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Test@Up
User level: Level 1 (14 points)

macOS autocorrect repeatedly capitalizes after abbreviations despite manually instructing it not to

I'm running OS 26.7.2, but the issue has been around for a while and is either getting worse or just irritating me more and more. The issue is that autocorrect will make a correction that does not need correcting despite being told not to make the autocorrection (e.g., capitalizing the first letter after a period that's used in an abbreviation, not to end a sentence). The autocorrect to capitalize pops up, I check the "x" to prevent the correction, then proceed with a space, and the autocorrect capitalizes anyway. I'll go back and right click to "change back..." and proceed with a space, and auto correct capitalizes again anyway. It often takes THREE tries for me to get what I want. I don't really want to turn autocorrect off, but it's looking like I'll have to, if there's no fix. I haven't changed yet to OS 27 because of compatibility worries.

Posted on Nov 9, 2026 8:15 PM

2 replies

Owl-53
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)

Nov 10, 2026 3:09 AM in response to Test@Up

Troubleshooting macOS Autocorrect and Unwanted Capitalization


The behaviour you are describing is frustrating, particularly because macOS appears to disregard your explicit rejection of a correction. You should not have to correct the same word three times.


Rather than disabling autocorrect or upgrading to macOS 27, I would troubleshoot this systematically. Several separate macOS text-handling features could be responsible.


1. Check Automatic Capitalization Separately from Autocorrect


Start here. macOS treats spelling correction and automatic capitalization as separate functions.


  1. Open Apple menu  > System Settings > Keyboard.
  2. Under Text Input, click Edit.
  3. Locate these settings:


  • Correct spelling automatically
  • Capitalize words automatically
  • Show inline predictive text


Recommended test:

  • Turn OFF Capitalize words automatically.
  • Leave Correct spelling automatically ON.
  • Click Done.


This should preserve ordinary spelling corrections while preventing macOS from automatically capitalizing what it interprets as the beginning of a sentence.


Test with examples such as:

  • e.g. this is an example
  • i.e. this is another example
  • etc. and so on


If the problem disappears, you've likely identified the culprit without sacrificing autocorrect.


Apple reference: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mchlp2299/mac


2. Determine Whether the Problem Is Application-Specific


TextEdit has its own spelling and grammar controls, so do not assume that changing the general macOS Keyboard settings necessarily controls everything in TextEdit.


  1. Open TextEdit and create a new document.
  2. From the menu bar, select Edit > Substitutions and check the available text-related settings.
  3. Also check Edit > Spelling and Grammar.
  4. Temporarily disable Correct Spelling Automatically in TextEdit and test your abbreviations.
  5. Repeat the same test in another application where the problem occurs.


If the problem disappears in TextEdit when its automatic spelling correction is disabled, that suggests TextEdit's own settings are involved. If it persists across applications, investigate the general macOS Keyboard settings instead.


Apple reference: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/textedit/welcome/mac


3. Try Another Way to Reject an Unwanted Correction


When an unwanted suggestion appears, try pressing Escape (Esc) rather than clicking the X.


If the correction has already been applied, Control-click the corrected word and select the option to restore the original spelling, if available.


Since you've already tried rejecting corrections and using Change Back, this may not solve the underlying problem, but it is worth testing.


Apple reference: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mchlp2299/mac


4. Check Text Replacements


Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements.


Look for custom entries involving abbreviations or frequently used phrases. Remove any unintended or outdated replacements.


Text replacements operate separately from ordinary spelling correction.


Apple reference: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mh35735/mac


5. Check for macOS Updates Before Considering an Upgrade


Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.


Check for available updates to your existing macOS 26 installation.


I recommend installing applicable updates after backing up your Mac. However, I wouldn't recommend upgrading to macOS 27 solely to address this issue, especially given your application-compatibility concerns.


Apple reference: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108382


6. If the Problem Persists


Three questions will help narrow down the cause:


  1. Does this happen in every application or only certain ones?
  2. Does turning off Capitalize words automatically eliminate the problem?
  3. Does it happen with all abbreviations or only particular ones?


If none of these steps works, contact Apple Support and explain that capitalization is being reapplied even after explicitly rejecting the correction. Provide your macOS version, affected applications, and examples that reproduce the issue.


Apple Support: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/contact


HWTech
User level: Level 9 (78,350 points)

Nov 10, 2026 8:48 AM in response to Test@Up

Keep in mind that macOS has a central location for configuring system wide auto correct settings, but each individual app may include their own specific auto correct settings as well. You need to make sure both are modified to your wishes.


As for Text Edit.....if you modify the Text Edit auto correct settings, then you must close any open document windows & re-open them before the new changes will take effect (crazy & not intuitive). Other Apple apps may behave this way as well, but I don't use any others.


@Owl-53 explains where to find the main system wide auto correct options in the Keyboard System Settings.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256391714