Spell check is usually turned on by default, but where you find it depends on which program you're using

Most writing programs check your spelling as you type — you'll see red squiggly lines under misspelled words. If you don't see those lines, spell check may be off, or the program stores the setting in a different place than you expect. The location varies between Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and web browsers, so this guide walks you through each one.

The good news: you don't need to hunt for a button every time. Once you turn spell check on, it usually stays on. The bad news: the setting can turn itself off after an update, or you might have accidentally disabled it without realizing.

Key Takeaways

  • Spell check runs automatically in Word, Google Docs, and most other programs, but you need to turn it on if you see no red underlines.
  • In Microsoft Word on Windows, go to File > Options > Proofing and check the box next to "Check spelling as you type".
  • In Google Docs, spell check is always on, but you can run a manual check by pressing Ctrl+Alt+X (Windows) or Cmd+Option+X (Mac).
  • If spell check is off in your browser, you may need to enable it in your browser settings or install a spell-check extension.
  • Some programs let you add words to a custom dictionary so they won't be flagged as errors in the future.

Spell check in Microsoft Word

In Word, spell check runs in the background by default. If you're not seeing red squiggly lines under misspelled words, the feature is likely off. To turn it back on, click File in the top left, then select Options at the bottom of the menu. A window will open.

In the Options window, click Proofing on the left side. Look for a section called "When correcting spelling and grammar in Word". Check the box next to Check spelling as you type. You'll also see options to check grammar, which is separate from spell check. Click OK when you're done.

On a Mac, the path is slightly different. Open Word, click Word in the top menu bar, then Preferences. Click Spelling and Grammar, then check the box next to Check spelling as you type. Close the window to save.

If you want to manually check a document you've already written, press Ctrl+A to select all text, then go to Review at the top and click Spelling & Grammar. Word will walk through each flagged word one at a time.

Spell check in Google Docs

Google Docs has spell check turned on all the time — you can't turn it off. If you're not seeing red underlines, it usually means the word is in Google's dictionary or you're using a language setting that doesn't match your document.

To run a manual spell check, press Ctrl+Alt+X on Windows or Cmd+Option+X on Mac. A panel will open on the right side showing any flagged words. Click on a word to see suggestions, or click Ignore if you want to keep it as is.

You can also add words to your personal dictionary so they won't be flagged again. Right-click a red-underlined word and select Add to dictionary. This is useful for names, technical terms, or words in other languages that you use regularly.

Spell check in Apple Pages

Pages checks spelling as you type by default. If you don't see red underlines, go to Edit in the top menu bar and look for Spelling and Grammar. Click it, then select Check Document Now. A window will show any flagged words.

To turn automatic spell check back on, go to Pages (top left) > Preferences, then click the Authoring and Editing Tools tab. Check the box next to Check spelling as you type. You can also choose which language dictionary to use here.

Spell check in web browsers

Most browsers have built-in spell check for text boxes and forms. In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, spell check is on by default. If you're typing in a text box on a website and not seeing red underlines, the website may have disabled spell check for that specific box.

To check your browser's spell check setting in Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, go to Settings, then Languages. Make sure your language is listed. If spell check still isn't working, try installing a browser extension like Grammarly or LanguageTool, which add spell-check features to any website.

In Firefox, go to Settings > General and scroll down to "Browsing". Check the box next to Check my spelling as I type. In Safari on Mac, go to Safari > Preferences > Tabs and make sure Enable spell checking is checked.

Why spell check might be off or not working

Spell check can turn off after a software update, especially if you had customized your settings. It can also be disabled by your organization if you're using a work computer — your IT department may have turned it off for security or compliance reasons.

Sometimes spell check appears to be off when it's actually on, but the language setting is wrong. If you're writing in English but your spell-check language is set to French, English words will be flagged as errors. Check your language settings in your program's preferences to make sure it matches the language you're writing in.

If you've added a lot of words to your custom dictionary over time, spell check may seem less useful because fewer words are flagged. You can usually clear your custom dictionary in the program's settings if you want to start fresh.

Adding words to your dictionary so they won't be flagged

When spell check flags a word you use regularly — like a name, brand, or technical term — you can add it to your personal dictionary. In Word, right-click the underlined word and select Add to Dictionary. In Google Docs, right-click and select Add to dictionary. In Pages, right-click and select Learn Spelling.

Once you add a word, it won't be flagged as an error in any document you write in that program, on that device. If you switch to a different computer or reinstall the program, your custom dictionary may not transfer over, so you might need to add words again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does spell check flag words I know are correct?

Spell check uses a dictionary, and some words — especially names, slang, or technical terms — aren't in that dictionary. Right-click the word and select "Add to dictionary" so it won't be flagged again. You can also change your language setting if you're writing in a language other than the one your program is set to.

Can I turn off spell check if it's annoying me?

Yes, but it's usually not worth it. In Word, go to File > Options > Proofing and uncheck "Check spelling as you type". In Google Docs, you can't turn it off completely, but you can ignore individual words. In most browsers, you can disable it in settings, though most people find it more helpful than annoying.

Does spell check catch grammar mistakes?

Spell check only catches misspelled words, not grammar. Some programs like Word and Google Docs have a separate grammar checker that flags things like run-on sentences or subject-verb disagreement. Grammar check is usually off by default and needs to be turned on separately in your settings.

What's the difference between spell check and grammar check?

Spell check looks for words that are spelled wrong. Grammar check looks for sentence structure problems, like missing punctuation or incorrect verb tense. They're separate tools, and you can turn one on without the other.

If I add a word to my dictionary, will it sync across my devices?

In Google Docs, your dictionary syncs automatically across all devices where you're signed into your Google account. In Word and Pages, your custom dictionary usually stays on just that device and that program. If you reinstall the program or switch computers, you may need to add words again.