How do I type Hindi on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region, add Hindi, then add a Hindi keyboard such as Hindi Traditional (Inscript) or Hindi Phonetic. Switch with Windows key + Space.

Which Hindi keyboard is Inscript in Windows?

The Hindi Traditional keyboard in Windows is the Inscript layout.

Can I type Hindi by writing in English letters?

Yes. Phonetic or transliteration keyboards in Windows, macOS, Gboard and iPhone let you type "namaste" and get नमस्ते.

Is Google Input Tools still available for Windows?

The standalone Google Input Tools desktop app for Windows is no longer offered. Use the phonetic keyboards built into Windows or Gboard instead.

Why does my Hindi text show as boxes?

The font in use does not contain Devanagari characters. Switch to a Unicode Hindi font like Nirmala UI, Mangal or Noto Sans Devanagari.

How to type Hindi on a computer or phone

Updated 11 October 2026

Hindi typing in English letters →

Every modern computer and phone can type Hindi in Unicode without installing extra software. You just need to switch on a Hindi keyboard and pick the right type of layout for what you are doing: quick messages, office work or an exam.

First, choose the type of keyboard

Type	How it works	Best for
Phonetic / transliteration	Type Hindi words in English letters (for example "namaste") and get नमस्ते	Messages, occasional typing, people who do not know a Hindi layout
Inscript	Each key gives a fixed Hindi letter; the Government of India standard layout	Fast, professional typing and typing tests that allow Inscript
Remington	Typewriter-style layout, also used with Kruti Dev	Typing tests that require Remington; typists trained on typewriters

Phonetic is easiest to start with, but typing tests are normally done on a fixed layout, not phonetic. If you are preparing for an exam, read Inscript vs Remington first. To try phonetic typing without installing anything, use our Hindi typing tool in your browser.

Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region (on Windows 10, Settings > Time & Language > Language).
Click Add a language, search for Hindi, and install it.
Open Hindi's options and add keyboards. You will see choices such as Hindi Traditional (this is Inscript), Devanagari - INSCRIPT and, on recent versions, Hindi Phonetic.
Switch between English and Hindi with Windows key + Space, or click the language icon (ENG/HIN) on the taskbar.

Type in Word, Notepad or your browser. The default Hindi Unicode font on Windows is Nirmala UI, and older systems use Mangal; you do not need to install Kruti Dev for Unicode typing.

Mac

Open System Settings > Keyboard, and under Text Input click Edit next to Input Sources. (On older macOS, System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources.)
Click +, choose Hindi, and pick a layout. macOS offers a Devanagari layout, a Devanagari QWERTY layout, and Hindi transliteration.
Switch input sources from the menu bar or with the keyboard shortcut set in Keyboard settings.

Android (Gboard)

Open any app with a text box and tap it so Gboard appears, or open the Gboard settings from your phone's Settings > System > Languages & input.
In Gboard settings go to Languages > Add keyboard and search for Hindi.
Choose a layout: the Hindi Devanagari keyboard, a transliteration option where you type in English letters and get Hindi, or handwriting.
Switch languages with the globe key or by long-pressing the space bar.

Gboard also supports voice typing in Hindi, which is handy for long messages.

iPhone

Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard.
Choose Hindi, then select Devanagari, transliteration, or both.
Switch with the globe key on the keyboard.

Worked example: typing "भारत" three ways

Phonetic: type bharat and choose भारत from the suggestions.
Inscript: भ is Shift + the key for ब, then the ा matra key, then र, then त. On a standard keyboard that is Shift+y, e, j, l: four key presses, five keystrokes including Shift.
Remington uses a different set of keys again; this is why a Remington typist and an Inscript typist cannot share a keyboard habit.

Google Input Tools

Many older tutorials recommend the Google Input Tools desktop application for Windows. That standalone Windows app is no longer offered by Google. For phonetic typing today, use the phonetic keyboards built into Windows, macOS and Gboard, or Google's online input options where available.

Common problems

Text shows as boxes: the app's font does not support Devanagari. Change the font to Nirmala UI, Mangal or Noto Sans Devanagari.
Text shows as English gibberish: it was typed in Kruti Dev, a legacy font. Convert it with Kruti Dev to Unicode; see Kruti Dev vs Unicode.
Matras appear in the wrong place: you may be using Remington habits on Inscript (or vice versa). In Inscript and phonetic, always type the consonant first and the matra after.
Keyboard switches by accident: on Windows, Alt + Shift can also switch languages; you can turn this hotkey off in the advanced keyboard settings.

Next step: practise

Once your Hindi keyboard is set up, try our Hindi typing test to see your current speed, then follow the plan in how to improve typing speed.

Questions people ask

How do I type Hindi on Windows 11?: Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region, add Hindi, then add a Hindi keyboard such as Hindi Traditional (Inscript) or Hindi Phonetic. Switch with Windows key + Space.
Which Hindi keyboard is Inscript in Windows?: The Hindi Traditional keyboard in Windows is the Inscript layout.
Can I type Hindi by writing in English letters?: Yes. Phonetic or transliteration keyboards in Windows, macOS, Gboard and iPhone let you type "namaste" and get नमस्ते.
Is Google Input Tools still available for Windows?: The standalone Google Input Tools desktop app for Windows is no longer offered. Use the phonetic keyboards built into Windows or Gboard instead.
Why does my Hindi text show as boxes?: The font in use does not contain Devanagari characters. Switch to a Unicode Hindi font like Nirmala UI, Mangal or Noto Sans Devanagari.