How to Type the ™ Symbol on Your Keyboard

The fastest way depends on your device

The ™ symbol (trademark) can be typed directly on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, but the method differs for each. On Windows, hold Alt and press 0153 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option + 2. On iPhone, hold down the regular letter and swipe to the symbol menu. On Android, long-press the letter or use your keyboard's symbol panel.

If you do not have a numeric keypad or prefer not to memorize key combinations, you can copy and paste the symbol from any document or website where it already appears. Most word processors also have a special characters menu where you can search for and insert the trademark symbol without typing a code.

Key Takeaways

Windows users can type the ™ symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0153 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt.
Mac users press Option + 2 to produce the ™ symbol instantly.
On iPhone and Android, long-pressing letters or accessing the keyboard's symbol menu reveals the trademark symbol.
Word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs have Insert > Special Characters menus where you can search for and click the trademark symbol.
Copying and pasting the symbol from another source is the simplest method if you do not remember keyboard shortcuts.

Windows keyboard shortcut

On Windows, the numeric keypad method is the most direct route. Make sure Num Lock is turned on (you should see a light on your keyboard indicating this). Hold down the Alt key, type 0153 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, then release Alt. The ™ symbol will appear wherever your cursor is positioned.

This method works in most programs — email clients, web browsers, word processors, and text editors. If you are using a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys that double as letters (usually marked with small numbers in the corner). Some laptops require you to hold Fn + Alt + the number keys instead.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, the process is simpler than Windows. Press and hold the Option key (also labeled Alt), then press the number 2. Release both keys, and the ™ symbol appears. This works in any Mac application — Safari, Mail, Pages, Google Docs, or any text field.

If the symbol does not appear, make sure you are using the Option key on the left or right side of your keyboard (not Fn). The shortcut is consistent across all Mac models and operating system versions, so you can rely on it whether you are on an older Mac or the latest model.

iPhone and iPad

On iPhone and iPad, open the keyboard in any app where you need to type. Long-press (hold your finger on) the letter you want to add a symbol to — for example, long-press the letter "t" for trademark. A menu of symbol options will pop up above the key. Swipe to the ™ symbol and tap it, or tap and hold to select it directly.

If you do not see the trademark symbol in the quick menu, try long-pressing other letters or numbers. You can also access more symbols by tapping the .?123 key to switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard, then looking for additional symbol options. The exact location varies slightly depending on which keyboard app you are using (Apple's default, third-party keyboards, or language-specific keyboards).

Android phone or tablet

On Android, the method depends on which keyboard app you are using. With the default Google Keyboard (Gboard), tap the .?123 key to access the numbers and symbols panel. Look for the ™ symbol, or tap the =\< key to access additional symbols. Long-press the symbol to insert it, or tap it once.

If you are using a different keyboard app like SwiftKey or Samsung Keyboard, the layout may differ slightly. Most Android keyboards have a dedicated symbols panel accessible by tapping a key labeled with numbers or symbols. If you cannot find the trademark symbol quickly, copying and pasting it from a web search result is often faster than hunting through multiple symbol panels.

Using your word processor's special characters menu

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and most other word processors have a built-in special characters tool. In Microsoft Word, click Insert in the menu bar, then select Symbol, then More Symbols. A dialog box opens where you can search for "trademark" or scroll through the list to find ™. Click it and then click Insert.

In Google Docs, click Insert, then Special Characters. Type "trademark" in the search box, and the ™ symbol appears. Click it to insert it into your document. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but does not require memorizing codes, and it works the same way across different computers and operating systems. It is especially useful if you need to insert the symbol only occasionally.

Copy and paste method

The simplest method for most people is to copy the symbol from somewhere it already exists and paste it where you need it. You can copy the ™ symbol from this article, from a web search result, or from any document where it has already been typed. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac), then click where you want it and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

This method works on every device and in every application — no keyboard shortcuts to remember, no special menus to navigate. The downside is that you need to have the symbol available somewhere to copy from. Once you have copied it once, you can save it in a note or document for future use, making it a permanent reference you can return to whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ™ symbol indicates a trademark claim that a company has not yet registered with a government office. The ® symbol means the trademark is officially registered with a government agency like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The © symbol indicates copyright ownership of creative work. Each symbol has a different legal meaning, though all three are typed using similar methods on your keyboard.

Why does the Alt + 0153 method not work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad on the right side. You need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys that are printed on the letter keys (usually in the upper right area of the keyboard). Some laptops require you to hold Fn + Alt while typing the numbers. If this still does not work, use the copy-and-paste method or your word processor's special characters menu instead.

Can I use the ™ symbol in my email or social media posts?

Yes, the ™ symbol works in email, text messages, social media posts, and most web forms. It displays correctly on all modern devices and browsers. Some older systems or very basic text fields might not render it properly, but this is rare. If you are unsure whether it will display correctly, test it by sending a message to yourself first.

On Windows, the registered trademark symbol ® is Alt + 0174, and the copyright symbol © is Alt + 0169. On Mac, ® is Option + R and © is Option + G. These follow the same pattern as the ™ symbol and work in the same applications and devices.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.