Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-04

How to Fix: Changing TTY keyboard layout on a server?

Change keyboard layout on Ubuntu Server 12.04

Quick Answer: Use 'localectl set-keymap' command to change the keyboard layout.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🔍 Why This Happens
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 🎯 Final Words

Changing the keyboard layout on a Linux server can be frustrating, especially when using command line mode. This is because many users are accustomed to having access to a graphical user interface (GUI) and may not be familiar with the command-line alternatives.

However, with the right steps and knowledge, you can easily change your keyboard layout on a 12.04 Server running in command line mode. In this guide, we will walk through the process of changing the keyboard layout using the Linux terminal.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary reason for not being able to change the keyboard layout is that the default keyboard settings are set to use the US English layout by default. This can be changed using the 'localectl' command.
  • Another possible reason could be if the keyboard layout file is missing or corrupted, which would prevent the system from recognizing it. In such cases, you may need to reinstall the keyboard layout package.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Changing Keyboard Layout Using Localectl Command

  1. Step 1: Open a terminal on your server and type 'localectl edit' to open the keyboard-configuration editor. This will allow you to change the keyboard layout.
  2. Step 2: In the keyboard-configuration editor, click on the 'Layouts' tab. Here, you can select from the available layouts and choose the one that corresponds to your desired keyboard layout.
  3. Step 3: Once you have selected your preferred layout, click 'Save & Close' to apply the changes.

Changing Keyboard Layout Using Editrc File

  1. Step 1: Alternatively, you can also change the keyboard layout by editing the '/etc/locale.conf' file. Open this file in a text editor and add a new line with the following format: 'KEYMAP=' where is the name of your desired keyboard layout.
  2. Step 2: For example, if you want to use the UK English layout, you would add the line 'KEYMAP=uk'. Save the changes and exit the file. The system will automatically detect the new keyboard layout.

🎯 Final Words

Changing the keyboard layout on a Linux server can seem daunting at first, but with the right steps and knowledge, it is easily achievable. By following these methods, you should be able to successfully change your keyboard layout and enjoy typing in your preferred language.

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