How to Type in Nepali on Windows, Mac, and Mobile

The Nepali language is written in the Devanagari script, and typing it digitally has become essential for students, professionals, and everyday users. Whether you're preparing documents, chatting with friends, or translating content, you need to know how to enable Nepali typing across different devices.

Getting started on typing Nepali may feel challenging but the good news is- typing in Nepali has become much easier. Both Unicode (the global text standard) and Preeti font (a legacy Nepali font) can be used on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. In this detailed guide, we'll cover step-by-step how to type Nepali on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, along with quick alternatives and troubleshooting tips.

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Typing in Nepali on Windows

Windows computers (Windows 10 & Windows 11) come with built-in support for Nepali.

Step-by-Step Setup (Windows 11 / 10):

1. Open Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region
2. Under Preferred Languages, click Add a Language
3. Search for Nepali (नेपाली) and click Install
4. Once installed, go to Keyboard Options and enable Nepali Keyboard Layout
5. Press Win + Spacebar (or Alt + Shift) to switch between English and Nepali while typing

Using Nepali Keyboard Layout:

• The default Nepali Keyboard Layout follows Traditional InScript.
• If you're used to Roman typing, you can enable Transliteration Input (e.g., typing "namaste" → "नमस्ते").

Video tutorial:

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Typing in Nepali on Mac (macOS)

Apple's macOS also has natively supports Nepali.

Setup Guide (macOS Ventura / Sonoma):

1. Go to System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources
2. Click the + icon and search for Nepali
3. Add Nepali or Devanagari - QWERTY
4. Use Control + Space to switch between English and Nepali keyboards

Using Nepali Keyboard on Mac:

• Devanagari-QWERTY is easier for beginners since it maps Nepali letters to a familiar layout.
• You can enable Keyboard Viewer to see the key mappings in real time.
• If you are converting old Preeti documents, use a Preeti to Unicode converter before editing.

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Typing in Nepali on Mobile Phones

Since most Nepali users type from smartphones, mobile keyboards are essential.

On Android Phones:

1. Open Settings → System → Languages & Input
2. Go to Virtual Keyboard (usually Gboard)
3. Tap Languages → Add Keyboard → Search Nepali
4. Select Nepali and save
5. Switch keyboards by pressing the 🌐 Globe icon while typing

Video tutorial:

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On iPhone (iOS):

1. Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards
2. Tap Add New Keyboard → Choose Nepali
3. Switch by pressing the 🌐 Globe icon while typing in any app

Video tutorial:

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Common Problems and Fixes

• Keyboard not switching? → Make sure you’ve added Nepali in Language settings.
• Typing gibberish instead of Nepali letters? → You might be using Preeti font in a Unicode field. Switch to Unicode.
• Old documents not readable? → Convert Preeti to Unicode before editing.
• Can't find certain letters? → Use Keyboard Viewer (Mac) or On-screen Keyboard (Windows) to see key mapping.

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Unicode vs Preeti - Which one Should You Use?

• Unicode Nepali: Standard for all online platforms, Google indexing, emails, government forms.
• Preeti Font: Still used in printing, old documents, and some local institutions.

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Conclusion

Typing in Nepali across Windows, Mac, and Mobile is simple once you configure your settings.

• On Windows: Add Nepali from Language Settings → switch with Win + Space.
• On Mac: Add Nepali in Input Sources → switch with Control + Space.
• On Android/iOS: Add Nepali keyboard → switch with the 🌐 Globe icon.

For quick typing, you can also use online Nepali typing tool or Preeti to Unicode converter.