iPhone autocorrect issues can range from incorrect word substitutions to complete malfunction after iOS updates, causing frustration for many users. The most effective solutions involve adjusting keyboard settings, resetting the dictionary, or using text replacement shortcuts. For persistent problems—especially after iOS 17 or iOS 18 updates—users may need to disable autocorrect temporarily, redownload language packs, or even repair the iOS system using third-party tools.

Key findings from the sources include:

• Text replacement is the most recommended fix for recurring incorrect corrections (e.g., replacing "abs" with "and") ^[1][8].
• Resetting the keyboard dictionary resolves issues caused by corrupted custom entries or outdated language models ^[5][7][9].
• Disabling autocorrect entirely is a last-resort option for users who find the feature more disruptive than helpful ^[2][4].
• iOS 17 and 18 updates introduced new autocorrect behaviors, including blue underlines for easy reverts and more aggressive corrections ^[4][9].

Fixing iPhone Autocorrect Issues

Adjusting Settings and Text Replacement

The simplest fixes for autocorrect problems involve tweaking keyboard settings or creating custom text replacements. These methods work for recurring incorrect corrections, such as "and" being replaced with "abs" or specialized terms being auto-altered. Users can access these settings without technical expertise, making them the first line of defense.

For persistent word substitutions, text replacement is the most direct solution. This feature allows users to create shortcuts that force the keyboard to use specific phrases. For example:

• Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement ^[8].
• Tap the + (Add) button and enter the phrase (e.g., "and") and the shortcut (e.g., "abs"). This ensures the correct word appears even if autocorrect initially suggests the wrong one ^[1].
• Save the replacement, and the iPhone will prioritize this rule over autocorrect’s default suggestions.

Additional settings adjustments include:

• Turning off autocorrect entirely via Settings > General > Keyboard > Auto-Correction ^[4]. This stops all automatic corrections but requires manual proofreading.
• Enabling predictive text (if disabled) to improve suggestions, found in the same Keyboard settings menu ^[7].
• Using blue underlines in iOS 17+ to revert autocorrect changes by tapping the underlined word ^[4].

These methods are particularly useful for users who experience consistent errors with specific words or phrases. However, they may not resolve systemic issues caused by iOS updates or corrupted keyboard data.

Resetting and System-Level Fixes

When autocorrect fails entirely—such as after an iOS update or due to software glitches—deeper interventions are required. Resetting the keyboard dictionary, redownloading language packs, or repairing the iOS system can restore functionality. These steps are more involved but address root causes rather than symptoms.

The keyboard dictionary reset is the most common advanced fix. This clears all custom words and typing patterns, forcing the iPhone to relearn user habits. To perform this:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset ^[5].
• Select Reset Keyboard Dictionary. Note: This erases all learned words, including slang or names, so users must retrain the keyboard afterward ^[7].

For issues tied to iOS 18 or beta software, additional steps include:

• Redownloading the language pack: Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, tap the language, and select Delete, then reinstall it ^[9].
• Force restarting the iPhone: Press and release the Volume Up button, then Volume Down, and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears ^[5][9].
• Using third-party tools like iMyFone Fixppo or TunesKit iOS System Recovery for persistent glitches. These tools repair iOS without data loss but require a computer ^[5][9].

Users experiencing autocorrect failures after updates should also:

• Check for pending iOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update, as patches often fix keyboard bugs ^[6].
• Remove third-party keyboards temporarily, as they can conflict with Apple’s autocorrect ^[9].

These solutions target systemic issues but may require reconfiguring settings or reinstalling apps. For users uncomfortable with advanced troubleshooting, disabling autocorrect or using text replacement may be preferable.