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

By Konrad Krawczyk November 2, 2014

how to turn off disable autocorrect in mac os x yosemite update desktop users deserve 3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

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 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

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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…

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