How to Type the @ Symbol on Any Keyboard

The @ symbol, also known as the "at sign," is a vital character in the digital age. Whether you're sending an email, tagging someone on social media, or writing code, the @ sign is used frequently across platforms and devices. However, its position on keyboards can vary depending on your operating system, keyboard layout, and language settings. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to type the @ symbol on different types of keyboards, so you’ll never be left wondering again.

1. Why the @ Symbol is Important

The @ symbol gained prominence primarily due to email addresses. Every email address requires an @, as in [email protected]. It is also used in programming languages like Python, Java, and PHP for decorators, annotations, and variables. On social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, @ is used to mention or tag users, making it essential in everyday digital communication.

2. Standard U.S. Keyboard Layout (QWERTY)

If you’re using a standard U.S. QWERTY keyboard, typing the @ symbol is straightforward:

Windows or macOS:

➤ Hold down the Shift key and press the number 2.

Shortcut: Shift + 2

This is the most common layout, so if you are in the U.S. or using a laptop bought there, this will likely work.

3. UK Keyboard Layout

The UK layout is slightly different from the U.S. version. The @ symbol is located on a different key:

Windows or macOS (UK keyboard):

➤ Hold Shift + ’ (apostrophe key)

Shortcut: Shift + '

This often confuses users who switch between U.S. and UK keyboards, especially in office environments with mixed devices.

4. German (QWERTZ) Keyboard Layout

In Germany and many Central European countries, the layout is QWERTZ, and the @ symbol is not as easily accessible:

Windows:

➤ Hold Alt Gr + Q

Alt Gr is the key to the right of the space bar.

Alternatively: Ctrl + Alt + Q

macOS:

➤ Press Option (⌥) + L

5. French (AZERTY) Keyboard Layout

On French AZERTY keyboards, typing the @ symbol also differs:

Windows:

➤ Hold Alt Gr + 0 (zero key)

macOS:

➤ Press Option (⌥) + Shift + 2

Because the French keyboard prioritizes accented letters, the placement of special characters like @ can be unintuitive for non-native users.

6. Spanish Keyboard Layout

In Spain and Latin America, the keyboard layout is also different:

Windows:

➤ Press Alt Gr + 2

Or use: Ctrl + Alt + 2

macOS:

➤ Press Option (⌥) + 2

7. On Smartphones and Tablets (iOS & Android)

Mobile keyboards are more visual and intuitive:

iPhone / iPad (iOS):

➤ Tap the 123 key to switch to symbols, then find and tap the @ symbol.

Android:

➤ Tap the ?123 or Symbols key and look for the @ symbol.

Many email apps or messaging platforms will even suggest the @ symbol automatically when entering an email address or tagging someone.

8. Using ASCII/Alt Code on Windows

If your keyboard is not responding or doesn’t have the @ symbol easily accessible, you can use the ASCII code:

Hold the Alt key, then type 64 on the numeric keypad:

➤ Alt + 64

⚠️ Note: This only works with the numeric keypad, not the number keys at the top of your keyboard.

9. On International Keyboards

Here are a few more examples from different layouts:

Italian Keyboard:

➤ Alt Gr + ò

Norwegian / Danish / Swedish Keyboard:

➤ Alt Gr + 2

Turkish Keyboard:

➤ Alt Gr + Q

In all cases, the Alt Gr key (Alternative Graphics) is the key to the right of the space bar on most European keyboards. If your keyboard doesn’t have Alt Gr, you can usually replicate its function with Ctrl + Alt.

10. Copy-Paste Method

If all else fails, or if you’re on a non-standard device or broken keyboard, you can always:

Copy the @ symbol from a website or this article: @

Use the Character Map on Windows or the Emoji & Symbols viewer on macOS:

Windows: Type “Character Map” in Start menu → Find @ and copy.

Mac: Press Control + Command + Space → Search for @

11. Fixing Keyboard Language Settings

Sometimes your keyboard may appear normal, but the symbols don’t match your key presses. This usually means your keyboard input language has been changed.

Windows:

Go to: Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region

Under “Preferred languages,” make sure your keyboard layout matches your physical keyboard (e.g., U.S., UK, German).

macOS:

Go to: System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources

Add or remove languages as needed and use the input menu to switch.

Tip: Use Windows + Space or Control + Space on Mac to switch keyboard layouts quickly.