User level: Level 2 (440 points)If I say the word "unscrewed" to Apple dictation (i.e. I unscrewed the lightbulb), Dictation is replacing the "un" with a coworkers name that doesn't really sound like "un". The problem is this "[name} screwed ..." is not appropriate in a professional setting.
This is unacceptable behavior, how do I stop it?
Posted on Sep 26, 2026 10:08 PM
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Sep 27, 2026 2:17 AM in response to Bobby T
Curious.
Assuming that your verbal pronunciation when refined does not improve recognition, you might consider resetting the iPad Keyboard Dictionary - which may have some impact upon dictation and word substitutions.
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary
Otherwise, you should seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.
Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:
User level: Level 6 (8,142 points)Sep 27, 2026 3:00 AM in response to Bobby T
There have been a couple of other posts recently that devices are prioritizing names in Contacts over similar sounding words (e.g. Howes instead of House). I don't know if yours is related but you should give feedback to let Apple know it's happening. The more people who report it the more likely Apple are to fix it.
This post
iPhone Dictation / Siri prioritising cont… - Apple Community
recommends turning off "Learn from this App" in Siri settings.
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Sep 27, 2026 2:38 AM in response to Bobby T
Additional...
Whilst not necessarily a bug, for unexpected feature behaviour, it might be worth submitting a bug report to Apple via its Product Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:
If submitting a Bug Report, ensure that you include details of your iPad model and installed version of iPadOS within the body-text of your report - along with a full description of the problem.
User level: Level 2 (440 points)Sep 27, 2026 4:26 PM in response to Bobby T
The irony is in testing it shows the correct word then swaps out for the “correction” instantly. I tested it repeatedly and it consistently did the swap after first registering “unscrew” properly. I’ve been known to talk fast, but even slow & enunciated it favors the replacement.
At the time i was able to edit the SMS as the receiver also used Messages. Weather they saw the original i don’t know..
“Unscrewing the face is the hardest part.” being replaced might have been laughable if it hadn’t have been a work related text with a coworkers name.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256365768