Auto-correction is designed to save time by instantly fixing typos as you type on your smartphone’s digital keyboard. However, if you frequently type in slang, use obscure acronyms, or communicate in multiple languages simultaneously, the Android operating system’s aggressive attempts to “fix” your perfectly valid words into completely different English words can become infuriating.
Fortunately, you are not forced to endure incorrect text replacements. You can easily dive into the keyboard settings and disable the auto-correction engine entirely, returning total control of the spacebar back to your fingers.
Note: Because Android allows you to install third-party keyboards, the exact menu names will vary slightly depending on whether you are using a Google Pixel, a Samsung Galaxy, or a downloaded keyboard like SwiftKey.
How to Turn Off Auto-Correction on Gboard (Google Pixel & Most Androids)
Gboard is the default, standard-issue keyboard designed by Google. It is pre-installed on Pixel, Motorola, and most other non-Samsung Android devices.
- Open any app where you can type (like Messages or WhatsApp) and tap the text box so the keyboard appears on the screen.
- Look at the top row of the keyboard (above the letters). Tap the Gear icon to open the Gboard Settings.
- (If you don’t see the gear, tap the four squares or the arrow on the left side of the top row to reveal the hidden menu bar).
- In the Settings menu, tap on Text correction.
- Scroll down to the “Corrections” section.
- Find the toggle switch labeled Auto-correction and flip it to the OFF position.
You will now notice that while Gboard still suggests words in the predictive text bar above the keyboard, it will never automatically insert them when you press the spacebar.
How to Turn Off Auto-Correction on Samsung Keyboard (Galaxy Devices)
Samsung replaces Gboard with its own proprietary software, “Samsung Keyboard,” on all Galaxy smartphones and tablets. The feature goes by a slightly different name here.
- Open a messaging app to bring up the Samsung Keyboard.
- Tap the Gear icon located on the toolbar directly above the numbers.
- This opens the Samsung Keyboard settings. Tap on Auto replace.
- You will see a list of the languages you have installed. Toggle the switch next to English (or your primary language) to the OFF position.
Alternatively, if you cannot find the gear icon on the keyboard, you can navigate through the main phone settings: Go to Settings > General Management > Samsung Keyboard Settings > Auto replace.
The Difference Between Auto-Correction and Predictive Text
Many users turn off auto-correction but are annoyed that the phone is still “suggesting” words. It is crucial to understand the difference between the two features.
- Auto-Correction (What you just turned off): This is the aggressive feature. You type “omw” and hit space, and the phone physically deletes your letters and forces the word “on” onto the screen.
- Predictive Text / Suggestions: This is the passive feature. It displays three boxes above the keyboard guessing what word you want to type next, but it waits for you to tap the box.
If you want to turn off Predictive Text as well (removing the three boxes entirely to gain more screen space), look in the same “Text correction” menu mentioned above and toggle off the switch labeled Show suggestion strip (or “Predictive text” on Samsung).