How to use Auto-Correction and predictive text on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Learn how to use Auto-Correction and predictive text. Set up text shortcuts to automatically become longer words or phrases.

Use Auto-Correction and edit Auto-Correction suggestions

Auto-Correction uses your keyboard dictionary to spellcheck words as you type, automatically correcting misspelled words for you. To use it, just type in a text field.

In iOS 17 and later, Auto-Correction temporarily underlines words that it corrects. To quickly edit an auto-correction, tap the underlined word and choose an option from the pop-up menu.

Turn Auto-Correction on or off

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap General > Keyboard.

  3. Turn Auto-Correction on or off

    iPhone screen showing how to turn on Auto Correction.

By default, Auto-Correction is on.

Use predictive text

With predictive text, you can write and complete entire sentences with just a few taps.

iPhone screen showing predictive text as you type a word in Messages.

As you type, you can see choices for words and phrases you'd probably type next, based on your past conversations, writing style, and even websites you visit in Safari.

iPhone screen showing Keyboard settings for predictive text.

To turn predictive text off or on:

  1. Touch and hold the smile emojismile emoji or the globe iconglobe icon.

  2. Tap Keyboard Settings, then turn Predictive on or off.

Or go to Settings > General > Keyboard, and turn Predictive on or off.

See a full list of languages that support predictive text.

Set up shortcuts for words or phrases

With text replacement, you can set shortcuts to automatically become longer phrases or words. When you enter the shortcut in a text field, your chosen word or phrase automatically replaces it. For example, you could type "GM" and "Good morning" would automatically replace it.

To manage your text replacements, tap Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.

Add a text replacement

  1. In the Settings app, tap General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.

    A list of text shortcuts set up to use on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Add buttonAdd button.

  3. Enter your phrase and shortcut.

  4. Tap Save.

Delete a text replacement

  1. In the Settings app, tap General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.

  2. Tap Edit.

  3. Tap the Remove button, then tap Delete.

  4. Tap Done.

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