Autocorrect is one of those features you either love or hate, depending on how many times it’s saved you from a typo versus how many times it’s turned a normal text into something embarrassing. The good news: you have more control over it than you might think.
Quick answer: To fix Android autocorrect, go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > On-Screen Keyboard > Gboard > Text Correction, then toggle Auto-Correction on or off and adjust your suggestion settings from there. If autocorrect is still making the wrong suggestions, clearing your learned data (covered below) usually solves it.
WARNING: Twintel takes no responsibility for any embarrassing spelling mistakes made after utilizing this advice. Proceed at your own risk.
How to Adjust Gboard Autocorrect on Android
Gboard is the default keyboard on most Android devices, and it gives you several layers of control. Here’s how to use them.
1. Turn Auto-Correction on or off
Go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > On-Screen Keyboard > Gboard > Text Correction. From here, toggle Auto-Correction on or off, and use the Show Suggestion Strip setting to control whether predictive text appears as you type, including options for vulgarity and offensive word filtering.
2. Add words to your personal dictionary
If Gboard keeps “correcting” a name, slang term, or industry word you actually want, add it manually: go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > On-Screen Keyboard > Gboard > Dictionary > Personal Dictionary, tap the + button, and add the word. You can also set up custom shortcuts here (for example, typing “omw” to expand to “on my way”).
3. Clear learned words and data
Gboard learns from how you type over time, which can sometimes reinforce bad suggestions. To start fresh, go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > On-Screen Keyboard > Gboard > Advanced > Improve Voice & Typing, then select Delete Learned Words and Data.
4. If autocorrect still isn’t working right
A few quick things to check before assuming it’s broken:
- Make sure Gboard is actually your active keyboard (Settings > System > Languages & Input > On-Screen Keyboard > Manage Keyboards). If a different keyboard app is set as default, Gboard’s autocorrect settings won’t apply.
- Update the Gboard app from the Google Play Store — outdated versions can behave inconsistently.
- Restart your device. This clears temporary glitches that can affect text prediction.
- Double-check your input language under Languages settings; autocorrect can misfire if the wrong language or dialect is selected.
For organizations managing autocorrect or keyboard settings across a fleet of company devices, this is also something that can be standardized through mobile device management, rather than relying on each employee to configure it individually.
How to Adjust Autocorrect on iOS
Gboard offers more granular customization than Apple’s keyboard, but iOS still gives you some control.
1. Turn Auto-Correction and Predictive Text on or off
Go to Settings > General > Keyboard, then toggle Auto-Correction and Predictive on or off as needed.
2. Turn off spell-check highlighting
If you don’t want misspelled words underlined as you type, turn off Check Spelling in the same menu. Note that tapping a misspelled word will still offer suggestions until this is off.
3. Reset your keyboard dictionary
To start your predictive text dictionary fresh, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary.
4. Use text replacement to your advantage
Set up shortcuts under Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement — for example, typing “ttyl” to auto-expand to “talk to you later.” This works around autocorrect rather than fighting it.
Let Us Help with Your Technology Challenges
Getting the most out of your devices shouldn’t require constant troubleshooting. If your team needs help standardizing device settings, training staff on the tools they use daily, or just wants a reliable IT partner, Twintel can help. Explore our staff training & IT education services or learn more about our managed IT support. To learn more, call us at 888-425-0599 or schedule a meeting today.
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