How to Remove Word Corrections in an iPhone

Word prediction often corrects words you know are spelled right.
... Sean Gallup/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Many modern smartphones -- including the iPhone -- use word correction or prediction technology to help make your on-screen text entry easier and more efficient. The feature can produce incorrect -- and often hilarious -- suggestions, however, especially when you are using slang or another language. Word correction can be disabled using the iPhone's Settings menu so that entry is done entirely through touch-typing alone.

1 Disable Word Prediction

Navigate your iPhone to its Home screen and launch the "Settings" app. Tap "General" and then "Keyboard." Locate the "Auto-Correct" slider and toggle it so it is no longer green. If you leave the "Check Spelling" feature on, your device will continue suggesting spelling corrections in tiny bubbles over your text entry but will not automatically insert its corrections.

2 Add Suggestions Instead

If your iPhone is constantly respelling a word you use frequently, consider adding the problematic word to the device's dictionary instead of disabling auto correction entirely. Navigate to the "Settings" app, tap "General" and then "Keyboard." Tap "Add New Shortcut" and enter the word in the "Phrase" field. Leave the "Shortcut" field blank and then tap "Save." Auto correct will then avoid inserting an alternate spelling the next time you use the word or phrase in question.

Based in Tampa, Fla., Danielle Fernandez been writing, editing and illustrating all things technology, lifestyle and education since 1999. Her work has appeared in the Tampa Tribune, Working Mother magazine, and a variety of technical publications, including BICSI's "Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual." Fernandez holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of South Florida.

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