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

Find out how to use Auto-Correction, predictive text and text replacement, so you can type with fewer taps.

iPhone screen showing how to turn on Auto-Correction

Use Auto-Correction

Auto-Correction uses your keyboard dictionary to spellcheck words while you're typing, automatically correcting misspelt words for you. To use it, just type in a text field.

To make sure that this setting is turned on, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General > Keyboard.
  3. Turn on Auto-Correction. By default, Auto-Correction is turned on.

Use predictive text

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

iPhone screen showing predictive text

While typing, you'll see choices for words and phrases you're likely to type next, based on your past conversations, writing style and even websites you've visited in Safari.

iPhone screen showing Keyboard settings for predictive text

To turn predictive text off or on, touch and hold the smile emoji or the globe iconglobe icon. Tap Keyboard Settings, then turn on Predictive. Or go to Settings > General > Keyboard, and turn Predictive on or off.

iPhone screen showing how to use text replacement

Set up text replacement

With text replacement, you can use shortcuts to replace longer phrases. When you enter the shortcut in a text field, the phrase will automatically replace it. For example, you could type "GM" and "Good morning" would automatically replace it.

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

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