How to Add Custom Text Shortcuts to Android
Open the Settings app., Scroll to the third group of options and tap Language & Input., Select Keyboard., Scroll to Text Shortcuts and tap it. , Select Add in the top right corner of the screen. , Type in a shortcut., Type in an expanded phrase...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Open the Settings app.
It's the blue-grey cog icon in your App Drawer (the three-by-three grid of dots on one of your Home screens). -
Step 2: Scroll to the third group of options and tap Language & Input.
This should be in the orange-colored group of options. , It's in the "Keyboard and Input Preferences" section of the Language & Input menu.
If you're using a Samsung device, this option will say "Samsung Keyboard" instead. ,,, To do this, you'll first have to select the "Shortcut" field in the shortcut pop-up window.
For example, you might type "ily" as a shortcut for "I love you" here. , You'll do this below the shortcut text.
When you type out the shortcut text, your expanded phrase text will automatically display as a suggestion above your keyboard.
For example, you'd type "I love you" here if you typed "ily" above. , Doing so will add this shortcut to your Android's keyboard.
The next time you type your shortcut into a text box (e.g., a texting app), you'll see the expanded text pop up as an option.
To add your shortcut's expanded text to a conversation, simply tap it. -
Step 3: Select Keyboard.
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Step 4: Scroll to Text Shortcuts and tap it.
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Step 5: Select Add in the top right corner of the screen.
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Step 6: Type in a shortcut.
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Step 7: Type in an expanded phrase.
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Step 8: Tap Add again.
Detailed Guide
It's the blue-grey cog icon in your App Drawer (the three-by-three grid of dots on one of your Home screens).
This should be in the orange-colored group of options. , It's in the "Keyboard and Input Preferences" section of the Language & Input menu.
If you're using a Samsung device, this option will say "Samsung Keyboard" instead. ,,, To do this, you'll first have to select the "Shortcut" field in the shortcut pop-up window.
For example, you might type "ily" as a shortcut for "I love you" here. , You'll do this below the shortcut text.
When you type out the shortcut text, your expanded phrase text will automatically display as a suggestion above your keyboard.
For example, you'd type "I love you" here if you typed "ily" above. , Doing so will add this shortcut to your Android's keyboard.
The next time you type your shortcut into a text box (e.g., a texting app), you'll see the expanded text pop up as an option.
To add your shortcut's expanded text to a conversation, simply tap it.
About the Author
Andrea Jordan
Creates helpful guides on practical skills to inspire and educate readers.
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