / Large

iPhone (iOS): Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Larger Text (system-wide)

Note: this affects how text appears on your device only — the recipient's app uses their own font size settings.

Troubleshooting: Why Your Formatted Text Might Not Work

Symbols showing instead of formatting: Double-check that there are no spaces between the symbol and the text. * bold * won't work — it needs to be *bold*.

Fancy Unicode fonts appearing as boxes or question marks: This is rare but can happen on very old Android devices with outdated Unicode support. Most modern phones (post-2018) handle Unicode characters without any issues.

WhatsApp Web not showing formatting: Make sure you're using the current version of WhatsApp Web. Try refreshing if formatting symbols aren't being converted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the font permanently in WhatsApp?

No. WhatsApp doesn't offer a permanent font setting that changes all your messages. You can apply per-message formatting using the shortcuts above, or use Unicode text from a generator that carries its style inherently.

Does WhatsApp support custom fonts via app settings?

Some older Android versions allowed changing system fonts which affected WhatsApp's display. On modern Android and iOS, this is no longer possible — the app renders in its own chosen font. Unicode generators are the workaround.

Will the fancy font look the same on the recipient's phone?

Yes! Unicode characters are part of the universal text encoding standard, so they render on any modern device regardless of operating system, manufacturer, or WhatsApp version.

Is it safe to use third-party font generators?

Using a reputable tool like CoolFonts.xyz is safe — you're just copying text. No app installs, no permissions, no account needed.

Can I use these fonts in WhatsApp group names?

Yes. Group names, profile names, and status messages all support Unicode characters. Just generate your styled text, copy it, and paste it into the group name field.

Take Your WhatsApp Messages Further

Now you know every way to change font on WhatsApp — from the four native formatting shortcuts to the full range of Unicode font styles available with a free generator.

For everyday emphasis, the built-in *bold* and _italic_ shortcuts are quick and effective. For status messages, group names, or messages where you want to make a real impression, Unicode fonts from CoolFonts.xyz give you dozens of styles to choose from.

Want more text styling ideas for other platforms?

• WhatsApp Fancy Text & Stylish Messages Guide
• Instagram Bio Fonts: Cool Text Styles
• Unicode Text Symbols: Copy and Paste