iPhone doesn’t have an “add to dictionary” button, but you can add a word by creating a Text Replacement. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement, tap +, type the word in the Phrase field, leave Shortcut empty, and tap Save. Autocorrect then stops changing that word and starts suggesting it. Below are the full steps and a few other ways to teach the keyboard new words.
Method 1: Add a word with Text Replacement (most reliable)
- Open Settings and tap General.
- Tap Keyboard, then Text Replacement.
- Tap the + button in the top-right corner.
- In Phrase, type the word exactly as you want it spelled, including capital letters (for example, a name, brand, or slang term).
- Leave Shortcut blank if you only want the iPhone to recognize the word.
- Tap Save.
The word now appears in predictive text suggestions and won’t be “corrected” to something else. If you’re signed in to iCloud, your text replacements sync to your iPad and Mac with the same Apple Account.
Bonus: add a shortcut to type it faster
If you fill in the Shortcut field, typing that shortcut expands into the full phrase. For example, a shortcut of “addr” can expand into your full street address, or “omw” into “On my way!”. Pick shortcuts that aren’t real words, so they don’t expand by accident.
Method 2: Teach autocorrect by rejecting its change
The keyboard also learns from what you type. When autocorrect changes your word:
- Tap the underlined word right after the correction (or tap it later and pick your original spelling from the suggestions).
- Choose the version you typed.
After you do this a couple of times, the iPhone usually stops changing that word. This works well for casual words, but Text Replacement is more dependable for names and spellings you need every time.
Method 3: Save names in Contacts
The keyboard recognizes names stored in your contacts. Adding a person’s name, nickname, or company to their contact card helps the keyboard suggest and keep that spelling.
How to remove a word you added
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.
- Swipe left on the entry and tap Delete. You can also tap Edit and remove several at once.
Reset words the keyboard has learned
If autocorrect keeps suggesting a typo or a word you don’t want, you can clear what the keyboard has learned:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset, then Reset Keyboard Dictionary.
- Enter your passcode to confirm.
This removes the words your keyboard has learned from your typing; it doesn’t erase your apps or data. For more, see how to reset the keyboard on iPhone.
Tips
- Capitalization matters. Add “iPhone” or “McDonald” exactly as written so autocorrect keeps the capitals.
- Check that suggestions are on. Settings > General > Keyboard > Predictive Text shows your added words as you type.
- Adding words on a Mac works the same way: System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements. Entries sync to your iPhone through iCloud.
- Tired of corrections altogether? You can switch off Auto-Correction in the same Keyboard settings. Our older guide shows how to turn off autocorrect on an iPhone.
Related: Turn on dictation on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my iPhone keep changing a word I added?
Make sure the entry is in Text Replacement with the exact spelling and capitalization. If it still changes, delete it, restart the iPhone, and add it again. Sync delays with iCloud can also briefly bring back old entries.
Can I add words in other languages?
Yes. Text Replacement works with any keyboard language you’ve added.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.