Highlighting text in Google Docs is useful when you want to emphasize important points, but it can quickly become distracting once you’re done editing. Whether you accidentally highlighted text or simply want a cleaner document, removing highlight in Google Docs takes only a few clicks. This guide will show you exactly how to do it on both desktop and mobile so you can get your document looking polished again.
Why Remove Highlight in Google Docs?
There are several reasons you may want to clear highlighting:
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The highlighted text is no longer relevant
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The color distracts from your final formatting
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You imported a document that came with unwanted highlight
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You want a clean, professional look before sharing or printing
Whatever your reason, removing highlight is quick and straightforward.
How to Remove Highlight in Google Docs on Desktop
Follow these steps if you’re using Google Docs on a laptop or computer:
Step 1: Open Your Google Docs File
Log into your Google account and open the document where the highlighted text appears.
Step 2: Select the Highlighted Text
Use your mouse to drag across the text with the highlight you want to remove.
Step 3: Click the “Highlight Color” Icon
On the toolbar at the top, find the Highlight color button.
It looks like a small marker icon.
Step 4: Choose “None” to Remove Highlight
A color palette will open.
Click “None” to remove the highlight completely.
Your text will instantly return to a normal background color.
How to Remove Highlight From the Entire Document
If the document contains a lot of highlighting and you want to remove all of it at once:
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Press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac) to select everything.
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Click the Highlight color icon.
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Choose “None.”
This clears highlight from every part of your document in seconds.
How to Remove Highlight in Google Docs on Mobile (Android & iPhone)
Using Google Docs on your phone? Here’s how to remove highlight using the mobile app:
Step 1: Open the Document in the Google Docs App
Launch the app and select your file.
Step 2: Tap the Highlighted Text
Select the exact text you want to fix.
Step 3: Tap the “A” Icon
At the top, tap the A with vertical lines to open formatting options.
Step 4: Go to “Text” → “Highlight Color”
Scroll to find Highlight color.
Step 5: Select “None”
Tap None to remove the highlight instantly.
Troubleshooting: Highlight Won’t Go Away?
If highlight isn’t disappearing, try these fixes:
✔ Check If It’s Text Highlight or Background Color
Sometimes users confuse background color with highlighting.
In the same formatting menu, check Background color and set it to None if needed.
✔ Clear Formatting (Quick Reset)
Go to:
Format → Clear formatting
or press *Ctrl + * on Windows
or *Command + * on Mac.
This removes formatting—but note it also removes bold, font changes, etc.
✔ Reapply Highlight, Then Remove Again
Occasionally re-highlighting the text then choosing “None” resets the styling.
Final Thoughts
Removing highlight in Google Docs is easy whether you’re using a computer or mobile device. With just a few clicks, you can clean up your text and give your document a more professional appearance. Whether you’re editing a school assignment, preparing a business file, or formatting content for publishing, knowing how to clear highlight ensures your work remains clean and distraction-free.