How to Type Backwards Text: The Unicode U+0489 Trick Explained

Want to type backwards text that reads from right to left? In 2007 we found a strange trick: paste the Combining Cyrillic Millions Sign (U+0489) into a text box, start typing, and your words came out backwards. It still makes a fun party trick, but the real reason it worked was a hidden Unicode control character. Here’s how backwards text actually works, and the easiest ways to type backwards today.

Quick answer: The easiest way to type backwards is to paste your words into a free “reverse text” generator, or use the Unicode Right-to-Left Override character (U+202E), which makes everything after it display from right to left. On a web page, the HTML tag <bdo dir="rtl"> does the same thing.

Why the U+0489 backwards text trick worked

The Cyrillic block in Unicode (external site) runs from U+0400 to U+04FF. U+0489, the Combining Cyrillic Millions Sign (҉), is an old number sign that draws a ring of marks around the character before it. On its own it doesn’t reverse anything.

The magic came from what was copied along with it. The text people shared contained invisible bidirectional control characters (external site), especially the Right-to-Left Override (RLO, U+202E). These characters exist so languages like Arabic and Hebrew, which are written right to left, can mix properly with English. When an RLO character comes first, everything typed after it is shown in reverse order, so “Quick Online Tips” appears as Quick Online Tips.

How to type backwards text in 2026

1. Use a reverse text generator

The simplest method. Search for “reverse text generator”, paste your words and copy the result. These tools actually rearrange the letters, so the backwards text works anywhere: WhatsApp, Instagram bios, games or email. Many also make upside-down and mirror text.

2. Insert the Right-to-Left Override character

• Windows: in Notepad and many other Windows text boxes, right-click and choose Insert Unicode control character → RLO Start of right-to-left override, then type.
• Any device: copy U+202E from a Unicode character site such as Unicode Explorer (external site) and paste it before your text.

Some apps and websites now strip or ignore these control characters for security reasons, so this method doesn’t work everywhere.

3. Reverse text in Google Sheets or Excel

Put your text in cell A1, then use this formula in Google Sheets (also works in Excel 365):

=JOIN("",ARRAYFORMULA(MID(A1,LEN(A1)-SEQUENCE(LEN(A1))+1,1)))

In Excel 365 you can use =TEXTJOIN("",TRUE,MID(A1,SEQUENCE(LEN(A1),,LEN(A1),-1),1)).

4. Mirror text in Microsoft Word

For printed mirror writing (for example, iron-on T-shirt transfers), insert a text box, type your text, then go to Format Shape → Effects → 3-D Rotation and set X Rotation to 180°. This flips the letters like a mirror instead of just reversing their order.

5. Reverse text on a web page with HTML

<bdo dir="rtl">Quick Online Tips</bdo>

The bdo element (external site) (bidirectional override) tells the browser to show the text right to left without changing the underlying letters.

Backwards text and security: the RLO filename trick

The same Right-to-Left Override is used by scammers to disguise dangerous files. A file named photo_[RLO]gnp.exe can display as photo_exe.png, looking like a harmless image while actually being a program. To stay safe:

• Turn on file extensions in Windows File Explorer (View → Show → File name extensions).
• Be wary of unexpected attachments, even if the name looks like a photo or PDF.
• Keep your antivirus and email filters updated, as most now flag RLO tricks.

Frequently asked questions

Does the U+0489 trick still work?

U+0489 alone never reversed text. It only worked when invisible control characters like U+202E were copied with it. Many modern apps remove those characters, so the old copy-paste trick often fails today.

What is the difference between backwards, mirror and upside-down text?

Backwards text reverses the order of letters (Tips → spiT). Mirror text flips each letter like a reflection. Upside-down text uses look-alike Unicode letters (like ʇ and ǝ) so words look turned over.

Can I type backwards on my phone?

Yes. Use a reverse text generator website in your phone’s browser, copy the result and paste it into any app.