PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Arts and Entertainment
Movies
Filmmaking
Animation
Emoticons and Emojis
What Does the ❓ Question Mark Emoji Mean? Download ArticleExplore this Article Sections 1 Emojis Appearing as Question Marks 2 ❓ (Question Mark) Emoji Meaning and Usage 3 Related Emojis Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Kira Jan Reviewed by Candace Gasper
Last Updated: June 3, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article X
This article was reviewed by Candace Gasper and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Candace Gasper is a Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant and the Owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency. With over seven years of professional experience, Candace is an expert in social media and content creation, specializing in working with local businesses to share their narratives and help them expand their reach. Candace received her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparels, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 114,595 times.
Question mark emojis can be quite the mystery! Whether you’ve received a ❓ (question mark) emoji or suddenly see your regular emojis appearing as question marks in boxes, we’ll help you get to the bottom of this. We’ve put together a complete guide on these two kinds of mysterious question mark symbols—and how to deal with them.
❓Question Mark Emoji Meaning
If someone uses the red question mark emoji, they're usually expressing an intense curiosity. Using a single question mark means they want to know more, and multiple question marks add even more emphasis to their message.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Emojis Appearing as Question Marks
Download Article
A question mark in a box means someone sent you an emoji your device doesn’t support. When new emojis get created, you typically have to update your device to be able to see them. So while the question mark in a box might look like an emoji, it’s actually a placeholder or error that means that your device’s general software is out-of-date.[1]XResearch source
On Android, you’ll likely see a (blank rectangle) without a question mark.
Depending on your device, the symbol might show up as � (replacement character) or it might show up as a square symbol without the tilt.
Solution: Fortunately, there’s an easy fix on iPhone or Android. Simply update your device to the latest software, and you’ll be able to see the emojis normally again.[2]XResearch source
Advertisement Section 2 of 3:
❓ (Question Mark) Emoji Meaning and Usage
Download Article
1 The ❓ emoji usually symbolizes intense curiosity. The bright red punctuation is like a regular question mark, taken up a notch in emotional intensity. You can use one ❓ to represent your thirst for knowledge or add multiple question marks in a row for emphasis.
“What did he say about dinosaurs ❓”
“OMG how did the episode end ❓❓”
2 The ❓ emoji represents doubt or disbelief. People often send this emoji when they’re not sure about something and they want more info. The next time you’re completely baffled or suspicious about a situation, throw in a red question mark to get some answers!
“❓❓❓ She’s dating him?”
“Hmm let me get back to you 🤔❓”
3 The ❓ emoji can also signal a need for help. The emoji’s red color emphasizes confusion and/or urgency. When someone sends you a question mark emoji, they could be asking for clarification or assistance. If you have a burning question, send a red question mark, and you might get a quicker response.
“We might have a problem. Where’s the water shut off valve❓❓”
“Yikes…When is the homework due ❓”
Advertisement Section 3 of 3:
Related Emojis
Download Article
1 The ❔ (white question mark) emoji signifies curiosity, doubt, or mystery. Like the red question mark emoji, the white question mark serves as an emphasized form of regular punctuation.[3]XResearch source You can use the two interchangeably. However, the white question mark has less of a connotation with urgency, because it lacks the startling red color.
“Hmm, I wonder who took the last piece of pie ❔❓❔”
“What did she say about Darren ❔😲”
2 The ⁉️ (exclamation question mark) emoji signals extreme surprise and disbelief. Think of this emoji as the red question mark emoji combined with shock. The emoji itself can be positive or negative. Try it out the next time you react to any situation or news that feels exciting, thrilling, or utterly mind-boggling.
“You got into med school ⁉️ Congrats 🎉”
“I’m so upset! How could she have done this ⁉️😡”
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
What Does the Exclamation Point ❗ Emoji Mean? (Plus, How to Use It)What Does the 🤨 Face with Raised Eyebrow Emoji Mean?What Does the 🫣 (Face with Peeking Eyes) Emoji Mean?What Does the 🤔 (Thinking) Emoji Mean?What Does the 😮 (Face with Open Mouth) Emoji Mean?What Does the 😕 Confused Face Emoji Mean?What "Emphasized an Image" Means on iPhone and AndroidWhat Does the 🤯 (Exploding Head) Emoji Mean?What Does the OBJ () Emoji Mean?What Does the 👀🥺 Big Eye Emoji Mean?What Does the 🤭 (Face with Hand over Mouth) Emoji Mean?What Does the 🫥 (Dotted Line Face) Emoji Mean? Plus, How to Use ItHow toUpdate Emoji on an iPhoneWhat Does the 🙃 Upside Down Emoji Mean? Advertisement
Reviewed by: Candace Gasper Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant This article was reviewed by Candace Gasper and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Candace Gasper is a Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant and the Owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency. With over seven years of professional experience, Candace is an expert in social media and content creation, specializing in working with local businesses to share their narratives and help them expand their reach. Candace received her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparels, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. This article has been viewed 114,595 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 3Updated: June 3, 2025 Views: 114,595 Categories: Emoticons and Emojis In other languages Indonesian Portuguese Spanish Dutch Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 114,595 times.
