How to type ◄ on Windows
The fastest method on a full-size keyboard is the Alt code Alt+17.
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 17 on the numeric keypad (the number row will not work).
- Release Alt. The black left-pointing pointer symbol ◄ appears.
No numeric keypad?
Press Win+. to open the emoji panel, choose the Symbols tab (Ω) and search for "black left-pointing pointer". Or open Character Map from the Start menu, find ◄, click Select, then Copy.
How to type ◄ on a Mac
There is no direct keyboard shortcut for ◄ on a Mac.
For any symbol, the Character Viewer works: press Control+⌘+Space, type "black left-pointing pointer" in the search box and double-click the result. It will be remembered under Frequently Used.
How to type ◄ on iPhone and iPad
The iOS keyboard does not include ◄, so the reliable way is to copy it from this page, then press and hold in any text field and tap Paste.
If you use it often, create a shortcut: open Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, paste ◄ in the Phrase field and type a short code such as ;black in the Shortcut field. Typing that code will then insert ◄ anywhere.
How to type ◄ on Android
Copy the symbol from this page, then long-press in a text field and choose Paste. Gboard also keeps a clipboard history: tap the clipboard icon on the toolbar to paste it again later.
For a permanent shortcut, open Gboard settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary, add ◄ as the word and a short code as the shortcut.
How to type ◄ in Microsoft Word
- Type the Unicode hex code 25C4 where you want the symbol.
- Press Alt+X. Word converts the code into ◄.
This works on Windows in Word, Outlook and OneNote and needs no numeric keypad. You can also go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, set the font to a Unicode font and type 25C4 in the Character code box. In Excel, the formula =UNICHAR(9668) returns the symbol.
How to type ◄ in Google Docs
Open Insert → Special characters, then either search for "black left-pointing pointer" or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Click the result to insert it. In Google Sheets, use =CHAR(9668).
◄ in HTML, CSS and code
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| HTML entity | ◄ |
| HTML decimal | ◄ |
| HTML hex | ◄ |
CSS content | "\25C4" |
| JavaScript | "\u25C4" |
| Python | "\u25C4" |
| URL encoded | %E2%97%84 |
Because ◄ is a standard Unicode character (U+25C4), you can also paste it directly into any UTF-8 file. The escaped forms above are only needed when the file encoding is uncertain or the symbol must be entered on a keyboard without it.
Where the black left-pointing pointer symbol is used
Common in media player controls for rewind or previous track, and in UI buttons for back navigation, like ◄ Previous. Sometimes paired with ► for forward/next controls. Not to be confused with the outline arrow ←.
Frequently asked questions
What does ◄ mean in media players? +
It usually indicates a rewind or go-to-previous-track function, letting users move backward through content.
Is ◄ the same as an arrow symbol? +
No, it's a solid triangle rather than a line-based arrow, though both can indicate direction like 'left' or 'back'.
What is the Alt code for the black left-pointing pointer symbol? +
The Alt code for ◄ is Alt+17. Hold Alt, type 17 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type ◄ on a Mac? +
There is no dedicated Mac shortcut for ◄. Open the Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space, search for "black left-pointing pointer", and double-click it. Or copy it from this page.
How do I type the black left-pointing pointer symbol on iPhone or Android? +
Phone keyboards do not include ◄ by default. Copy it from this page and paste it, or add it as a text replacement shortcut in Settings so you can type it with a short abbreviation.
What is the HTML code for ◄? +
Use ◄ in HTML. In CSS use content: "\25C4" and in JavaScript use "\u25C4".