How to turn off autocorrect on your phone

You're happily texting with a friend about weekend plans. You suggest meeting up at a local restaurant, but your phone's autocorrect settings change the restaurant name to another word. You quickly follow up with the actual name, but it autocorrects again. It's frustrating. How can you turn off autocorrect so words appear exactly as you type them?

Asurion Experts fix tech issues like this every day. Whether you want to know the best iPhone keyboard shortcuts or need general tech tips, count on us for guidance you can trust. Here's how to turn off autocorrect on iPhone® and Android™ devices.

Turn off autocorrect on iPhone

iPhone includes multiple settings that control how text appears in SMS and other text-driven apps. They include:

• Auto-Correction: automatically replaces texts when it detects a potential typing error.
• Predictive Text: suggests words based on your writing style.
• Check Spelling: analyzes your text and replaces it with the correctly spelled word.

To access the settings on iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General > Keyboard.
3. Tap Auto-Correction off.
4. (Optional) Tap Predictive Text and Check Spelling off.

Turn off autocorrect on Android

On Android, autocorrect is managed through the keyboard settings. Most use Gboard by default:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System > Keyboard.
3. Tap On-screen keyboard > Gboard.
4. Tap Text correction.
5. Tap Auto-Correction to disable it.
6. (Optional) Turn off Show suggestion strip and Next-word suggestions.

If you’ve installed another keyboard:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System > Keyboard.
3. Tap On-screen keyboard, then select your keyboard.
4. Review autocorrect settings (often called “spelling correction”).

Tips for customizing your keyboard

Autocorrect can save time but isn’t perfect. Try these alternatives:

• Add custom words. Add names or terms to your personal dictionary.
• Turn on predictive text. Get suggestions as you type.
• Install third-party keyboards. Explore apps with features like gesture typing or more emojis. Review privacy settings before downloading.

FAQ

Can I turn off autocorrect for certain apps only?

No. The keyboard controls autocorrect systemwide. Changes apply to all apps.

Will turning off autocorrect affect predictive text?

No. Predictive text stays on unless you disable it separately.

How can I re-enable autocorrect if I change my mind?

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General > Keyboard.
3. Tap Auto-Correction on.

On Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System > Keyboard.
3. Tap On-screen keyboard > Gboard.
4. Tap Text correction.
5. Tap Auto-Correction to enable it.

Need help with keyboard settings or other features? Reach out for tech help.