How to Type in Tamil on WhatsApp: Android, iPhone & Web

வாட்ஸ்அப்பில் தமிழில் தட்டச்சு செய்வது எப்படி: எளிய வழிமுறைகள்.

Quick Answer:

1. On Android: Open WhatsApp → Tap chat → Tap Gear icon (Settings) on your keyboard → Languages → Add Keyboard → Select Tamil (India) → Choose ABC → தமிழ் (Phonetic).

2. On iPhone: Go to phone Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → Choose Tamil → Pick Tamil99 or Tamil Anjal.

Method 1: Android Setup (Gboard & Samsung Keyboard)

Most modern Android phones (Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Redmi, Realme, OnePlus, Motorola, and Samsung) use Google's Gboard or Samsung Keyboard by default.

Step 1: Open Keyboard Settings inside WhatsApp

Open any conversation in WhatsApp and tap the text bar. Look for the small Gear (⚙️) icon on top of your keyboard row. (On Samsung phones, tap the 3 dots or Gear icon).

Step 2: Add Tamil Language

Tap Languages (மொழிகள்) → Tap Add keyboard → Search or scroll to Tamil (India) / தமிழ் (இந்தியா).

Step 3: Select Phonetic Transliteration Layout

You will be presented with keyboard layouts. Check ABC → தமிழ் (Phonetic). This enables you to type English letters that automatically convert to Tamil words.

Step 4: Switch Languages while Chatting

Return to WhatsApp. To switch between English and Tamil, simply tap the Globe (🌐) icon next to the spacebar, or long-press the spacebar and pick Tamil.

Method 2: iPhone & iPad Setup (iOS 15 / 16 / 17 / 18)

Apple iOS has high-quality built-in Tamil keyboards with zero third-party apps required.

Step 1: Open iOS System Settings

Open your iPhone's home screen and open the Settings app. Tap General.

Step 2: Add Tamil in Keyboards Menu

Tap Keyboard → Tap Keyboards → Tap Add New Keyboard...

Step 3: Select Tamil and Layout

Scroll down and select Tamil. Choose Tamil99 or Tamil - Anjal (Phonetic). Tap Done.

Step 4: Use in WhatsApp

Open WhatsApp. Tap the text field and press the Globe (🌐) icon at the bottom-left of the screen to switch to Tamil!

Method 3: WhatsApp Web & Desktop

If you are using WhatsApp Web on your computer, you have two quick options:

Option A: Instant Browser Typing

Open our free Tamil Typing Tool in another tab, type your message, click "Copy", and paste into WhatsApp Web.

Option B: Windows / Mac Input Method

Enable the native Tamil keyboard on your computer and press Win + Space to type directly.

See Laptop Setup Steps

Common WhatsApp Tamil Typing Problems & Fixes

Why do some letters appear as boxes (▯) or question marks (?)?

This happens if older Android phones lack standard Tamil system fonts. Ensure your device is updated to Android 8.0 or later, which has complete native Noto Sans Tamil Unicode support.

Why does the recipient say my Tamil text looks broken?

If someone copied text from old PageMaker or Bamini font files, it will display as garbled characters on mobile phones. You must convert old text using our Bamini to Unicode Converter before sending.

Frequently Asked Questions(அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள்)

Instant answers to common questions about typing, formatting, and compatibility.

QHow do I enable English-to-Tamil typing on Android WhatsApp?

Open Gboard settings, tap Languages > Add Keyboard > Select "Tamil (India)" > Choose the "ABC → தமிழ்" layout. In WhatsApp, tap the globe icon to switch.

QHow do I type Tamil on WhatsApp for iPhone?

Go to iPhone Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > Select Tamil > Choose "Tamil (Phonetic)". Switch layouts in WhatsApp by holding the globe icon.

QCan the receiver read my Tamil message if they do not have a Tamil keyboard?

Yes! WhatsApp uses universal UTF-8 Unicode. Anyone on modern Android, iOS, or PC will view the Tamil text clearly without installing extra fonts.

Author: S. Karthikeyan

Tamil Reviewer: முனைவர் ம. செந்தில்வேலன்

Last Verified & Updated: October 2026

All tools and guides are independently tested on actual devices (Android, Windows, macOS, iOS). No text typed or converted leaves your browser.