How to Type Arabic on WhatsApp
The fastest way to send Arabic on WhatsApp — on iPhone, Android, or WhatsApp Web — is to type it right here, tap Copy, and paste it into your chat. No keyboard to install, no settings to change. Or follow the per-device steps below to add a built-in Arabic keyboard.
Last updated: June 2026
Quick answer: To type Arabic on WhatsApp without installing anything, type your message in the keyboard above, tap Copy, open the WhatsApp chat, long-press the message box and tap Paste, then send. This works on iPhone, Android and WhatsApp Web alike. To use a built-in keyboard instead, add Arabic in your phone or computer settings (steps below).
The fastest way — type Arabic without installing a keyboard
The keyboard at the top of this page lets you write Arabic in your browser and drop it straight into WhatsApp:
- Type your message above — tap the on-screen letters, use your keys, or type by sound (salam → سلام).
- Tap Copy.
- Open the WhatsApp chat, long-press the message box, tap Paste, then Send.
This is ideal on a borrowed or work phone, when you don’t want to add a keyboard, or when you just need one Arabic message. It works exactly the same in Windows, Mac, and iPhone browsers.
Type Arabic on WhatsApp — iPhone (built-in keyboard)
- Open Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → Arabic.
- In a WhatsApp chat, tap the 🌐 globe key on the keyboard to switch to Arabic (press and hold it to jump straight there).
- Type your message and send. Full details: Arabic keyboard on iPhone.
Type Arabic on WhatsApp — Android
- Open your keyboard settings (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard or SwiftKey) → Languages → Add keyboard → Arabic.
- In a WhatsApp chat, tap the 🌐 globe key or long-press the spacebar and choose Arabic.
- Type and send. On Gboard you can also long-press letters to reach harakat and hamza forms.
Type Arabic on WhatsApp Web & Desktop (Windows & Mac)
WhatsApp Web and the desktop app use your computer’s keyboard:
- Easiest: type in the keyboard above, tap Copy, and paste into the WhatsApp Web message box.
- Windows: add Arabic in Settings → Time & language, then press Windows + Space to switch while WhatsApp Web is open.
- Mac: add Arabic in System Settings → Keyboard, then press Control + Space to switch.
Right-to-left and mixing Arabic with English & emoji
When your message is mostly Arabic, WhatsApp automatically aligns it to the right — that’s correct, because Arabic is written right to left. If you mix Arabic with English words, numbers or a link, each part keeps its own direction, so a sentence can look like it “jumps” around the cursor. To keep things tidy, finish an Arabic phrase before switching to English, and put links or numbers at the end of the message. Emoji work normally in either direction.
Adding harakat (tashkeel) in a WhatsApp message
Need precise vowels — for a name, a du’a, or a Quran quote? Add the marks with the diacritics row on the keyboard above (or see the full Arabic keyboard with harakat), then copy and paste. On a built-in phone keyboard, long-press the tashkeel key (iPhone) or a letter (Android) to reach the marks.
Prefer not to type? Send an Arabic voice note
If typing Arabic is slow for you, press and hold the microphone in the chat to record a voice note — often the quickest way to “say” something in Arabic without any keyboard at all.
Troubleshooting: Arabic not working on WhatsApp
The globe key is missing / I can’t switch keyboards
You need at least two keyboards installed. Re-check Arabic is added in your keyboard settings; the globe key only appears when more than one keyboard is active.
Arabic shows as boxes (□□□) or question marks
That’s a display/font issue on your screen, not the text — update WhatsApp and your OS. The characters are intact and show correctly for the person receiving them.
The text looks backwards or jumps when I add English/numbers
That’s the bidirectional reordering of mixed left-to-right and right-to-left text. Group your Arabic and Latin parts and avoid breaking a word across directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type Arabic on WhatsApp without downloading a keyboard?
Type in the keyboard above, tap Copy, then long-press the WhatsApp message box and Paste. Works on any phone or PC, no install.
How do I switch to the Arabic keyboard inside WhatsApp?
Tap the 🌐 globe key (iPhone) or long-press the spacebar (Android) and choose Arabic.
Why does my Arabic text align to the right?
Arabic is right-to-left, so WhatsApp aligns a mostly-Arabic message to the right. That’s correct.
Can I type Arabic on WhatsApp Web on my computer?
Yes — paste from the keyboard above, or add an Arabic input language and switch with Windows + Space / Control + Space.
How do I add harakat (tashkeel) on WhatsApp?
Use the diacritics row above (or long-press letters on a phone keyboard), then copy-paste the vocalised text.
Do I need to change WhatsApp’s app language?
No — app language only changes menus; typing depends on your keyboard.
Why do I see boxes (□□□) instead of Arabic?
A font/rendering issue — update WhatsApp/OS. The text is intact for the recipient.
Can I type Arabic with English letters?
Yes — use Transliteration above (type by sound), then copy into WhatsApp.
What’s the easiest option if nothing works?
Use the copy-paste keyboard above, or send an Arabic voice note.