Text Replacement expands a short shortcut into a longer phrase when you type it followed by a space or punctuation. It is useful for addresses, email addresses, repeated replies, names, and phrases you type constantly.
Text Replacement works across most places the iPhone keyboard appears and can sync through iCloud to your other Apple devices.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want “omw” to become “On my way!” or a short abbreviation to expand into a longer address, signature, or message.
Create a Text Replacement Shortcut
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Keyboard.
- Tap Text Replacement.
- Tap the plus button.
- Enter the full text in Phrase.
- Enter the short trigger in Shortcut.
- Tap Save.
Type the shortcut in Messages, Mail, Notes, or another text field, then press space or punctuation to expand it.
Edit or Delete a Shortcut
- Return to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.
- Tap an entry to edit its phrase or shortcut.
- Swipe left on an entry and tap Delete, or use Edit and the red minus button.
Text Replacement Notes
iCloud Sync
If iCloud syncing for text replacements is enabled, shortcuts can appear on your iPad and Mac signed into the same Apple account.
Choose Unusual Triggers
Use shortcuts that are not real words, such as “myadr,” so they do not expand accidentally during normal typing.
Undo One Expansion
If a shortcut expands when you did not want it, tap the small rejection option that briefly appears after expansion.
Different from Autocorrect
Text Replacement expands exact shortcuts you created. Autocorrect guesses at general spelling and typing fixes. They can be used together or separately.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Text Replacement on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use predictive text on iPhone
- Apple Support: Keep information up to date across Apple devices