You can switch keyboard languages on a Mac in seconds through System Settings

Your Mac lets you type in multiple languages without buying a new keyboard. You add the language once in System Settings, then switch between them using a menu at the top of your screen or a keyboard shortcut. The language you choose affects what characters appear when you press each key — so if you add Spanish, the keyboard layout may shift to match a Spanish keyboard, or it may keep your current layout and just let you type Spanish characters.

The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you use an Apple keyboard, a third-party keyboard, or your Mac's built-in trackpad keyboard. Once you set it up, you can toggle between languages as often as you type.

Key Takeaways

  • Open System Settings, go to Keyboard, then Input Sources, and click the plus sign to add a new language.
  • You can keep your current keyboard layout and just add a language, or switch to that language's keyboard layout — choose whichever matches how you type.
  • After you add a language, a menu appears at the top right of your screen so you can switch languages with one click.
  • You can also set a keyboard shortcut (like Control + Space) to toggle between languages without using the menu.
  • Your Mac remembers which language you were using in each app, so you can type English in Mail and Spanish in Notes without manually switching back and forth.

How to add a new keyboard language in System Settings

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen, then select System Settings. In the sidebar on the left, click Keyboard. Then click Input Sources.

You will see a list of languages already on your Mac. Click the plus sign (+) at the bottom left of that list. A window will open showing all available languages. Find the language you want — type the name if the list is long — and click it once to select it. A second list will appear on the right showing keyboard layouts for that language. Select the layout you want, then click Add.

Your new language now appears in the Input Sources list. Close System Settings. You are done.

Choosing between keeping your layout or switching to the language's layout

When you add a language, you will see multiple layout options. The choice matters because it changes which keys produce which characters. If you add Spanish and choose "Spanish," your keyboard layout physically shifts — the Y and Z swap positions, for example, to match a Spanish keyboard. If you choose "Spanish - ISO" or another variant, the layout may stay the same but let you type Spanish characters using different key combinations.

Most people who learned to type on an English keyboard should choose the layout that matches their current keyboard. If you use a US keyboard, select "Spanish (Latin America)" or "Spanish" with the layout that says "ABC" or matches your current setup. If you use a UK keyboard, look for "Spanish - ISO." You can always delete a language and add it again with a different layout if you pick wrong.

Switching between languages while you type

After you add a language, look at the top right corner of your Mac screen. You will see a new menu that shows the current language — it might say "U.S." or "ENG" or show a flag. Click that menu to see all your languages and select the one you want to use. Your keyboard is now set to that language until you switch again.

If you switch languages often, set up a keyboard shortcut so you do not have to click the menu. Go back to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources. Look for "Select the previous input source" near the bottom. Click the empty box next to it and press the keys you want to use — Control + Space is common, but you can use any combination that does not conflict with another shortcut. Now you can hold Control and press Space to toggle between your languages when ready.

How your Mac remembers which language goes with which app

Your Mac can learn which language you use in each app and switch automatically. If you type English in Mail but Spanish in Notes, your Mac will remember that and switch the keyboard language when you move between them. This works because macOS tracks which language was active the last time you used each app.

You can turn this feature off if it gets in the way. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and uncheck "Allow different input sources for each app." Now your keyboard language stays the same no matter which app you open.

Removing a language you no longer need

If you added a language by mistake or no longer use it, removing it takes one click. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources, click the language you want to remove, and click the minus sign (−) at the bottom left. The language disappears from your list and from the menu at the top right of your screen.

You can always add it back later if you change your mind. Removing a language does not delete anything from your Mac — it just stops the keyboard from offering that option.

Troubleshooting when a language does not appear or work correctly

If you cannot find a language in the Input Sources list, your Mac may not have downloaded the language files yet. Go to System Settings > General > Language & Region. Click "Edit" next to Preferred Languages and add the language there. Your Mac will read the necessary files, which may take a few minutes. Then go back to Keyboard > Input Sources and try adding it again.

If a language is in your list but typing produces the wrong characters, you chose the wrong keyboard layout. Delete the language from Input Sources and add it again, this time selecting a different layout option. If you are not sure which layout to pick, start with the one that matches your physical keyboard — US, UK, ISO, or ANSI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same keyboard to type in two languages at once?

No, but you can switch between them when ready. Your Mac lets you add as many languages as you want and toggle between them with a menu click or keyboard shortcut. Many people keep two or three languages active and switch as they type.

Will changing the keyboard language affect how my Mac works in other apps?

Only the keyboard layout changes. Your Mac's menus, settings, and system language stay the same. If you want to change the language of your entire Mac — menus, system messages, everything — that is a separate setting in System Settings > General > Language & Region.

What if I have a keyboard from another country and want to use its layout?

Your Mac has layouts for keyboards from most countries. When you add a language, the layout options will include variants like "ISO," "ANSI," and country-specific names. Pick the one that matches your physical keyboard's design, and the keys will produce the right characters.

Can I switch keyboard languages on a Mac with an external keyboard?

Yes, the same process works with any keyboard — Apple keyboards, third-party mechanical keyboards, wireless keyboards, and USB keyboards all respond to the language setting in System Settings. The language menu at the top right of your screen controls all of them.

Do I need to restart my Mac after adding a new keyboard language?

No. The language is available when ready after you click Add in System Settings. You can start typing in it right away.