Is this article up to date?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Candace Gasper Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant Click a star to vote Co-authors: 3Updated: June 3, 2025 Views: 114,595
Quizzes & Games
Emoji TestTake QuizWhat Emoji Am I QuizTake QuizTurn Your Message into EmojisGenerateIQ TestTake QuizWhat Symbol Best Represents Me QuizTake QuizGuess the Emoji QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
What Does the Exclamation Point ❗ Emoji Mean? (Plus, How to Use It)What Does the 🤨 Face with Raised Eyebrow Emoji Mean?What Does the 🫣 (Face with Peeking Eyes) Emoji Mean?What Does the 🤔 (Thinking) Emoji Mean?
Featured Articles
110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic Ideas
Trending Articles
How toMake OutWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereBest Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧
Featured Articles
How toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?
Featured Articles
Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
Compatibility TestWhat Am I Craving Quiz150 Unique & Sentimental Ways to Say “Happy New Year”30+ New Year’s Eve Games to Keep Your NYE Party GoingWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family Test
Quizzes & Games
What Do Your Most Frequently Used Emojis Say About You?Analyze MeCursed Text GeneratorGenerateInk Blot TestTake QuizGreek Alphabet QuizTake QuizDo You Understand Body Language QuizTake QuizAm I Giving Someone the Ick QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Arts and Entertainment
Movies
Filmmaking
Animation
Emoticons and Emojis
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Explore this Article Sections 1 Emojis Appearing as Question Marks 2 ❓ (Question Mark) Emoji Meaning and Usage 3 Related Emojis Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Kira Jan Reviewed by Candace Gasper 
Advertisement 
Reviewed by: Candace Gasper Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant This article was reviewed by Candace Gasper and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Candace Gasper is a Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant and the Owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency. With over seven years of professional experience, Candace is an expert in social media and content creation, specializing in working with local businesses to share their narratives and help them expand their reach. Candace received her Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparels, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. This article has been viewed 114,595 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 3 Updated: June 3, 2025 Views: 114,595 Categories: Emoticons and Emojis In other languages Indonesian Portuguese Spanish Dutch Japanese 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Generate
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Analyze Me
Generate
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
459 
A question mark in a box means someone sent you an emoji your device doesn’t support. When new emojis get created, you typically have to update your device to be able to see them. So while the question mark in a box might look like an emoji, it’s actually a placeholder or error that means that your device’s general software is out-of-date.[1] 
1 The ❓ emoji usually symbolizes intense curiosity. The bright red punctuation is like a regular question mark, taken up a notch in emotional intensity. You can use one ❓ to represent your thirst for knowledge or add multiple question marks in a row for emphasis. 
2 The ❓ emoji represents doubt or disbelief. People often send this emoji when they’re not sure about something and they want more info. The next time you’re completely baffled or suspicious about a situation, throw in a red question mark to get some answers! 
3 The ❓ emoji can also signal a need for help. The emoji’s red color emphasizes confusion and/or urgency. When someone sends you a question mark emoji, they could be asking for clarification or assistance. If you have a burning question, send a red question mark, and you might get a quicker response. 
1 The ❔ (white question mark) emoji signifies curiosity, doubt, or mystery. Like the red question mark emoji, the white question mark serves as an emphasized form of regular punctuation.[3] You can use the two interchangeably. However, the white question mark has less of a connotation with urgency, because it lacks the startling red color. 
2 The ⁉️ (exclamation question mark) emoji signals extreme surprise and disbelief. Think of this emoji as the red question mark emoji combined with shock. The emoji itself can be positive or negative. Try it out the next time you react to any situation or news that feels exciting, thrilling, or utterly mind-boggling. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.