How to Type the ¯\(ツ)/¯ Shrug Emoticon on Any Device
The shrug emoticon ¯\(ツ)/¯ is a popular way to show confusion, indifference, or “I don’t know.” It is made using special characters, so many people find it hard to type. This guide shows you how to type or copy it on different devices.
On Windows
You can’t type the shrug emoticon easily with your keyboard. The fastest way is to copy and paste it.
Highlight this: ¯\(ツ)/¯
Right-click and choose Copy
Go to your message or post
Right-click and choose Paste
If you want to make a shortcut, you can use a text replacement tool. On Windows 10 or 11:
Press Windows key + I to open Settings
Go to Time & Language > Typing
Click Advanced Keyboard Settings
Use tools like AutoHotKey or PhraseExpress to create a shortcut
On Mac
You can also copy and paste it, but there is a quicker way if you want a shortcut.
Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings
Choose Keyboard, then click Text Replacements
Click the + button
In the first box, type something like “shrug”
In the second box, paste ¯\(ツ)/¯
Now, whenever you type “shrug,” it will change to the emoticon.
On iPhone and iPad
The best way is to create a text replacement.
Open Settings
Tap General > Keyboard > Text Replacement
Tap + in the top right
In Phrase, paste ¯\(ツ)/¯
In Shortcut, type “shrug”
Now type “shrug” and it will turn into the emoticon.
On Android
Steps may be different on some phones, but most Android keyboards support shortcuts.
If you use Gboard:
Open Settings
Tap System > Languages & Input > Virtual Keyboard
Tap Gboard > Dictionary > Personal Dictionary
Choose your language
Tap +
In the Word box, paste ¯\(ツ)/¯
In the Shortcut box, type “shrug”
Now typing “shrug” will show ¯\(ツ)/¯ as a suggestion.
Other Tips
You can also bookmark a page like JoySymbols.com where you can copy and paste this and other emoticons anytime. This helps if you switch devices often or don’t want to set up shortcuts.
