8.0 Switching Input Language on Mac OS

On the Mac OS system, when you use more than one language you can switch between the input languages without changing the keyboard on screens, such as login, lock, FUS, and Preferences.

Adding Input Sources

Before you switch between preferred languages, ensure to add language and make the Input menu visible in the menu bar on all screens. To add languages as input sources, perform the following steps:

  1. Click the Apple icon > System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources on your Mac OS system.

  2. Click Add button +, search for the preferred language (for example, German) and then select one or more languages.

  3. Click Add.

After you add languages, the Input menu is displayed in the menu bar automatically. The Input menu allows you to quickly switch input languages as per your requirement.

Following table describes how you can switch language on different screen:

Screen

Action to Switch Input Language

Login screen

Use one of the following ways to switch input language:

  • Click Input menu in the menu bar and select the preferred language.

  • Use one of the following shortcut:

    • control + option + space: To view all language and switch to one language

    • control + space: To switch between two input languages

Screensaver, Lock screen, or Sleep mode

Use one of the following shortcut:

  • control + option + space: To view all language and switch to one language

  • control + space: To switch between two input languages

FUS, System preferences, or authenticating during software installation

Use one of the following ways to switch input language:

  • Click Input menu in the menu bar and select the preferred language.

  • Use one of the following shortcut:

    • control + option + space: To view all language and switch to one language

    • control + space: To switch between two input languages

NOTE:In some scenarios, shortcut keys do not work and you are required to use Input menu to switch language.