Tired of the iPhone character preview popping up every time you type? You know, the little bubble that shows up over the key you just pressed? Some people find it helpful, but if you’re not one of them, don’t worry – turning it off is a simple process. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a preview-free keyboard in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: Turning Off iPhone Character Preview
Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly talk about what we’re doing. By turning off the character preview, you’ll no longer see the little pop-up above the keys as you type. This can help if you find it distracting or if you’re confident in your typing and don’t need the extra visual confirmation.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. This is the app with the gear icon that you’ll find on your home screen or in your app library.
When you open Settings, you’re diving into the control center for your entire iPhone. This is where you can tweak and tune just about anything on your device, from sounds to wallpapers to privacy settings. But today, we’re focused on the keyboard.
Step 2: Tap on "General"
Scroll down and tap on the "General" option. It’s usually near the top of the list, just below the search bar.
"General" settings are your go-to for all the basic, core functions of your iPhone. This is where you can update your software, manage your device storage, and, of course, adjust your keyboard settings.
Step 3: Select "Keyboard"
In the General settings, scroll down until you find "Keyboard" and select it. This will take you to a menu with all sorts of keyboard-related options.
The "Keyboard" menu is the hub for customizing your typing experience. You can add new keyboards, enable caps lock, and control text replacement, among other things. But today, we’re focusing on one specific feature.
Step 4: Toggle off "Character Preview"
In the Keyboard menu, look for the "Character Preview" option. It may be listed as "Character Pop-up." Toggle the switch next to it to the off position.
Turning off the character preview is as simple as flipping a switch – literally. Once you toggle it off, the change takes effect immediately. No need to restart your phone or anything like that.
After you complete the action, your iPhone keyboard will no longer display the character preview bubbles as you type. This can give your typing experience a cleaner, more streamlined look and feel. Plus, it might even help you type faster since there’s nothing popping up to distract you.
Tips for Managing iPhone Character Preview
- If you change your mind and want the previews back, just follow the steps again and toggle "Character Preview" back on.
- Not sure if you’ll like typing without the previews? Give it a try for a few days to see how it feels. You can always switch it back.
- If you’re having trouble finding certain keys without the previews, consider enabling "Keyboard Clicks" in the Sounds & Haptics settings for auditory feedback.
- Keep in mind that this setting is device-specific, so if you use multiple iOS devices, you’ll need to turn off character previews on each one.
- If you’re teaching someone else how to type on an iPhone, it might be helpful to leave the character preview on until they’re more comfortable with the keyboard layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off character preview affect autocorrect?
No, turning off character preview does not affect autocorrect. The autocorrect functionality will still work the same way, offering suggestions and corrections as you type.
Can I disable character preview on an iPad?
Yes, you can disable character preview on an iPad by following the same steps. The settings are nearly identical on both devices.
Will this setting affect my keyboard in all apps?
Yes, once you turn off character preview, the setting applies to your keyboard no matter what app you’re using.
Is it possible to turn off character preview for specific keys only?
No, the setting is all or nothing. You can either have the preview for all keys or none at all.
If I update my iPhone, will the character preview setting stay off?
Yes, your settings should remain the same after an update. However, it’s always good to check your settings after an update to ensure everything is still configured the way you like it.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on "General."
- Select "Keyboard."
- Toggle off "Character Preview."
Conclusion
Turning off the iPhone character preview is a simple yet effective way to customize your typing experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can disable those little pop-up bubbles in no time, creating a cleaner and potentially faster typing environment. Remember, though, that everyone’s preferences are different, and what works for one person might not work for another. If you find yourself missing the visual cues, you can always flip the switch back on. The beauty of the iPhone is its flexibility, allowing users to tailor the device to their specific needs and habits. So, go ahead and tweak your keyboard settings to your heart’s content. Who knows? You might just discover a new setup that boosts your typing speed or makes texting that much more enjoyable.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.