The at symbol (@), that curiously shaped symbol that looks like an "a" enclosed in a circle, has become an indispensable element of our digital life.

We encounter it every day in email addresses , when we write to our friends or colleagues, and we find it on social media , when we want to mention someone in a post or comment.

But have you ever wondered how to type this symbol, especially if you use different computers , smartphones , or tablets ?

If the answer is yes, you've come to the right place!

In this comprehensive guide , you'll discover all the ways to type the at symbol (@) on Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android smartphones. We'll reveal tricks and shortcuts to save time and type faster.

Ready to become an expert on the snail ? Keep reading!

How to make the @ symbol on a PC

@ symbol on a Windows PC

On a Windows PC, finding and typing the at symbol (@) is simple, but the method may vary slightly depending on your keyboard .

Italian keyboard

If you have an Italian keyboard, here are the most common key combinations to make the @ symbol:

1. Alt Gr + @: Hold down the Alt Gr key (located to the right of the spacebar) and press the @ key.
2. Ctrl + Alt + @: If the first method doesn't work, try this combination. Hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys (to the left of the spacebar) and press the @ key.
3. Alt + 064: This combination is less intuitive, but it can be useful if the others don't work. Hold down the Alt key and type 064 on the numeric keypad (make sure the Num Lock key is on).

International keyboards

If you have an English or other language keyboard , the @ symbol may be in a different location. It is usually near the "2" key or above the "Q" key. Try to find the @ symbol on your keyboard and press the Shift or Alt Gr key along with the corresponding key.

Common problems and solutions for making the @ symbol on a Windows PC

• I can't find the Alt Gr key: Some compact keyboards may not have the Alt Gr key. In this case, try the Ctrl + Alt + @ or Alt + 064 combination.
• The key combination does not work: Make sure that the Num Lock key is active if you are using the Alt + 064 combination. If the problem persists, check the keyboard settings or try restarting the computer.

With a little practice, typing the @ symbol on a Windows PC will become second nature.

At sign on Mac

Typing the at symbol (@) on a Mac is even easier than on a Windows PC.

Follow these steps:

1. Find the Alt keys on your keyboard. You'll find two of them, one to the left and one to the right of the spacebar.
2. Press and hold one of the two Alt keys.
3. Press the @ key (it is usually located near the "2" key).

There you go! The @ symbol will appear on the screen.

No matter which Alt key you use, both will work for typing the @ symbol on a Mac.

Common problems and solutions for making the @ symbol on a Mac

Although typing the @ symbol on a Mac is simple, problems can sometimes arise. Here are some solutions:

Problem: I can't find the @ key on the keyboard.

Solution: The @ symbol is usually located near the "2" key. If you can't find it, check if your keyboard is set to a layout other than Italian. Go to "System Preferences" > "Keyboard" > "Input Sources" and make sure "Italian" or "Italian – Pro" is selected.

Problem: The Alt + @ combination does not work.

Solution: Try using the other Alt key (there are two, one to the left and one to the right of the spacebar). If the problem persists, check if the Alt keys are assigned to other functions. You can check this in "System Preferences" > "Keyboard" > "Shortcuts".

Problem: The @ symbol is typed as "€" (euro).

Solution: This problem occurs when the keyboard is set to a layout other than Italian. Go to "System Preferences" > "Keyboard" > "Input Sources" and make sure that "Italian" or "Italian – Pro" is selected.

Problem: The @ symbol is not typed at all.

Solution: Check if the Alt or @ keys are stuck or damaged. Try cleaning the keyboard with compressed air or restarting your Mac. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.

If none of these suggestions solve the problem, you can try searching online for solutions specific to your Mac model or contact Apple support.

How to make the @ symbol on smartphones and tablets

At sign on iPhone and iPad

On iPhone and iPad, the @ symbol is hidden in the virtual keyboard. Here's how to find it:

1. Open the app where you want to write (for example, Mail or Messages).
2. Tap the text field to make the keyboard appear.
3. Press the button with the numbers "123".
4. Look for the # symbol.
5. Swipe left until you see the @ symbol .
6. Press the @ symbol to insert it into the text.

If you have a keyboard in another language, the position of the @ symbol may vary slightly. Generally, it is always located near the numeric symbols.

