Is your keyboard typing unexpected letters, numbers or symbols? Having trouble entering passwords or logging into your Wi-Fi during setup? This guide explains the likely cause of the issue and shows you how to quickly resolve it through the macOS settings.
🔎 The Cause
This issue often happens when your Mac input source or language settings are incorrect. Because keyboards can output different characters depending on the chosen language, selecting the wrong input source during setup may cause unexpected symbols, letters, or numbers to appear. For example, with a QWERTZ layout, pressing the ‘Y’ key will produce a ‘Z’.
✅ The Solution
This guide offers two methods to help you correctly configure your device so your keyboard works as expected.
Configuration when first setting up your device
If you’re still in the process of setting up your device for the first time, having issues inputting your Wi-Fi password or notice that random characters are being inputted during your initial device setup then follow this method.
- Make sure your device is switched off first and then switch on your device.
- Select English (UK), under Language and select the forward arrow.
- Select United Kingdom under Select Your Country or Region, then select Continue.
- Select Customise Settings under Written and Spoken Languages.
- Under Preferred Languages click the + sign and select English UK.
- If there are any other languages here then select them and press the - sign, then click Continue.
- Under Input Sources, click the + Sign and select English > British, then click Add.
- If there are any other input sources here then select them the press the - sign, then click Continue.
- Ensure English (United Kingdom) is selected under Dictation and then select Continue.
- Continue to follow the on-screen prompts to setup your device.
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Configuration via System Settings
If you’ve already set the device up and have access to the desktop then follow this method.
- Select the Apple menu and open System Settings.
- Click Keyboard in the sidebar (you might need to scroll down to see this option).
- In the Text Input section on the right, click Edit.
- Click the + sign and select English > British and then press Add.
- Once added this should now show as an option.
- Ensure that other input source options are removed by selecting them and pressing the - sign.
- The input sources window should now just show British as an option. Once configured press Done.
💡Tip: If you’re having trouble signing into your device, you may need to reset your login password, especially if it was created using a different language. Follow this guide to reset it.
