This article explains how to type the tilde symbol, a small wavy line that appears over certain consonants and vowels, such as in Ã, ã, Ñ, ñ, Õ, and õ. Instructions apply to Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android devices, and HTML.

Here's how to add a tilde symbol for the most common operating systems and platforms.

Hold down the Option key, press the letter N, and then release both keys. A tilde appears over an underlined space. Now type the letter that you want to accent. If you want the accented letter to be capitalized, hold down the Shift key and type the letter as you would type any other capitalized letter.

To create tilde-accented characters, turn on Num Lock, hold down the Alt key, and enter the correct number code on the numeric keypad.