Turning off word suggestions on your iPhone is a simple task that can help you avoid those pesky autocorrect errors. By tweaking the keyboard settings, you can disable the predictive text feature that offers word suggestions as you type. Follow these steps to turn off word suggestions and type more freely.
How to Turn Off Word Suggestions on iPhone
This section will guide you through the steps to disable word suggestions on your iPhone. Disabling this feature will prevent your device from showing predictive text while typing.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
The first step is to open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Head to your home screen and locate the gray icon that looks like gears. Tap on it to access your settings.
Step 2: Tap on General
Next, find and tap on the General option.
This option is usually located near the top of the Settings menu. Tapping it will open another menu with various settings.
Step 3: Select Keyboard
Scroll down and select the Keyboard option.
The Keyboard menu contains all the settings related to your iPhone’s keyboard. This is where you can enable or disable various keyboard features.
Step 4: Toggle Off Predictive
Finally, toggle off the Predictive option.
You’ll find a switch next to the Predictive text label. Tap on the switch to turn it off. When the switch is gray, it means the predictive text is disabled.
After completing these steps, your iPhone will no longer show word suggestions as you type. This should make your typing experience smoother and less interrupted by unwanted suggestions.
Tips for Turning Off Word Suggestions on iPhone
- Understand the Impact: Turning off predictive text means you won’t get word suggestions or autocorrect help. Make sure this is what you want before you disable it.
- Explore Other Options: If you find that you miss predictive text, you can always turn it back on by following the same steps and toggling the switch back to green.
- Check Other Keyboard Features: While you’re in the Keyboard settings, take a moment to explore other features like Auto-Capitalization or Smart Punctuation to further customize your typing experience.
- Use Third-Party Keyboards: If you’re not satisfied with the iPhone’s native keyboard, consider installing a third-party keyboard app from the App Store that might offer more customizable settings.
- Keep Your Software Updated: Make sure your iPhone software is up to date to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off word suggestions temporarily?
Yes, you can turn off word suggestions temporarily by following the same steps to toggle off the Predictive option. You can easily turn it back on when needed.
Does turning off predictive text affect spell check?
No, turning off predictive text does not affect the spell check feature. Spell check will still underline misspelled words, but it won’t suggest corrections.
Will this change affect all my apps?
Yes, turning off predictive text will apply to all apps that use the iPhone keyboard, including messaging apps, browsers, and social media apps.
Can I disable autocorrect but keep word suggestions?
Unfortunately, the iPhone does not allow you to disable autocorrect while keeping predictive text enabled. Both features are controlled by the same setting.
Is it possible to customize the words suggested by my iPhone?
While you can’t directly customize the word suggestions, the iPhone learns from your typing habits over time. Commonly used words and phrases will appear more frequently as suggestions.
Summary
- Open the Settings App.
- Tap on General.
- Select Keyboard.
- Toggle Off Predictive.
Conclusion
Turning off word suggestions on your iPhone can significantly improve your typing experience, especially if you find the predictive text feature more annoying than helpful. While this setting change may seem minor, it can make a big difference in how you interact with your device on a daily basis.
If you ever decide you miss those word suggestions, you can always turn the feature back on. Remember, your iPhone’s settings are there to make the device work better for you, so don’t hesitate to explore and customize. For more tips on optimizing your iPhone experience, stay tuned to our blog. Happy typing!

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.