How To Type A Hashtag # On Mac Keyboards

If you’ve just setup a new Mac, then you might be confused trying to work out where the # or “hashtag” key is.

This is a common issue for people who have switched from Windows to Mac, because the location of some symbols – including #, @, and £ – can vary depending on the keyboard layout.

The shortcut for typing a hashtag on a Mac depends on whether you’re using a US or UK keyboard layout, which is why it sometimes seems like the key is missing.

Here’s how to type the # symbol on a Mac keyboard.

How to Type the # Symbol on a Mac Keyboard

The shortcut you use depends on the keyboard layout configured in macOS.

US Keyboard

On a US Mac keyboard, press:

Shift + 3

The # symbol appears above the number 3 key

UK Keyboard

On a UK Mac keyboard, press:

Option (⌥) + 3

The Option key may also be labeled Alt on external keyboards.

On many UK Mac keyboards, you’ll see the £ symbol on the 3 key, which is why the Option key is required to type the # symbol.

Check Your Keyboard Layout in macOS

If the hashtag shortcut doesn’t work, your keyboard layout in macOS may not match your physical keyboard.

To check them:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top left of your screen
2. Open System Settings
3. Select Keyboard
4. Click “Edit” next to Input Sources

Here you can see which keyboard layouts are currently enabled.

If the wrong layout is selected (for example US instead of British), symbols such as #, @, £, and quotation marks may appear in the wrong place.

You can add or change layouts using the Add Input Source option.

You can then add your country keyboard layout from the list of input sources:

Use the Keyboard Viewer to Find the # Symbol

If you’re unsure where the # symbol is located on your keyboard layout, macOS includes a built-in Keyboard Viewer that visually displays every key and symbol.

To enable it:

• Go to Apple > Menu > System Settings > Keyboard
• Click on “Edit” to view available languages
• Enable Show Input menu in menu bar

• Click the Input menu icon in the menu bar and select Show Keyboard Viewer:

• The viewer then displays a visual keyboard.

When you press keys like Shift or Option (⌥), the viewer updates to show the symbols available – including the # symbol.

This is particularly useful if you’re using a non-standard keyboard layout.

Using a PC Keyboard With a Mac

If you’re using a Windows or PC keyboard connected to your Mac, some keys have different names.

For example:

• Alt = Option (⌥)
• Windows key = Command (⌘)

So if a shortcut says Option + 3, simply press Alt + 3

What to Do If the # Symbol Suddenly Stops Working

If you suddenly can’t type the # symbol after a macOS update or settings change, your language or keyboard layout may have been reset.

To fix this:

1. Open Apple Menu > System Settings
2. Select General
3. Click Language & Region

Make sure your region and preferred language are set correctly.

Then check:

System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources

Confirm that the keyboard layout matches the region your keyboard was designed for (for example British or U.S.).

Why the # Key Is Different on Some Mac Keyboards

Apple sells Macs with many different keyboard layouts around the world, so the position of symbols like #, @, £, and € can vary.

If the keyboard layout selected in macOS doesn’t match your physical keyboard, these symbols may appear in different locations or require different shortcuts.

What Is the # Symbol Called?

The # symbol is commonly known as:

• Hashtag (used on social media)
• Number sign
• Pound sign (mainly in the United States)

Today it’s most often used to create hashtags on social media platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.

If you’re still having trouble typing the # symbol on your Mac, feel free to let us know in the comments and we’ll try to help.