Here’s the fastest way to type ñ and Ñ on Mac, Windows, and mobile devices.
How to Type ñ: Quick Answer
| Device | Lowercase ñ | Uppercase Ñ |
|---|---|---|
| Mac | Press Option + N, release, then press N | Press Option + N, release, then press Shift + N |
| Windows | Hold Alt and type 0241 on the numeric keypad | Hold Alt and type 0209 on the numeric keypad |
| iPhone, iPad or Android | Press and hold N, then select ñ | Press and hold N, then select Ñ |
You can also copy the characters here:
ñ Ñ
How to Type ñ on a Mac
The quickest Mac shortcut uses the Option key:
- Press and hold Option.
- Press N.
- Release both keys.
- Press N again.
The result is ñ.
For uppercase Ñ, press Option + N, release the keys, and then press Shift + N.
The first key combination creates a tilde “dead key.” The tilde may briefly appear highlighted on the screen while your Mac waits for the letter that will go beneath it.
Use the Accent Menu
You can also press and hold the N key. If the application supports Apple’s accent menu, a small selection of characters will appear. Click ñ or press the number shown beneath it.
Apple notes that the accent menu is not available in every application. If it does not appear, use the Option-key shortcut or open the Character Viewer.
Use the Character Viewer
For a visual method:
- Press Control + Command + Space.
- Search for “n with tilde.”
- Select ñ or Ñ to insert it.
The Option-key combination described above assumes that you are using the standard ABC or U.S. keyboard layout. Other input sources may use different shortcuts.
How to Type ñ on Windows
Method 1: Use the Windows Alt Codes
The dependable four-digit Windows codes are:
- ñ: Hold Alt and type 0241
- Ñ: Hold Alt and type 0209
Type the numbers on the dedicated numeric keypad, not the number row above the letters. Num Lock must be turned on.
When you release Alt, the character should appear.
These codes may not work on a laptop without a numeric keypad. Some laptops have an embedded keypad that can be activated with an Fn key, but its operation varies by manufacturer.
If your computer does not have a number pad, see our guide to typing ñ without a number pad.
Method 2: Use the Microsoft Word or Outlook Shortcut
In Microsoft Word and certain versions of Outlook:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + ~.
- Release the keys.
- Press N.
This produces ñ. Press Shift + N in the final step for uppercase Ñ.
This is a Microsoft Office shortcut rather than a universal Windows command, so it may not work in browsers or other applications.
Method 3: Use the US International Keyboard
If you type Spanish regularly, the United States-International keyboard layout is a convenient option.
With that layout active:
- Press ~, then N for ñ.
- Press ~, then Shift + N for Ñ.
On a standard U.S. keyboard, type the tilde by pressing Shift + the backtick key, which is normally just below Esc. The tilde acts as a dead key and waits for the next letter.
To type a tilde by itself while using the international layout, press ~ and then the Space bar.
ñ Copy and Paste
If you need the letter only occasionally, copy either version below and paste it into your document, message or form:
ñ Ñ
You can also use the Accent Character Finder to copy accented characters and view shortcuts for different devices.
Copy and paste any accent in seconds.
A free starter sheet with the most common accented letters across Spanish, French, German, and more.
Takes 10 seconds. No spam.
How to Type ñ on a Phone or Tablet
On most iPhone, iPad and Android keyboards:
- Press and hold the N key.
- Wait for the character menu to appear.
- Slide your finger to ñ or Ñ.
- Release your finger.
If ñ does not appear, check which keyboard or language is active. Adding a Spanish keyboard can provide a dedicated ñ key and improve Spanish autocorrect.
Why the ñ Matters
The ñ is called eñe in Spanish. Although it looks like an n with a mark above it, Spanish treats ñ as a separate letter with its own sound—not as an n carrying a stress accent.
You will find it in common words such as:
- año — year
- niño — boy or child
- señor — Mr. or sir
- mañana — morning or tomorrow
- español — Spanish
Replacing ñ with an ordinary n can change a word’s meaning. The best-known example is año, meaning “year,” and ano, which refers to the anus. Correctly typing the letter is therefore more than a matter of appearance.
For the other characters used in Spanish, see our complete guide to Spanish accent marks.
Why Isn’t the Shortcut Working?
The Windows Alt code does nothing
Confirm that Num Lock is on and that you are entering the numbers on the dedicated numeric keypad. The number row above the letters normally will not work.
The Alt code produces the wrong character
Use the complete four-digit code, including the initial zero:
- Alt + 0241 for ñ
- Alt + 0209 for Ñ
Shorter legacy codes such as Alt + 164 and Alt + 165 can depend on the application, keyboard configuration or active code page.
My laptop does not have a number pad
Use the US International keyboard, Character Map, the Windows symbols panel or copy and paste. If you are working in Word or Outlook, try Ctrl + Shift + ~ followed by N.
The Mac shortcut types only a tilde
After pressing Option + N, release both keys before pressing N again. If the shortcut still does not work, check your active keyboard layout in System Settings.
Holding N does not display a menu
Some applications do not support press-and-hold character menus. Use the keyboard shortcut, Character Viewer or copy-and-paste method instead.
