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How to turn off autocorrect on your Mac computer in 4 steps

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While autocorrect can be useful on your Mac, it can sometimes be a feature that you'd rather turn off. AP

  • You can easily turn off autocorrect on your Mac in a few steps through your System Preferences.
  • By default autocorrect is enabled on a Mac. Your computer will automatically correct the spelling of words that it identifies as misspelled.
  • Though autocorrect may help ensure that documents are free of spelling and grammatical errors, it can also make it difficult to type words and proper nouns that the computer doesn't recognize. 
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For some Mac users, autocorrect is a blessing. 

The feature can help correct grammar and spelling errors, comparing words as you type them to an extensive internal dictionary and then automatically replacing perceived errors with what it deems to be the proper spelling. This ensures that documents are free of typos. 

For others, autocorrect can be the bane of their existence, unnecessarily changing the spelling of proper names, street addresses, or abbreviations to make the text read incorrectly. 

The default setting on a Mac is to have autocorrect enabled, but it's a simple process to disable.  

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How to turn off autocorrect on a Mac computer

1. Select "System Preferences" from the Applications toolbar. If you're having trouble finding it, press "Command" + the space bar on your keyboard to open up "Spotlight Search" and type "System Preferences" into the search bar. 

How to turn off autocorrect on Mac
Type "System Preferences" into the Spotlight Search bar. Kelly Laffey/Business Insider

2. Click "Keyboard."

How to turn off autocorrect on Mac
Select "Keyboard" from the System Preferences menu. Kelly Laffey/Business Insider

3. Click "Text" in the top bar.

4. Deselect "Correct spelling automatically." This will turn off autocorrect.

How to turn off autocorrect on Mac
"Correct spelling automatically" is located in the top-right corner. Deselect the check mark to disable autocorrect. Kelly Laffey/Business Insider
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