PDF download Download Article
If autocorrect is mangling your WhatsApp messages, you can disable it
PDF download Download Article

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 in the WhatsApp mobile app for iPhone and Android, and in WhatsApp Desktop for your Windows or Mac computer.

Things You Should Know

  • 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".
  • On WhatsApp Desktop for Windows 11 and Windows 10, turn off Typing Insights to disable autocorrect.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Using iPhone or iPad

PDF download Download Article
  1. This can be found below Screen Time .
    Advertisement
  2. This can be found between Date & Time and Fonts .
  3. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Using Stock Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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. 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. It's near the top of the System menu.
  4. This option is near the top of the page. Doing so opens a list of your installed keyboards.
  5. Tap the name of your default keyboard (e.g., Google ).
  6. It's near the top of the menu. [1]
  7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Using a Samsung Galaxy

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's near the bottom of the Settings menu.
  2. This option is at the top of the General Management page.
  3. You'll find it in the "KEYBOARDS" section of the page.
  4. Tap your Samsung Galaxy's current keyboard (e.g., Samsung Keyboard ).
  5. 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".
  6. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Using Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. To disable spell check in WhatsApp Desktop for Windows , you'll need to disable Typing Insights rather than spellcheck. Click the Start menu, then click Settings to get started.
  2. The steps to get there are a little different depending on your version of Windows:
    • Windows 10: Click Devices , then click Typing .
    • Windows 11: Click Time & language in the left panel, then click Typing .
  3. Typing Insights is a feature that uses AI to help you check your spelling, autocomplete words, and even make suggestions. You'll see your Typing Insights stats here.
  4. You'll see the switch at the top of the page. Once you've disabled Typing Insights, WhatsApp Desktop will no longer try to correct your spelling or make suggestions on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
    • You can turn the feature back on if you want to use autocorrect again in the future.
  5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. This option is near the top of the drop-down menu.
  2. It's in the System Preferences window. Doing so opens a new window.
  3. This tab is at the top of the Keyboard window.
  4. 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".
  5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you're using an Android, you may notice that the keyboard options are labeled slightly differently than they appear here. For example, your Android might have a Language & keyboard menu item rather than a Languages & input option.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 392,685 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement