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.’
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?
If you have iCloud enabled for ‘Text Replacement,’ then yes, the words will sync across your devices. Otherwise, they will only be on the device where you added them.
Is there a limit to how many words I can add?
Not that we know of! Feel free to add as many as you need.
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.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap on ‘General’
- Select ‘Keyboard’
- Tap ‘Text Replacement’
- Tap ‘+’
- Type the Word
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’re now a pro at adding words to your iPhone dictionary! No more getting tripped up by autocorrect when you’re typing out those unique words or phrases that are part of your everyday lingo. With these new additions, your iPhone will become more personalized, making typing out messages and emails a whole lot smoother.
But it’s not all about convenience. By customizing your dictionary, you’re also making your phone’s language more inclusive and reflective of your unique way of communicating. Whether it’s technical jargon from your field of work, a special nickname for a loved one, or just some fun slang, your iPhone will now be in on the secret.
And hey, why stop at words? Remember, phrases are fair game too. So, if you find yourself often typing out the same lengthy response or signature sign-off, add it as a phrase and save yourself some precious time.
As you become more familiar with this feature, you might find yourself adding words and phrases regularly. It’s a small way to make your digital life a little bit easier and a lot more personal. So, go ahead and give your iPhone dictionary some new entries – it’s ready and waiting.
Now, what word will you teach your iPhone first?
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.