unescape()

Deprecated
This feature has been removed from the Web standards. Though some browsers may still support it, it is in the process of being dropped. Avoid using it and update existing code if possible; see the compatibility table at the bottom of this page to guide your decision. Be aware that this feature may cease to work at any time.

The deprecated unescape() function computes a new string in which hexadecimal escape sequences are replaced with the character that it represents. The escape sequences might be introduced by a function like escape. Because unescape is deprecated, use decodeURI or decodeURIComponent instead.

Note: Do not use unescape to decode URIs, use decodeURI instead.

Syntax

unescape(str)

Parameters

str
A string to be decoded.

Return value

A new string in which certain characters have been unescaped.

Description

The unescape function is a property of the global object.

Examples

unescape('abc123');     // "abc123"
unescape('%E4%F6%FC');  // "äöü"
unescape('%u0107');     // "ć"

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
ECMAScript 1st Edition (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'unescape' in that specification.
Standard Initial definition.
ECMAScript 5.1 (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'unescape' in that specification.
Standard Defined in the (informative) Compatibility Annex B
ECMAScript 2015 (6th Edition, ECMA-262)
The definition of 'unescape' in that specification.
Standard Defined in the (normative) Annex B for Additional ECMAScript Features for Web Browsers
ECMAScript Latest Draft (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'unescape' in that specification.
Draft Defined in the (normative) Annex B for Additional ECMAScript Features for Web Browsers

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Edge Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)
Feature Android Chrome for Android Edge Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)

See also

Document Tags and Contributors

 Contributors to this page: stevenwdv, jameshkramer, nmve, eduardoboucas, fscholz, x2357, Ms2ger, Sebastianz
 Last updated by: stevenwdv,