My Mac types with the wrong keyboard layout

Keys do not type what is printed on them? The active input source is wrong. Here is how to fix it.

The symptom

Keys do not type what is printed on them: “a” types “q”, symbols move around, or Y and Z are swapped. Your Mac is using a different layout from your physical keyboard.

The fix

  1. Open System Settings › Keyboard, then Input Sources › Edit….
  2. Click + and choose the layout that matches your keyboard: U.S. for a US keyboard, French – Numerical for a recent French Mac keyboard, and so on.
  3. Remove the layouts you do not use with the − button, so you cannot switch by accident.
  4. Turn on Show Input menu in menu bar: you will always see the active layout.

Why it happens

macOS lets you switch layouts with the globe (fn) key or a keyboard shortcut. One accidental press is enough. With a single layout installed, the problem goes away.

U.S. or ABC?

Both are QWERTY and nearly identical for everyday typing. Our pages show the differences when there are any.