Leftwards Arrow with Hook ↩

↩ (U+21A9) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.

What it is and where it’s used: Leftwards Arrow with Hook is part of the Symbols family (block: Arrows). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.

History & usage: The symbol LEFTWARDS ARROW WITH HOOK is listed with the code point U+21A9 and belongs to the Arrows block in the Common script. It is a curved leftward arrow with a hook shape used to convey motion or return direction. In many character sets it appears in lists of arrows and related symbols. Usage notes emphasize that arrows commonly indicate direction and navigation cues in interfaces and documents. This helps users understand controls, flows, and the sequence of steps in layouts. Designers and developers may place it where a back action or leftward navigation is needed, or where a symbolic cue is required to guide attention. The symbol is part of standard symbol sets and supports consistent visual language across apps and pages. Its simple form makes it recognizable at small sizes and across fonts, aiding quick comprehension in text and UI contexts. Practical use includes labeling back buttons, directional indicators, or navigational hints in digital and print materials.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+21A9 in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.

Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.

Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.

See our category page for related symbols.