U+21BB · Arrows
Clockwise Arrow ↻
The clockwise arrow ↻ is an open circle with an arrowhead pointing clockwise. It is the classic refresh or reload symbol and also indicates redo, repeat, or rotating an item to the right. Instructions use it for tightening screws or turning dials clockwise, and physics diagrams use it to indicate rotation direction.
Character codes
| Unicode code point | U+21BB | |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 8635 | |
| HTML named entity | ↻ | |
| HTML (hex) | ↻ | |
| HTML (decimal) | ↻ | |
| CSS | \21BB | |
| JavaScript | \u21BB | |
| Python | \u21BB | |
| UTF-8 bytes | E2 86 BB | |
| UTF-16 | 21BB | |
| URL-encoded | %E2%86%BB |
Character details
| Official name | CLOCKWISE OPEN CIRCLE ARROW |
|---|---|
| Unicode block | Arrows |
| General category | Other Symbol (So) |
| SymbolHero category | Arrows |
| Emoji | No |
How to type ↻
Windows
- In Microsoft Word or Outlook: type
21BBthen press Alt + X. - Open Character Map (search “Character Map” in Start), tick “Advanced view”, search for “clockwise open circle arrow”, then Select and Copy.
Mac
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search “clockwise open circle arrow”, and double-click the result.
- With the Unicode Hex Input keyboard enabled (System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources), hold Option and type
21BB.
iPhone & Android
- Tap Copy at the top of this page, then long-press where you want it and choose Paste.
Docs & web
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters, then search “clockwise open circle arrow” or enter
U+21BB. - HTML:
↻or↻ - Excel / Google Sheets:
=UNICHAR(8635)
Examples
- ↻ Refresh
- Turn ↻ to tighten
- Rotate image ↻ 90°
- ↻ Repeat playlist
Good to know
Don’t mix it up: It is often confused with the clockwise gapped circle arrow ⟳ (U+27F3), which is similar but has a gap in the circle.
Tip: Browsers and apps use ↻ for reload, so pair it with a label if you mean redo or rotate instead.
Display: the character itself is always the same code point, but its shape comes from the font on the device showing it. If you see an empty box, the font lacks this glyph—the text is still correct.
Similar arrows
Questions
What is the Unicode for ↻?
It is U+21BB (CLOCKWISE OPEN CIRCLE ARROW), decimal 8635.
Is there a Windows Alt code for it?
No standard Alt code exists for this character. In Word type 21BB then Alt+X, or copy it from this page.
How do I type it on a Mac?
There is no built-in Option shortcut. Use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) and search “clockwise open circle arrow”, or copy it from this page.
What is the HTML code?
Use the named entity ↻ or the numeric reference ↻.