How to Add Arabic Keyboard
Complete step-by-step guide for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Before you start practicing Arabic typing, you'll need to install the Arabic keyboard on your device. This guide covers all major operating systems with detailed screenshots and troubleshooting tips.
Time required: 2-5 minutes per device
Jump to your device:
🪟Windows 10 / 11
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 1Open Settings
Press Windows + I on your keyboard
- 2Navigate to Language Settings
Click Time & Language → Language & region
- 3Add a Language
Click the Add a language button
- 4Search for Arabic
Type “Arabic” in the search box. Select Arabic (Saudi Arabia) or any Arabic region
- 5Install the Language
Click Next, then click Install. Wait for installation to complete (1-2 minutes)
- 6Verify Installation
Look for “ENG” or “AR” indicator in your taskbar (bottom-right corner)
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows)
Windows + Space — Switch between keyboards
Alt + Shift — Alternative keyboard switch shortcut
🍎macOS (Mac)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 1Open System Settings
Click the menu → System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)
- 2Go to Keyboard Settings
Click Keyboard → Input Sources (or Text Input)
- 3Add Input Source
Click the + button (bottom-left corner)
- 4Select Arabic
Scroll to find Arabic in the left panel
- 5Choose Arabic - PC
Select Arabic - PC from the right panel. This is the Arabic 101 layout.
- 6Add and Enable
Click Add. Enable “Show Input menu in menu bar” to see the keyboard indicator
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts (Mac)
⌘ Command + Space — Switch between keyboards
You can also click the input menu in the menu bar (top-right)
📱iOS (iPhone & iPad)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 1Open Settings
Tap the Settings app (⚙️)
- 2Go to Keyboard Settings
Tap General → Keyboard → Keyboards
- 3Add New Keyboard
Tap Add New Keyboard...
- 4Select Arabic
Scroll down and tap Arabic
- 5Choose Layout
Select Arabic - QWERTY (recommended for beginners) or Arabic (traditional layout)
- 6Done!
The Arabic keyboard is now available on your device
⌨️ How to Switch (iOS)
Tap the 🌐 globe icon on the keyboard to switch between English and Arabic
Long-press the globe icon to see all available keyboards
🤖Android
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Note: Steps may vary slightly depending on Android version and manufacturer (Samsung, Google, etc.)
- 1Open Settings
Tap the Settings app
- 2Go to Language & Input
Tap System → Languages & input (or General management on Samsung)
- 3Select Virtual Keyboard
Tap Virtual keyboard (or On-screen keyboard)
- 4Choose Your Keyboard App
Tap Gboard (Google Keyboard) or Samsung Keyboard
- 5Languages
Tap Languages → Add keyboard
- 6Add Arabic
Scroll down and tap Arabic. Select your preferred layout and tap Done
⌨️ How to Switch (Android)
Tap the 🌐 globe icon or language icon on the keyboard
Some keyboards use a spacebar swipe gesture to switch languages
🔧 Troubleshooting
Can't see Arabic letters when typing?
Make sure you've successfully switched to the Arabic keyboard using the keyboard shortcut or language switcher. Check the language indicator in your system tray/menu bar.
Keyboard shortcut not working?
Try clicking the language indicator (ENG/AR) in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) instead. You can also try the alternative shortcut: Alt+Shift on Windows.
Text appearing left-to-right instead of right-to-left?
Most applications automatically detect Arabic text direction. If not, look for text direction options in your app's format menu (usually Ctrl+Shift+X toggles direction).
Arabic keyboard missing after installation?
Restart your computer or log out and log back in. The keyboard should appear after a fresh login session.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch between English and Arabic keyboard?
On Windows: Press Windows + Space or Alt + Shift. On Mac: Press ⌘ Command + Space. On iOS/Android: Tap the globe icon 🌐 on the keyboard.
Which Arabic keyboard layout should I install?
For desktop computers (Windows/Mac), install the Arabic 101 keyboard (also called “Arabic - PC”). This is the standard layout used across most regions. For mobile devices, use the default Arabic keyboard provided by iOS or Android.
Do I need to restart my computer after adding Arabic keyboard?
No! The Arabic keyboard becomes available immediately after installation. You can start switching between English and Arabic right away.
Can I type Arabic on my phone?
Yes! Both iOS and Android have built-in Arabic keyboards. Follow the iOS or Android instructions above to enable it. The mobile keyboard layout is different from desktop Arabic 101 and is optimized for touchscreen thumb typing.
Why can't I see Arabic letters when typing?
Make sure you have successfully switched to the Arabic keyboard. Check the language indicator in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) — it should show “AR” or “العربية” when Arabic is active.
✨ Ready to Start Learning?
Now that you have the Arabic keyboard installed, you're ready to start learning Arabic typing! Arabic Typing 101 offers structured courses for both desktop and mobile typing.