How to Use Autocorrect on Android

This article explains how to use the autocorrect function on your Android device and personalize your Android dictionary so you can avoid embarrassing errors. Instructions apply to devices with Android Pie (9), Oreo (8), or Nougat (7) from all manufacturers.

Manage Autocorrect on Android

On newer Android smartphones (except for Samsung models), autocorrect is enabled and disabled on an app-by-app basis. Here's where to find these settings.

1. Go to Settings > System.

   On Android 7.1 and earlier, select Languages & input instead of System.

2. Tap Languages & input.

3. Tap Virtual keyboard. This refers to the keyboard that displays on the screen, not a connected external or Bluetooth device.

4. A page that lists all the virtual keyboard apps installed on your device appears. Select the keyboard that you're currently using.

5. In the settings for your keyboard, tap Text correction.

6. Turn on the Auto-correction toggle switch to enable the autocorrect feature. Turn it off to disable autocorrect.

Add Words and Abbreviations to Your Personal Dictionary

You can also update your dictionary directly in Android apps. These options are in the settings for your virtual keyboard.

1. Open Settings > System.

   On Android 7.1 and earlier, select Languages & input.

2. Tap Languages & input.

3. Tap Virtual keyboard to access the settings for your on-screen keyboards.

4. In the list of keyboards on your system, select your active keyboard.

5. Tap Text correction to access the settings for auto-correction, including the dictionary for the phone.

6. Tap Personal Dictionary.

   Select Delete learned words to reset your dictionary on certain keyboards.

7. On some keyboards, including the default Android Open Source Project keyboard, you'll see a list of available languages. Select your language.

8. Tap the plus sign to add a new word to the dictionary.

Enable and Disable the Android Spell Checker

The Gboard Spell Checker helps you avoid typos and offers word suggestions as you type. It's enabled by default, but you can turn it off.

To turn Spell Checker on or off on Gboard:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap System > Languages & input > Advanced.

   Under Languages & input, you'll see the name of the default keyboard (in this case, Gboard).

3. Tap Spell checker.

4. Turn the Use spell checker toggle switch on or off. Tap Languages to change the default language.

5. Optionally, tap the Default spell checker gear icon, then turn on the Look up contact names toggle switch. The spell checker cross-checks first and last names with your contact list.

Autocorrect Options on Samsung Phones

Samsung Galaxy phones have different autocorrect settings than smartphones with stock Android. These settings are under Smart typing.

1. Go to Settings > General management.

2. Tap Samsung Keyboard settings.

3. Tap Auto spell check and toggle your language to the On position.

4. Back in the Samsung Keyboard settings, choose which options to enable under Smart typing.

5. The Text shortcuts option also serves as your personal dictionary.