Why does my tablet keyboard type the wrong symbols?

First narrow down where the mismatch happens. Open a plain text field, such as a basic notes field, and try a few keys that are producing unexpected characters. Then try the same keys in the app where you first noticed the problem.

If the symbols are wrong in both places, check the keyboard’s selected language layout and modifier keys. If they are correct in the plain text field but wrong in just one app, focus on that app’s shortcuts or input behavior instead. This comparison is a useful way to separate a general keyboard setting from something specific to an app; it does not, by itself, identify the cause.

On Android, look under System > Keyboard > Physical keyboard. There you can choose a layout for a language and adjust modifier-key behavior, including Caps Lock, Ctrl and Alt. The on-screen keyboard’s language settings are applied automatically when a physical keyboard connects, and some steps require Android 14 or later. Menu labels or availability may vary, so if those directions do not match your tablet, check its manufacturer’s help for the equivalent settings. [S1]

Compare the selected physical layout with the layout you intend to type on; don’t assume that the language of the tablet’s menus determines the physical keyboard layout. For example, if a key produces a different punctuation mark than expected, write down the key and the result, then check the selected layout before changing several settings at once.

Yes. If you use Gboard, check its own language and layout settings too. Gboard lets you select a keyboard language and layout independently of the Android device language, and it supports switching languages while typing. That makes its active input language worth checking when the characters differ from what you expect. It is a separate check from the physical keyboard’s layout, not a substitute for it. [S2]

As a controlled test, note the current Gboard language and layout, select the intended option if it is wrong, and retry the same keys in the plain text field. Change one setting at a time so you can tell whether the result changed. These Gboard instructions do not establish how every other on-screen keyboard works.

Record the exact key, the character you expected, and what appeared. Then compare that key in the plain text field and the affected app. If the mismatch follows the keyboard across both, recheck the physical layout and modifier behavior. If it appears only in one app, look for that app’s keyboard-shortcut settings or instructions; the Android and Gboard guidance cited here does not diagnose app-specific shortcuts.

Also note whether the result changes when you use Shift, Ctrl or Alt. A modifier setting can affect what a key combination does, so check the configured behavior rather than repeatedly pressing combinations at random. If the problem remains unclear, share your notes with the tablet or keyboard manufacturer’s support team.

Use this sequence and keep a note of each result:

1. Test the same keys in a plain text field and in the affected app.
2. Write down the expected character and the character actually produced.
3. On Android, inspect System > Keyboard > Physical keyboard for the intended language layout and modifier-key behavior. [S1]
4. If you use Gboard, check its selected language and layout separately. [S2]
5. Retry the same keys after each single change; note whether the mismatch occurs everywhere or only in one app.
6. If the evidence points to an app-specific issue, consult that app’s help rather than changing unrelated tablet settings.

For a support request, copy this note and fill it in: Tablet/model: [model] Keyboard: [physical keyboard or on-screen keyboard] App(s) tested: [names] Key and expected character: [key] / [character] Character produced: [character] Layout and language checked: [setting] Result in plain text field versus affected app: [result]

The supplied guidance covers Android physical-keyboard settings and Gboard language/layout selection; it does not establish the cause on every tablet, keyboard, or app.