How to type the @ (at) symbol on your keyboard: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and mobile
On a Spanish keyboard from Spain, the at symbol (@) is typed by holding down the AltGr key —to the right of the spacebar— and pressing 2. If your keyboard does not have an AltGr key, use Ctrl + Alt + 2; and if it has a numeric keypad, holding Alt and typing 64 also works. On a Mac with a Spanish keyboard, it is Option (⌥) + 2, and on mobile, you will find it on the symbols keyboard.
Below you will find the combination for each system and keyboard layout, what to do if the @ does not appear, and how to type other symbols that often cause trouble: #, €, ~, \, |, and the ñ on an English keyboard.
The @ on each keyboard: quick table
| Device and layout | How to type the @ |
|---|---|
| Windows or Linux, Spanish keyboard (Spain) | AltGr + 2 (on Windows, also Ctrl + Alt + 2) |
| Windows, with numeric keypad | Hold Alt and type 6 4 on the numeric keypad |
| Chromebook, Spanish keyboard | Right Alt + 2 (the right Alt acts as AltGr) |
| Mac, Spanish keyboard | Option (⌥) + 2 |
| Latin American keyboard | AltGr + Q |
| US English keyboard | Shift + 2 |
| UK English keyboard | Shift + single quote key (‘), next to Enter |
| Android or iPhone mobile | Press the symbols key (?123 or 123); when typing an email, the @ usually appears next to the spacebar |
How do I know which keyboard I have?
Look at the 2 key. If a small @ appears on the bottom right of it, your keyboard is Spanish from Spain and the combination is AltGr + 2. If the @ is on the Q, it is Latin American (AltGr + Q). If it is at the top, above the 2, it is US English (Shift + 2).
The @ is not working: causes and solutions
- The system has another layout configured. If you press AltGr + 2 and something else appears, the computer thinks your keyboard is from another country. On Windows, go to Settings → Time & language → Language & region, and set "Spanish (Spain)" as the keyboard. On Mac, System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources.
- The laptop does not have an AltGr key. Use Ctrl + Alt + 2, which is equivalent to AltGr on Windows.
- Alt + 64 does not work. It must be done with the numbers on the numeric keypad, not those on the top row, and with the number lock (Num Lock) activated.
- You are on a virtual machine or a remote desktop. The layout of the remote computer takes precedence, not yours: try the combinations in the table until you find the correct one.
Other symbols on the Spanish keyboard
| Symbol | Windows, Linux, and Chromebook | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| # (hashtag / pound) | AltGr + 3 | Option + 3 |
| € (euro) | AltGr + E | Option + E |
| ~ (tilde) | AltGr + 4 and then the spacebar | Option + Ñ and then the spacebar |
| \ (backslash) | AltGr + º (the key to the left of 1) | Option + º |
| | (vertical bar / pipe) | AltGr + 1 | Option + 1 |
How to type the ñ on an English keyboard
- Windows: hold Alt and type 164 on the numeric keypad (ñ) or 165 (Ñ).
- Mac: press Option + N, release, and press N.
- Any system: add the "Spanish" layout and switch between keyboards with Windows + Space (Windows) or Control + Space (Mac).
Typing the @ without looking at the keyboard
The @ is one of the keys people look for the most, because it is used daily (emails, usernames, mentions) but is typed with a combination. If you type with all your fingers, the trick is to have each hand do a part: the right thumb holds AltGr and the left ring finger presses 2, just as it would from the home row. It is hard at first; after a few days, it comes naturally.
If you want to automate it, in our guide on how to type without looking at the keyboard you have the complete method, and in the typing exercises you can practice for free, without registering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AltGr key?
It is the Alt key to the right of the spacebar on European keyboards. It is used to type the third symbol that appears on some keys, such as the @ on the 2 or the € on the E.
Why does the @ come out with Alt + Q on my laptop?
Because the system is configured with the Latin American layout. If your physical keyboard is Spanish from Spain, change the layout in the language settings and the @ will be back on AltGr + 2.
Can you type the @ using only the numeric keypad?
Yes, on Windows: hold Alt and type 64 on the numeric keypad. On laptops without a numeric keypad, this shortcut usually does not work.