Adding words to your iPhone dictionary isn’t as tricky as it sounds. In fact, it’s a breeze once you know how! You just need to use a feature called "Text Replacement." This lets your phone know that when you type a certain word or phrase, it should recognize and suggest it in the future. Ready to expand your iPhone’s vocabulary? Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial: Adding a Word to iPhone Dictionary
Before we start, it’s good to know that by following these steps, you’re essentially teaching your iPhone new words. These could be slang, technical terms, or even nicknames that you use often. Here’s how you do it!
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
When you tap on the ‘Settings’ icon, you’ll find a whole world of options to customize your iPhone. For now, we’re focusing on the ‘Keyboard’ settings.
Step 2: Tap on ‘General’
Scroll down and tap on the ‘General’ settings option.
‘General’ settings is where you tweak the nuts and bolts of your iPhone’s system, including its dictionary.
Step 3: Select ‘Keyboard’
Find and select the ‘Keyboard’ option within the ‘General’ settings.
The ‘Keyboard’ settings are where you can adjust how your iPhone keyboard works, looks, and learns.
Step 4: Tap ‘Text Replacement’
Scroll down and tap on ‘Text Replacement.’
‘Text Replacement’ is a nifty feature that lets you create shortcuts for longer phrases, or add new words to your dictionary.
Step 5: Tap ‘+’
In the top right corner of the ‘Text Replacement’ screen, you’ll see a ‘+’ sign. Tap on it to add a new word.
This ‘+’ button is your gateway to expanding your iPhone’s lexicon.
Step 6: Type the Word
Type the word you want to add in the ‘Phrase’ field and leave the ‘Shortcut’ field blank.
By leaving the ‘Shortcut’ field blank, you’re telling your iPhone that this is not just a shortcut, but a word you want it to recognize.
After you’ve completed these steps, your iPhone will now recognize and suggest the new word when you type it. No more pesky autocorrect changing it to something else!
Tips for Adding Words to iPhone Dictionary
- Make sure to type the word exactly as you want it to appear, including any capital letters.
- If you want the word to have a shortcut, you can fill in the ‘Shortcut’ field with a shorter version.
- This method also works for phrases, not just single words.
- If you make a mistake, you can always swipe left on the word in the ‘Text Replacement’ list and delete it.
- Remember, the words you add are specific to your device, so they won’t automatically appear on other Apple devices unless you have iCloud enabled for ‘Text Replacement.’
Teach autocorrect a word as you type
You don’t always need Settings. iPhone learns from how you respond to corrections:
- When autocorrect changes a word, press Delete once. iPhone shows your original word above the keyboard; tap it to put it back.
- Tap the word you typed (in quotation marks) in the suggestion bar instead of accepting the correction.
- After you reject the same correction a few times, iPhone usually stops changing that word.
Add names and words through Contacts
iPhone’s keyboard knows the names saved in Contacts. Adding a contact with an unusual name, such as a business or a family member, teaches the keyboard that spelling too. Don’t create fake contacts just to store words, though; Text Replacement is tidier and syncs better.
Reset the keyboard dictionary
If iPhone has learned a misspelling or keeps suggesting a word you don’t want, you can clear everything it has learned. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary and enter your passcode. This removes learned words only. Your Text Replacement entries stay.
If a word still gets autocorrected
- Check the spelling and capitals in your Text Replacement entry. iPhone matches what you saved exactly.
- Give it a moment to sync. New entries can take a short time to appear on your other devices.
- Using a third-party keyboard? Keyboards such as Gboard or SwiftKey have their own dictionaries. Add the word in that keyboard’s settings.
- Turn off Auto-Correction if you’d rather fix spelling yourself: Settings > General > Keyboard > Auto-Correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to delete a word I’ve added?
Simply go back to the ‘Text Replacement’ screen, swipe left on the word, and tap ‘Delete.’
Can I use Text Replacement for phrases, not just words?
Yes, you can! Just type the entire phrase in the ‘Phrase’ field and leave the ‘Shortcut’ field blank or add a shortcut if you prefer.
Will the words I add sync across my other Apple devices?
Yes. Text replacements sync through iCloud to your iPad and Mac when you’re signed in with the same Apple Account.
Is there a limit to how many words I can add?
Apple doesn’t publish a limit. Most people can add hundreds of entries without problems.
Can I add words that autocorrect keeps correcting?
Absolutely! This is one of the best uses for this feature. It’ll save you from the frustration of autocorrect "fixes" in the future.
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Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.