The @ symbol on Android smartphones and tablets

On Android, the @ symbol is also on the virtual keyboard. Here's how to find it:

1. Open the app where you want to write (for example, Gmail or WhatsApp).
2. Tap the text field to make the keyboard appear.
3. Press the key with the "?123" symbols .
4. Look for the @ symbol.
5. Press the @ symbol to insert it into the text.

The position of the @ symbol may vary slightly depending on the smartphone or tablet model and the Android version. Generally, it is always located near the numeric symbols.

If you can't find the @ symbol , try scrolling the keyboard to the left or pressing the key with the special symbols .

Extra tips and tricks for the @ symbol

In addition to the standard methods, there are other ways to insert the at symbol (@) in your texts, both on computers and smartphones.

Copy and paste :

The easiest method is to copy the @ symbol from another text and paste it where you need it. You can do this by selecting the @ symbol with your mouse or by pressing and holding your finger on the screen, then choosing "Copy" and "Paste."

Custom keyboard shortcuts :

If you often use the @ symbol , you can create a custom keyboard shortcut to insert it faster. On Windows, you can do this through the keyboard settings, while on Mac you can use the "Automator" app.

Fast typing tools:

There are also speed-typing tools that allow you to insert the @ symbol with a short and easy-to-remember key combination. Some examples are PhraseExpress (Windows) and TextExpander (Mac).

A little bit of history:

Did you know that the at symbol (@) has a long and fascinating history?

Originally, it was used by medieval merchants to mean "at the price of" (in Latin, "ad").

Then, in the 1970s, computer engineer Ray Tomlinson chose it to separate the username from the domain name in email addresses. Since then, the @ symbol has become a universal symbol of digital communication.

Other names for the snail:

The @ symbol is known by many different names around the world. In English, it is called the "at sign" or "commercial at." In French, it is called the "arobase." In Spanish, it is called the "arroba."

In Italy, the most common name is "chiocciola", because of its shape that resembles that of a snail.

Knowing these tricks and facts about the @ symbol will help you use it more efficiently and amaze your friends with your computer knowledge!

To give the summary table greater visibility and make it more useful for readers, you could use the H2 title:

Summary table: How to type the at symbol (@) on every device

Accessibility tips

Technology should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Here are some tips for typing the at symbol (@) if you have visual or motor difficulties:

• Screen readers: If you use a screen reader, you can dictate the "at" symbol or use the specific key combination for your operating system.
• On-screen keyboard: If you have difficulty using a physical keyboard, you can use a virtual on-screen keyboard. Many of these keyboards have customization options to make it easier to access symbols such as the @ symbol.
• Speech recognition software: You can use speech recognition software to dictate the "at" symbol or other key combinations.

Fun facts about snails

The at symbol (@) is not just a functional symbol, but it also has an interesting history and some fun facts:

• Ancient origins: The @ symbol has medieval origins. It was used by merchants to indicate "at the price of" (in Latin, "ad").
• Global symbol: The @ symbol is one of the few symbols universally recognized and used throughout the world, regardless of language or culture.
• Funny nicknames: In different languages, the @ symbol has funny nicknames. For example, in Danish it is called "snabel-a" (A with a proboscis), in Dutch "apenstaartje" (monkey's tail) and in Finnish "miukumauku" (meow sign).

At sign in different operating systems

Although we have focused on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, the @ symbol is also present in other operating systems:

• Linux: The key combination for typing the @ symbol on Linux may vary depending on the distribution and keyboard layout. Typically, you use Alt Gr + Q or Ctrl + Alt + Q.
• Chrome OS: On Chromebooks, the @ symbol is typed in a similar way to how it is done on Android, by holding down the numbers and symbols key and selecting the @ symbol.

Snail and cybersecurity

The @ symbol is a key element of email addresses, but it's important to use it with caution:

• Beware of phishing: Never click on suspicious links in emails, even if they appear to come from known senders. Cybercriminals can spoof email addresses to steal personal information.
• Protect your privacy: Do not share your email address with websites or people you do not trust.

Conclusions

The at symbol (@) is a small but powerful symbol that has revolutionized the way we communicate online.

In this guide, we have explored the different ways to type the @ symbol on PC, Mac, smartphones, and tablets, offering solutions for every need and level of experience.

We also delved into the history and interesting facts about this symbol, discovering how versatile and widespread it is throughout the world.

We hope this guide has been helpful and that you can now type the @ symbol with ease and confidence on any device.

Share this guide with your friends and family who may need help with the @ symbol. Together, we can make the digital world more accessible to everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions