# I can't enter some characters (pipe, backslash, etc.) in the terminal

If characters like `|` or `\` do not work in the terminal, the **Option** key is usually mapped as **Meta**. When this setting is enabled, some special characters may not be sent as expected.

Disable **Use Option as Meta key** for your platform:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="macOS" %}

1. Open **Termius** → **Settings**.
2. In the Terminal section, disable **Use Option as Meta key**.
   {% endtab %}

{% tab title="iOS/iPadOS" %}

1. Open the system **Settings**.
2. In the **Keyboard** section, turn off **Use Option as Meta key**.
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}

After you disable this setting, try entering the character again in the terminal.


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