Unicode Decoder converts \uXXXX escape sequences back into readable text. When you see escaped strings in JSON payloads, JavaScript source code, Python json.dumps output, or database exports — like \u0048\u0065\u006c\u006c\u006f — this tool decodes them to the original characters. Paste any escaped string and see the human-readable result.
The decoder scans the input for \u followed by four hexadecimal digits. Each match is converted to the corresponding Unicode character. Surrogate pairs (two consecutive \uXXXX sequences like \uD83D\uDE80) are recognized and combined into the emoji or supplementary character they represent. Regular text between escape sequences is preserved as-is.
Yes. The decoder only processes the \uXXXX sequences it finds and leaves all other text unchanged. If you paste "Hello \u0057orld", it decodes \u0057 to W and leaves the rest, producing "Hello World".
If the code point is valid but your font does not include a glyph for that character (for example, ancient scripts or rare emoji), the browser shows a placeholder square. The decoding itself worked correctly — you just need a font that covers that character range.
CSS uses a slightly different escape format: a backslash followed by a hexadecimal number without the u prefix. This tool handles the JavaScript/JSON \uXXXX format. For CSS escapes, you would need to add the \u prefix manually or use a CSS-specific tool.
If only half of a surrogate pair is present (for example a high surrogate without a following low surrogate), JavaScript produces an unpaired surrogate — a technically invalid string. The decoder shows what the JavaScript engine produces, which may appear as a replacement character.
No. Decoding runs entirely in your browser. Your text never leaves your device.
Tool workspace
Free Unicode Decoder online — instantly convert JavaScript Unicode escape sequences (\uXXXX) back into readable text, emojis, and global characters. No login.
Output
Input
\u0048\u0065\u006c\u006c\u006f\u0020\ud83d\ude80
Output
Hello 🚀
