This guide will show you how to add custom text shortcuts to Android, allowing you to type a short combination of letters and have it automatically expand into a full phrase or sentence.
How to add custom text shortcuts on Android
Follow these steps to create new text shortcuts on your Android device.
Method 1: Using Android Oreo
- Open the Settings app. This is the blue-grey cog icon found in your App Drawer. You can also swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the cog icon.
- Scroll to the third group of options and tap Language & input. On some phones, you may need to tap System to access the Language & input menu.
- Select Personal dictionary. It’s the third option in the Language & input section.
- Select +. It’s in the top right corner of the screen.
- Type a word or phrase. Tap the line at the top and type the word or phrase you want to create a shortcut for (e.g., “I love you”).
- Type a shortcut. Tap the line labeled “Optional shortcut” and then type the shortcut you want to use for the phrase you typed (e.g., “ily” for “I love you”). This adds the shortcut to the keyboard.
Method 2: Using Samsung Galaxy
- Open the Settings app. This is the icon that resembles a cog in the App Drawer. You can also swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the cog icon.
- Scroll down and tap General management. It’s near the bottom of the Settings menu, next to an icon resembling slider bars.
- Tap Language and input. It’s the first option at the top of the General management menu.
- Tap On-screen keyboard. It’s the first option under the “Keyboards” header.
- Tap Samsung Keyboard. This is the default keyboard for Samsung Galaxy devices.
- If you are using a different keyboard: The menu options will vary.
- Tap Smart typing. It’s the second option in the Samsung Keyboard menu.
- Tap Text shortcuts. It’s the third option in the Smart typing menu.
- If this option is grayed out: Tap the toggle switch next to “Predictive text” to turn on predictive text.
- Tap Add. It’s in the upper-right corner of the Text shortcuts menu, displaying a pop-up to add a shortcut.
- Type a shortcut. Tap the line that says “Shortcut” and type a shortcut you want to use for a word or phrase (e.g., “ily”).
- Type a phrase. Tap the line that says “Expanded phrase” and type the full word or phrase for your shortcut.
- Tap Add. It’s in the lower-right corner of the Add shortcut pop-up.
Why this matters
Creating custom text shortcuts significantly enhances your typing efficiency on Android devices. Instead of repeatedly typing long phrases or sentences, you can use a short, memorable combination of letters to instantly insert frequently used text.
This feature is particularly useful for common responses, email addresses, or even complex technical terms, saving you valuable time and reducing the effort required for daily communication. It streamlines your typing experience, making your Android device even more productive and user-friendly.
