Guide
Type Nepali on Your Phone
Both Android and iOS ship with Nepali support built in. It is off by default, and turning it on takes about a minute.
Android
- Open Settings, then System, then Languages & input.
- Tap On-screen keyboard, then your keyboard (usually Gboard).
- Tap Languages, then Add keyboard.
- Search for Nepali. Pick Nepali (Devanagari) to type in the script directly, or Nepali (Transliteration) to type in English letters and get Devanagari.
- Switch between keyboards with the globe icon next to the space bar.
Transliteration is the easier of the two if you already type romanized Nepali in chat. Devanagari layout is faster once learned, but there is a real learning curve.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings, then General, then Keyboard.
- Tap Keyboards, then Add New Keyboard.
- Choose Nepali.
- Switch with the globe icon at the bottom left while typing.
iOS offers the Devanagari layout only. If you would rather type in English letters, use the browser tool below instead.
Without installing anything
If you only need Nepali occasionally, or you are on a shared or work device, use the Nepali typing tool. Type the romanized spelling, copy the Devanagari, paste it wherever you need it. Nothing is installed and nothing is uploaded.
On a computer
Windows includes a Nepali keyboard under Settings, Time & language, Language & region, Add a language. macOS has the equivalent under System Settings, Keyboard, Input Sources.
On Windows, install a Unicode Devanagari font such as Kalimati if text renders as boxes. Do not install Preeti to solve this — see why.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Nepali text show as squares?
The font on that device has no Devanagari coverage. Installing a Unicode Devanagari font such as Noto Sans Devanagari fixes it everywhere at once.
Which is faster, Devanagari layout or transliteration?
Devanagari, once you have learned it, because it needs no guessing. Transliteration is faster on day one and needs no learning at all, which is why most casual users stay with it.
Can I type Nepali in WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes. Once a Nepali keyboard is added at the system level it works in every app. Unicode Nepali displays correctly across all major platforms.