While using social media like Facebook and Snapchat, you might see a small box with “OBJ” inside. You may wonder if it is an emoji, a code, or an error. This article explains its meaning and appearance and how to fix it.
Meaning of OBJ in Text Messages
The term “OBJ” inside a dotted box represents a missing or unrecognized symbol. It is a substitute character used when a device cannot display a specific symbol. Unicode, a standard coding system, translates characters across different platforms. If Unicode cannot interpret a symbol, it replaces it with OBJ.
| Symbol | Meaning |
| OBJ in a box | Placeholder for an unrecognized character |
Why You See OBJ in a Box
1. Incompatible Unicode Version
Some apps or devices use outdated Unicode versions. If a newer character is sent from an updated system, an older device may not support it, leading to the OBJ placeholder.
2. New Emojis Not Supported
When emojis are added to Unicode, older systems may not recognize them. Until a device receives an update, these new emojis may appear as OBJ instead.
3. Voice-to-Text Issues on iPhone
Apple’s speech-to-text function converts spoken words into text. If the system misinterprets input or an app does not support the conversion, OBJ may appear instead of words.
4. Corrupt Data
If a file or message becomes corrupted while being sent or received, the system might replace unreadable text with OBJ.
Fixing the OBJ Issue
1. Update Your Operating System
Ensure your device is running the latest software. Go to your settings and check for updates to ensure it supports new Unicode versions.
2. Update Applications
If the OBJ error appears in a specific app, check for updates in the App Store or Google Play Store. Installing the latest version might fix the issue.
3. Refresh Your Browser
If the OBJ error occurs while browsing, your internet browser might need an update. Go to its settings and install the latest version.
4. Install an Emoji Keyboard
Some devices do not support certain emoji sets. Downloading an updated emoji keyboard can help display missing characters correctly.
Following these steps, you can reduce or eliminate OBJ errors and view all characters properly on your device.
