Urdu Typing Guide: Learn the Phonetic Urdu Keyboard (اردو ٹائپنگ)
2026-10-10 · 6 min read
Typing Urdu is easier than most people think. With the phonetic Urdu keyboard, each English key types the Urdu letter that sounds like it, so you can type Urdu on a normal keyboard.
The basic letters
- a → ا, b → ب, p → پ, t → ت, s → س
- j → ج, c → چ, h → ح, d → د, r → ر
- z → ز, x → ش, f → ف, q → ق, k → ک
- g → گ, l → ل, m → م, n → ن, w → و
- o → ہ, i → ی, y → ے, e → ع, v → ط
Special letters with Shift
- Shift + T → ٹ, Shift + D → ڈ, Shift + R → ڑ
- Shift + N → ں, Shift + H → ھ, Shift + A → آ
- Shift + S → ص, Shift + K → خ, Shift + G → غ, Shift + U → ئ
Practise Urdu typing online
Our free Urdu typing test shows real Urdu words, right to left, with an on-screen Urdu keyboard and hands that show which finger to use. You don't need to install anything: your normal keys turn into Urdu automatically.
Tips for faster Urdu typing
- Learn English touch typing first: the finger positions are the same. Start with the free lessons.
- Practise common words such as میں، ہے، اور، کے، کی.
- Prefer Roman Urdu? Choose "Roman Urdu" in the typing test language menu.
Installing an Urdu keyboard
On Windows: Settings → Time & language → Language → Add Urdu, then choose the phonetic keyboard. On phones, add Urdu in your keyboard settings. Our test works with both.