How to Add Words to iPhone & iPad Dictionary

Are you tired of your Apple iPhone or iPad automatically correcting words for you? If you learn how to add commonly used words to the auto-correct dictionary of the device, you won’t have this annoying problem anymore. There are a couple of ways you can go about adding words to the dictionary. Just check out this tutorial.

Note: This post applies to Apple iOS11

Option 1 – On the Fly

This is the recommended option because it’s so easy and quick. You can add words to the dictionary while typing by using these steps.

1. Type the word in any app, then press the “Spacebar“. The word gets auto-corrected as expected.
2. Press “Backspace” and bubble will appear above the word containing the auto-corrected word. Tap the one that matches your word.
   

The word is now added to the iOS internal keyboard dictionary. You’ll never have to correct the word again.

If you ever wish to clear the words you have added to the keyboard dictionary, go to “Settings” > “Reset” > “Reset Keyboard Dictionary“.

Option 2 – Adding Words From Different Language

If you speak multiple languages and your device keeps trying to correct you, import additional dictionaries using these steps.

1. Tap any word to select it.
2. Tap the right-arrow, then select “Define“.
3. Select “Manage“.
4. Tap the cloud button next to the dictionary you wish to start using to download it. Your device should then stop bugging you about correcting words in that language.
   

Option 3 – Using Shortcuts

You can add words in bulk before you use them using this option.

1. Open “Settings“.
2. Select “Keyboard“.
3. Scroll to the bottom and select “Add New Shortcut…“
4. Type the word you wish to add in both the “Phrase” and “Shortcut” fields, and auto-correct won’t bother that word again.
   

You can delete a Shortcut by swiping left across the shortcut from the “Settings” > “Keyboard” screen, then tap “Delete”

FAQ

Isn’t there a list somewhere that allows me to just add words to the dictionary?

Nope.