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How to Type the At Symbol (@) on Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Phone, Chromebook)

The at sign or at symbol @ is used in email addresses (name@example.com), social media usernames (@username), and many login forms.

The tricky part: the @ key can move depending on your keyboard layout (US, UK, European, etc.). So if Shift + 2 doesn’t work, it’s usually a layout setting, not a broken keyboard.

At symbol shown on Keyboard
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Tip: If @ is missing on your keyboard, your layout may be set to the wrong country.

1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)

  • US keyboard (Windows/Mac): Shift + 2 → @
  • UK keyboard (common): Shift + ‘ (apostrophe key) → @ (on many UK layouts)
  • Many European keyboards: AltGr (Right Alt) + the key with @ printed on it (often Q or 2, but it varies)
  • iPhone / Android: Tap 123 (or ?123) and look for @
  • Chromebook: Same as Windows depending on your keyboard layout

Beginner rule: Look closely at your keyboard. Press Shift (or AltGr) + the key that has @ printed on it.

Quick Reference (At Symbol)

Symbol: @
Name: at sign
Unicode: U+0040
ASCII: 64
HTML: @ (You can usually just type @ normally.)

Common keyboard methods by layout (quick table)

Keyboard/layoutMost common way to type @What to do if it doesn’t work
US (Windows/Mac)Shift + 2Check your layout isn’t set to UK/Europe
UK (Windows/Mac)Shift + ‘ (apostrophe)Look for @ printed near Enter and use Shift with that key
Many European (Windows)AltGr + key with @Try Right Alt (AltGr) and follow the printed @
Phone/tablet123 / ?123 → @Some keyboards show @ on the first screen in email fields
ChromebookSame as layout (US/UK/AltGr)Change Chromebook keyboard language if wrong
At symbol shortcuts on keyboard

A) How to type @ on a US keyboard (Windows and Mac)

This is the most common layout in the US.

  1. Put your cursor where you want the @ sign.
  2. Hold Shift.
  3. Press 2.
  4. Release both keys → @

B) How to type @ on a UK keyboard

On many UK keyboards, @ is not on Shift + 2.

Do this instead:

  1. Look for the @ printed on a key (often near the Enter key).
  2. Hold Shift.
  3. Press the key with @ on it.
  4. Release → @

Common UK method: Shift + ‘ (apostrophe) → @
If that doesn’t work, your computer may be using a US layout, so try Shift + 2.

C) How to type @ on European / International keyboards (AltGr)

Many European layouts use AltGr to type extra symbols.

AltGr = the Right Alt key (usually on the right side of the spacebar).

  1. Find the key that has @ printed on it.
  2. Hold AltGr (Right Alt).
  3. Press that key.
  4. Release → @

Common examples (not universal):

  • AltGr + Q → @ (common on some layouts, like German)
  • AltGr + 2 → @ (common on some layouts)

If neither works, ignore the “examples” and follow the @ printed on your keyboard.

D) How to type @ on a laptop (when it “won’t work”)

When @ won’t type on a laptop, it’s usually one of these:

1) Your keyboard layout is set wrong (most common)

If your laptop expects a UK layout but Windows is set to US (or vice-versa), Shift + 2 will type the “wrong” symbol.

2) Use the On-Screen Keyboard to see where @ really is

This is a quick way to confirm your layout.

  • Windows: Turn on the On-Screen Keyboard in Settings (Accessibility > Keyboard).
    Then press Shift on the on-screen keyboard and see which key shows @.

3) Try the other Shift key

Sometimes one Shift key is faulty. Try Left Shift and Right Shift.

E) How to type @ in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

In Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, typing @ uses the same keyboard method as everywhere else:

  • US layout: Shift + 2
  • UK layout: Shift + the key that shows @
  • European layouts: AltGr + the key that shows @

If @ doesn’t work in Office, it’s almost always a keyboard layout setting, not Office blocking the symbol.

F) How to type @ in Google Docs and Google Sheets

Same idea: Google Docs/Sheets doesn’t “block” @.

Use the method that matches your keyboard layout:

  • US: Shift + 2
  • UK: Shift + @ key
  • European: AltGr + @ key

G) How to type @ on iPhone and Android

iPhone (iOS)

  • Tap 123 to open the numbers/symbols screen.
  • Tap @.

Tip: In some email fields, @ appears more obviously on the keyboard.

Android

It depends on your keyboard app (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, etc.), but usually:

  • Tap ?123 (or 123)
  • Find and tap @

H) How to type @ on a Chromebook

Chromebooks follow the same layout rules:

  • US layout: Shift + 2
  • UK layout: Shift + the key with @
  • European layout: AltGr + the key with @ (on some Chromebook keyboards)

If it suddenly changed, your Chromebook keyboard language may have switched—change it back in Chromebook settings.

“@ not working” troubleshooting (common fixes)

1) “Shift + 2 types something else”

That usually means your keyboard layout is not set to US.

  • If it types “ or another symbol, you’re likely on a different layout.
  • Fix: set the correct keyboard layout for your country/keyboard.

Read why your @ key is not working

2) “There’s no @ on the key I expect”

That’s normal on UK/European keyboards.

  • Fix: look for @ printed on a different key (often near Enter), then use Shift or AltGr.

3) “AltGr isn’t working”

  • Make sure you’re using the Right Alt key (AltGr), not the left Alt.
  • If you don’t have AltGr, your layout may not use it.

4) Sticky Keys / accessibility settings (quick check)

If modifier keys are acting weird (Shift/Alt/AltGr), check accessibility keyboard settings and turn off features you don’t need.

5) Your keyboard language changed accidentally (very common)

Windows: Settings → Time & language → Language & region → keyboard/layout options.
Mac: System Settings → Keyboard → Text Input → Edit input sources.

FAQ (People Also Ask)

How do I type @ on a laptop?

Usually:

  • US: Shift + 2
  • UK: Shift + the key with @ (often Shift + ‘)

If it doesn’t work, check your keyboard layout setting and use the On-Screen Keyboard to confirm where @ is mapped.

Why is Shift + 2 not typing @?

Because your keyboard layout may not be US. On many layouts, Shift + 2 types something else. Switch to the correct keyboard layout for your keyboard.

How do I type @ on a UK keyboard?

A common UK method is Shift + ‘ (apostrophe). If that doesn’t work, look for @ printed on a key and press Shift + that key.

What is AltGr and how do I use it for @?

AltGr is usually the Right Alt key. On many European keyboards, you type @ by holding AltGr and pressing the key that has @ printed on it.

How do I type @ on iPhone/Android?

Tap 123 (or ?123) and then tap @. On some keyboards, @ shows more clearly in email fields.

Quick recap

  • US keyboards: Shift + 2
  • UK keyboards: Shift + the key that shows @ (often Shift + ‘)
  • Many European keyboards: AltGr (Right Alt) + the key that shows @
  • If it types the wrong symbol, it’s usually a keyboard layout setting
  • Use the On-Screen Keyboard to confirm where @ is mapped