How to Type the At Sign on a Laptop and Computer (Windows & Mac)

Can't you type the @ symbol with Alt Gr + Q?

The most common way to type the at sign on a laptop or computer with a Spanish keyboard is by pressing Alt Gr+Q (or Alt Gr+2, depending on the configuration). However, when this combination doesn't work, it could be due to an incorrect keyboard language setting, software conflicts, or physical defects in the keys.

In this guide, you will learn how to type the at sign (@) on a laptop and computer, what to do if Alt Gr + Q doesn't work, and what the alternative methods are for typing this symbol on Windows and Mac.

How do I type the at symbol (@) on a keyboard? To type @ on most Spanish keyboards, follow these steps:

1. Press  Alt Gr  (to the right of the space bar).

2. While holding down Alt Gr, press the  Q key.

3. Release both keys and the @ sign will appear on the screen.

If Alt Gr is not responding, these methods will help you type the @ sign on a laptop or computer, depending on the keyboard type.

Alternatives for Typing the @ Sign on Other Keyboards and Operating Systems

If you can't type the @ symbol on your keyboard, the fastest way is to use the copy and paste method. Just copy the @ symbol and paste it where you need it using Ctrl + V on Windows or ⌘ + V on Mac.

You can also search for the word “@” in Google and copy the symbol from the results. It's a simple solution and works on any device, whether it's a computer, laptop, or mobile phone.

Typing the at sign on a laptop depends primarily on the keyboard language, not the laptop brand. In most cases, these are the most common combinations:

• Spanish keyboard: Alt Gr + Q or Alt Gr + 2

• English (US) keyboard: Shift + 2

• Mac with Spanish keyboard: Option (Alt) + Q

• Alternative method in Windows: Alt + 64 (using the numeric keypad)

Below, we show you how to type the at sign on a keyboard on laptops of different brands.

How to type the @ sign on an HP laptop

On an HP laptop, the method depends on the keyboard language:

• Spanish: Alt Gr + Q or Alt Gr + 2

• English: Shift + 2

• Alternative: Ctrl + Alt + Q (equivalent to Alt Gr on some systems)

How to type the @ sign on a Lenovo laptop

For a Lenovo laptop, the most common combinations are:

• Spanish: Alt Gr + 2 or Alt Gr + Q

• English: Shift + 2

• Alternative method: Alt + 64 if you have a numeric keypad

How to type the @ sign on an Asus laptop

On an Asus laptop, you can type the at symbol using:

• Spanish keyboard: Alt Gr + 2 or Alt Gr + Q

• English keyboard: Shift + 2

How to type the @ sign on an Acer laptop

If you use an Acer laptop, try the following options:

• Spanish: Alt Gr + 2 or Alt Gr + Q

• English: Shift + 2

• Alternative on Windows: Alt + 64

How to type the @ sign on a Dell laptop

On a Dell laptop, the combinations are similar to those of other brands:

• Spanish: Alt Gr + Q or Alt Gr + 2

• English: Shift + 2

• Alternative: Alt + 64 with numeric keypad

How to type the @ sign on a Huawei laptop

To type @ on a Huawei laptop, you can use:

• Spanish: Alt Gr + Q or Alt Gr + 2

• English: Shift + 2

• Alternative method: Alt + 64

How to type the @ sign on an Apple laptop (Mac)

On Apple laptops (MacBook), the combination depends on the keyboard language:

• Spanish keyboard: Option (⌥) + Q

• English (US) keyboard: Shift + 2

• English keyboard (UK): Shift +'

☛Tips: If none of these combinations work, check the keyboard language in the operating system settings, as an incorrect layout is one of the most common causes of the problem.

If you notice that Alt Gr + Q isn't working when you try to type the @ symbol, it's likely due to a system setting or a specific technical issue. Below are the most common causes and their solutions.

1. Incorrect keyboard language settings

The most common reason Alt Gr + Q doesn't work is that the keyboard language doesn't match the physical layout. For example, if the system is set to English, the at symbol (@) is typed with Shift + 2 instead of Alt Gr + Q.

Solution: Check the language settings

• On Windows: Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.

• Make sure your keyboard language is set to Spanish (Spain) or the language corresponding to your distribution.

• Remove unnecessary languages to avoid accidental changes.

2. Different keyboard layout

Even if your system is in Spanish, some laptops use international distributions where the at symbol (@) is typed with Alt Gr + 2. This can lead you to think that Alt Gr + Q doesn't work, when in reality the correct combination is different.

Solution: Try alternative combinations

• Alt Gr + 2

• Ctrl + Alt + Q (equivalent to Alt Gr on many systems)

• Shift + 2 if the keyboard is set to English

3. The Alt Gr key is not responding correctly

If the Alt Gr key is disabled or malfunctioning, the Alt Gr + Q combination will not work.

Solution: Check the keyboard status

• Try other combinations like Alt Gr + E to type the € symbol.

• If those don't work either, try using Ctrl + Alt + Q as a substitute.

• Restart your computer to rule out temporary failures.

☛Tips: You can use our Keyboard Test to check if the Alt Gr key is working correctly.

4. Interference from programs or keyboard shortcuts

Some applications may assign specific functions to the Alt Gr key, causing Alt Gr + Q to not work at certain times.

Solution: Close programs that use custom keyboard shortcuts. Or try the combination in different applications, such as Notepad, to rule out conflicts.

5. Outdated keyboard drivers

Outdated drivers may prevent certain key combinations from working correctly.

How to update keyboard drivers

Updating your keyboard drivers can resolve issues with Alt Gr and other keys. A recommended tool to simplify this process is  Driver Booster. This program scans your system, detects outdated drivers, and updates them automatically. Follow these steps:

• Download and install Driver Booster from its official website.

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• Open the application and click Scan to search for outdated drivers.

• If problems are detected with the keyboard driver, select  Update next to the affected device.

• Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Driver Booster is especially useful because it automates the update process and reduces the risk of manual errors.

6. Physical damage to the keyboard

If after trying all the above solutions Alt Gr Q does not work, there may be a physical problem with the Alt Gr or Q key.

Solution: Connect an external keyboard to see if the problem persists. Or use alternative methods such as Alt + 64 (with numeric keypad) or the @ copy and paste method.

The Alt Gr (Alt Graphics) key is an extended version of the Alt key found on many international keyboards, especially Spanish ones. Its main function is to allow access to special characters, such as the @ symbol, essential for typing the at sign (@) on the keyboard.

Differences Between Alt and Alt Gr

Note: On many Windows computers, Ctrl + Alt can be used as a substitute for Alt Gr if that key is not working.Other symbols that are typed with Alt Gr