If autocorrect is mangling your WhatsApp messages, you can disable it on your devices

Do you want to turn off automatic spell check in WhatsApp? While WhatsApp doesn't allow you to disable auto-correct specifically for its messaging, you can disable autocorrect in your system settings. However, this will disable the feature for any other typing or messaging apps, so you'll need to reactivate it to use it elsewhere. This wikiHow will show you how to turn off predictive text and autocorrect on your iPhone, Android, Mac, or Windows computer.

Things You Should Know

  • WhatsApp autocorrect is dependent on your device. You must disable your device's auto-correct feature.
  • On iPhone, go to "Settings", then "General". Tap "Keyboard" and toggle off "Auto-Correction".
  • On Android, go to "Settings", then "System". Tap "Languages & Input", then "Virtual keyboard". Toggle off "Text correction".
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Using iPhone or iPad

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Scroll down and tap General. This can be found below Screen Time.
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  3. 3
    Scroll down and tap Keyboard. This can be found between Date & Time and Fonts.
  4. 4
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Using Stock Android

  1. 1
    Open your Android's Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen to pull down the notifications menu, then tap the Settings icon in the top-right corner of the menu.
    • On some Androids, you may have to swipe down with two fingers to get the notifications menu to appear.
    • WhatsApp is available for Android in the Google Play Store, but you must configure your device settings to disable autocorrect.
  2. 2
    Scroll down and tap System. This option is near the bottom of the page.
    • If you see a Languages & input or Language & keyboard option in the Settings page, tap it, then skip the next step.
  3. 3
    Tap Languages & input. It's near the top of the System menu.
  4. 4
    Tap Virtual keyboard. This option is near the top of the page. Doing so opens a list of your installed keyboards.
  5. 5
    Select your keyboard. Tap the name of your default keyboard (e.g., Google).
  6. 6
    Tap Text correction. It's near the top of the menu.[1]
  7. 7
    Tap the teal "Auto-correction" switch . This will toggle it off. You can now use WhatsApp without autocorrect.
    • You may also want to disable the Show correction suggestions feature in this way.
    • Depending on your Android's screen size, you might have to scroll down to see the "Auto-correction" switch.
    • To turn auto-correct back on, toggle the switch "On".
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Using a Samsung Galaxy

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Scroll down and tap General management. It's near the bottom of the Settings menu.
  3. 3
    Tap Language and input. This option is at the top of the General Management page.
  4. 4
    Tap On-screen keyboard. You'll find it in the "KEYBOARDS" section of the page.
  5. 5
    Select your keyboard. Tap your Samsung Galaxy's current keyboard (e.g., Samsung Keyboard).
  6. 6
    Tap the blue "Predictive text" switch. It's to the right of the "Predictive text" heading near the top of the screen. This will toggle it off. Your Samsung Galaxy will no longer correct typing errors made on WhatsApp and any other app you enter text.
    • You may also want to disable the Auto spell check and Auto capitalize this way.
    • To turn auto-correct back on, toggle the switch "On".
    • Shopping for a new Samsung device or tech accessories? Check out our coupon site for Samsung discounts.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Using Windows

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Type in autocorrect. This will search for the autocorrect settings menu.
  3. 3
    Click Autocorrect misspelled words. You'll see this at the top of the Start menu.
  4. 4
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using Mac

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Click System Preferences…. This option is near the top of the drop-down menu.
  3. 3
    Click Keyboard. It's in the System Preferences window. Doing so opens a new window.
  4. 4
    Click Text. This tab is at the top of the Keyboard window.
  5. 5
    Uncheck the "Correct spelling automatically" box. You'll find it at the top of the Keyboard window. Doing so will prevent programs on your Mac, including WhatsApp, from automatically correcting your typing.
    • To turn auto-correct back on, toggle the switch "On".
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About This Article

Rain Kengly
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been viewed 259,295 times.
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Co-authors: 9
Updated: February 28, 2023
Views: 259,295
Categories: Featured Articles | WhatsApp
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