Fix: Autocorrect not working on iPhone

Autocorrect on smartphones can be one of the most useful features when it works as intended. However, it can also drive users to madness by changing correctly spelled and contextually precise typing into complete letter rubbish. Some iOS users report that Autocorrect is not working on iPhone as it’s supposed to. We may have a few suggestions on how to mitigate this. Make sure to check them below.

Table of contents:

1. Disable and re-enable Auto-correction
2. Update iOS
3. Use Text Replacement
4. Use a third-party keyboard
5. Reset Keyboard Dictionary

How do I get Autocorrect back on my iPhone?

1. Disable and re-enable Auto-Correction

Most reports state that Autocorrect on iOS got worse but there are some reports that Autocorrect won’t work at all. Something that’s mutual for both sides is that the problems started after an update. You can simply start with a restart. If Auto-Correction doesn’t work after that, try to disable and then re-enable this feature in System Settings.

Here’s how to disable and re-enable Auto-Correction on your iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Keyboard.
4. Toggle Auto-Correction off and then turn it on again.
5. You can do the same with Predictive Typing.

Another thing that you can do is delete the keyboard and add it again. You can do that in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Just tap Edit at the top right corner and remove the keyboard with the red minus sign. Add it again from Add New Keyboard and check for improvements.

2. Update iOS

Based on the timeline we managed to track, most reports occurred after the release of iOS 15. More than a few iterations of iOS 15 came out after the initial release, so make sure to update your iPhone and, hopefully, the autocorrect that wasn’t working will start working on the latest firmware version.

To update your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. Check for updates and install whatever is available.

3. Use Text Replacement

The thing with Auto-Correction and iPhone Keyboard is that it uses predictive typing that’s based on machine learning. This has some advantages but it’s often off the mark by a lot. For example, it might use the names of apps and tools you use and enforce them even though you were typing something completely different. Like, trying to type “Instant” will autocorrect to Instagram if you have Instagram installed. Some users went as far as to delete apps so this won’t occur anymore.

Of course, you can tweak Dictionary and add some words that are repeatedly corrected or just use Text Replacement. Text Replacement allows you to add abbreviations and shortcuts to phrases. Once you type in the shortcut word, the keyboard will expand it to the predicated phrase.

An example would be modern messaging lingo with OMW, OMG, BRB, etc. After you type these abbreviated words, they’ll come out as “I’m on my way”, “Oh, my God!”, or “I’ll be right back”. The sky is the limit and possibilities are boundless. The downside? You’ll need to enter shortcuts and full phrases on your own. A well-spent time if the Auto-Correction keeps changing idioms and affects your typing.

Here’s how to use Text Replacement on your iPhone:

1. Open Settings > General > Keyboard.
2. Tap Text Replacement.
3. Tap + sign at the top right corner.
4. First, add the full phrase you want to shorten.
5. Under that, add the abbreviation or shortcut.
6. Tap Save.

4. Use a third-party keyboard

If you can’t find a way to subdue aggressive and absurd autocorrection on the stock keyboard, you can try Gboard or another alternative third-party keyboard on your iPhone. We know that this is hardly a solution but, if these issues are something you can’t overlook and disabling autocorrection is not an option, maybe Gboard will work better for you.

If you’re not inclined to switch to other keyboard apps available on App Store, you can try resetting Keyboard Dictionary. Although this doesn’t have a lot to do with Auto-Correction at first sight, it’s worth a try if Autocorrect is still not working on your iPhone.

5. Reset Keyboard Dictionary

Finally, we can only suggest going for the Reset Keyboard Dictionary option. As you might know, over time, your preferred dictionary (you can choose one in Settings > General > Dictionary) can add terms you use and incorporate them into Apple Dictionary as custom entries. Resetting the dictionary to factory settings might help fix the autocorrection problem if issues started after a major update.

Here’s how to reset Keyboard Dictionary on your iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Reset Keyboard Dictionary.
5. Enter your PIN/Password and confirm.

And, with that, we can conclude this article. Thank you for reading and feel free to tell us about solutions we forgot in the comments section below. What are your favorite features of the stock iPhone keyboard?