Skip to main content

Take back control of your keystrokes: How to disable autocorrect in OS X Yosemite

how to turn off disable autocorrect in mac os x yosemite update desktop users deserve 3
So, you’re typing along on a fresh Mac or a newly re-installed copy of OS X. All of a sudden, the operating system thinks it’s smarter than you, replacing your keystrokes with words it thinks you’re trying to write, when you’re really not. You just want to tell your friend about how you could eat a truckload of Cheetos, not Cheetahs. What the heck, OS X?

Believe us, we’ve been there.

Recommended Videos

Luckily for you, there’s a way to disable autocorrect in OS X Yosemite. With this guide, we’ll show you how.

Keep in mind, however, that this explainer outlines the steps you need to take to pull this off while using Mac OS X Yosemite, Apple’s newest version of its desktop operating system. Therefore, the steps you’d need to perform while using past versions of OS X may vary from version to another. You’ve been warned.

How to turn off autocorrect in Mac OS X Yosemite

Step 1: Open Spotlight by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right-hand corner of your desktop.

Screen Shot 2014-10-30 at 9.15.14 PM

Step 2: Type “keyboard,” and click the first result that appears. This should take you to Yosemite’s Keyboard settings in the system preferences menu.

Screen Shot 2014-10-30 at 9.09.47 PM

Step 3: Click on the “Text” tab at the top of the window, and uncheck the box labeled “Correct spelling automatically.”

Screen Shot 2014-10-30 at 9.11.30 PM

You’re done! There’s no need to hit “OK,” “Apply,” or anything like that. Once you uncheck the box, OS X will no longer try to correct your spelling. You’re free to close the Keyboard menu, and go about your business as usual.

Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
This secret Samsung laptop may merge ChromeOS with DeX
A red Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 sits open on a table.

Samsung might be developing an Exynos-powered hybrid laptop essentially combining the DeX interface with ChromeOS.

Bringing back a codename from an unrealized concept in 2020 — the DeXBook — Samsung is once again rumored to be working on a Chromebook laptop with an integrated DeX interface. Exact details are sparse, except that the laptop is expected to utilize Exynos SoCs based on 5nm or 7nm nodes. Unlike DeX docks currently on sale, the hybrid DeXBook is looking for a more integrated approach.

Read more
How to use iMessage on Windows
how to use imessage windows phonelink03

Apple's iMessage isn't as universal as some of the best messaging applications, but as a default app, it's exceedingly popular, and could be considered one of the best Mac apps. It's an Apple-exclusive app, however, so getting it working somewhere else isn't easy. Fortunately, though, there are some tricks you can use to get iMessage working on Windows. Here's how to do it.

Read more
This macOS concept fixes both the Touch Bar and Dynamic Island
Concept of macOS dynamic dock.

What if your macOS dock behaved more fluidly, dynamically morphing to show background processes such as download progress, media controls, text messages, and so on?

The following concepts demonstrate "what if" macOS and iOS Live Activities got together and had a child, and they have certainly got my imagination going.

Read more