Fix keys that type the wrong symbols on your Mac

Why it happens

Every country arranges symbols a little differently, even when the letters match. If the layout chosen on the Mac isn't the one on your keyboard, letters still look right but symbols like @, " and # land on other keys. This often happens after setup in another region, or with a keyboard bought abroad.

How to fix it

1. Open System Settings, click Keyboard, and under Text Input click Edit next to Input Sources.

   Keyboard›Text Input›Edit…

2. If the layout that matches your keyboard isn't in the list, click the plus button, find it by country (for example English, then British) and click Add.

3. Typing on a keyboard made for Windows? Pick British – PC: it puts " on Shift-2 and @ near Return, as printed. An Apple keyboard or a U.S. keyboard needs British or U.S. instead.

4. Select the layout that doesn't match your keys and click the minus button to remove it.

5. Turn on Show Input menu in menu bar. Click the new menu near the clock and make sure your layout has a tick.

   Keyboard›Text Input›Edit…›Show Input menu in menu bar

6. Click Done, open Notes and press Shift-2 and Shift-3 to check the symbols now match your keys.

Still not fixed?

1. Not sure which layout you have? In the Input menu, choose Show Keyboard Viewer. It shows what each key types, so you can compare it with your keyboard.

2. On a British layout, the # sign is Option-3. That's normal for that layout, not a fault.

3. For an external keyboard from another maker, click Change Keyboard Type in Keyboard settings and follow the steps so your Mac can identify it.

   Keyboard›Change Keyboard Type…

4. If one key types the wrong thing in every layout, or types nothing, the key itself may be faulty. Contact Apple Support or a repair shop.