Autocorrect is a love-hate feature. Sometimes it saves us from embarrassing typos. Other times, it turns our “I’m in the cab” into “I’m in the crab.” Yeah, we’ve all been there. If you’re tired of autocorrect hijacking your messages, emails, or notes, you’re not alone.
TLDR (Too long, didn’t read)
Autocorrect can be super helpful — or hilariously annoying. Luckily, turning it off is easy on most devices like iPhones, Androids, Windows PCs, and Macs. Each system has slightly different steps, but it usually just takes a few taps or clicks. Follow this guide and reclaim your words!
Why Turn Off Autocorrect?
Maybe you’re a grammar rebel. Or perhaps your phone just doesn’t get your vibe. Here are a few reasons people disable autocorrect:
- It changes slang or informal speech
- It misunderstands names or niche terms
- It makes texting slower due to constant corrections
Whether you’re a poetic texter or a fan of typo-filled masterpieces, turning off autocorrect gives you full control.
How to Turn Off Autocorrect on Any Device
1. iPhone or iPad (iOS)
iPhones make it super simple. Here’s how to disable autocorrect:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll to General then tap Keyboard.
- Find Auto-Correction and toggle it off (turn the switch gray).
Boom. Done. Now your “yo wassup” texts stay exactly how you type them.
2. Android Phones/Tablets
Autocorrect settings may vary depending on your phone brand and keyboard. But this is the general route:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap System > Languages & input.
- Choose On-screen keyboard, then select your keyboard (like Gboard).
- Tap Text correction.
- Find and toggle off Auto-correction.
Some devices call it a “spell checker” or have slightly different names, so poke around a bit if needed. Don’t be afraid to explore!
3. Windows (10/11)
Windows isn’t known for autocorrect, but if it’s messing around with your typing in Word or another app, you can fix it:
- Go to Settings.
- Click Devices, then Typing.
- Find the switch under Autocorrect misspelled words and toggle it off.
You can also turn off highlighting misspelled words in the same section if you’re feeling rebellious.
4. macOS (MacBooks and iMacs)
Mac users, rejoice. Stopping autocorrect is painless:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
- Select System Settings or System Preferences based on your OS version.
- Choose Keyboard.
- Look for Text tab, then uncheck Correct spelling automatically.
Now your macOS shall no longer second-guess your genius phrasing.
5. Microsoft Word
If Word keeps messing with your sentences, you can disable autocorrect directly inside the app:
- Go to File > Options.
- Click on Proofing, then press AutoCorrect Options….
- Uncheck Replace text as you type.
You can also remove just specific shortcuts (like “omw” becoming “On my way!”) in the same menu.
6. Google Docs
Google Docs has its own autocorrect system tucked into its settings:
- Open any Google Doc.
- Click Tools > Preferences.
- Uncheck boxes under Automatically correct spelling and Automatically capitalize.
Do this once, and it’ll carry over to other Docs you open in the future. Sweet!
7. Samsung Devices (One UI)
Samsung uses its own keyboard sometimes, so here’s how to manage autocorrect if you’re trapped in the Samsung zone:
- Settings > General Management
- Tap Samsung Keyboard settings
- Choose Smart typing
- Toggle off Predictive text or Auto replace
Sayonara, wild word swaps!
Wait… Should You Turn It Back On?
Autocorrect might drive you nuts today, but then tomorrow you mistype “ducking” for the thousandth time. Here are some reasons to consider turning it back on later:
- Helps catch actual typos
- Saves time for fast typers
- Useful for writing formal emails or school essays
So, maybe just tweak settings instead of turning it off completely. Most devices let you keep spellcheck but ditch autocorrect. That way, you still get a red squiggly line for help without being force-fed “correct” answers.
Bonus Tip: Use a Different Keyboard
Feeling adventurous? Try third-party keyboards like:
- SwiftKey – learns your typing habits
- Grammarly Keyboard – great for writing pros
- Fleksy – fast and fun
Many of these give you crazy control over what gets autocorrected, if at all.
You’re in Control Now!
That’s it, friend! No more sending “ducking” when you meant… something else. Whether you’re texting your BFF or drafting a novel, autocorrect no longer gets a vote.
You’re now the captain of your keyboard. Type freely, make mistakes proudly (or fix them manually), and enjoy the freedom!
