How to Set up TextExpander for iPhone & iPad

Overview

TextExpander for iPhone & iPad lets you use your Snippets in any app where you type. After you install TextExpander from the App Store, sign in to your account, add the TextExpander keyboard, and allow Full Access so your Snippets can expand.

Note: TextExpander for iPhone & iPad requires iOS 18 or later and a TextExpander account. If you don’t have an account, sign up for free at textexpander.com.

Install TextExpander from the App Store

Install TextExpander for iPhone & iPad straight from the App Store, or follow the steps below:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for TextExpander.
3. Tap Get or the download icon.
4. Open TextExpander once the download is complete.

Sign In to TextExpander

1. Open the TextExpander app.
2. Sign in with your TextExpander account.
   • If your Organization uses single sign-on (SSO), choose the SSO option and follow your Organization’s sign-in steps.
   • If you don’t have a TextExpander account yet, create one at textexpander.com, then return to the app and sign in.

Add the TextExpander Keyboard

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Go to General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
3. Tap Add New Keyboard.
4. Select TextExpander.
5. Tap TextExpander in your keyboard list.
6. Turn on Allow Full Access.
7. Tap Allow to confirm.

Important: Full Access lets TextExpander read your signed-in Snippet library and expand Snippets from the keyboard. Turn it on and your Snippets expand as you type. Leave it off and the keyboard still types normally, though your Snippets wait to expand until you enable it.

Switch to the TextExpander Keyboard

1. Open any app where you can type, such as Messages, Mail, Slack, or Notes.
2. Tap in a text field to show the keyboard.
3. Tap the globe key or keyboard switcher until the TextExpander keyboard appears.
4. Type one of your abbreviations to expand a Snippet.

Try Your Snippets

Once the TextExpander keyboard is selected, you can:

• Type an abbreviation to expand a Snippet
• Tap a matching Snippet in the suggestion strip
• Search for Snippets from the keyboard
• Use fill-ins and complete the fields before the final text expands
• Swipe to type regular words
• Search emojis from the emoji keyboard

Make TextExpander Easier to Access

If you use TextExpander often on iPhone or iPad, keep it near the bottom of your keyboard list.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
3. Tap Edit.
4. Drag TextExpander lower in the list.
5. Tap Done.

You can also switch keyboards at any time with the globe key.

Troubleshooting

My Snippets Aren’t Expanding

Try these steps:

1. Make sure you’re using the TextExpander keyboard.
2. Confirm Allow Full Access is turned on: Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > TextExpander.
3. Open the TextExpander app and make sure you’re signed in.
4. Give your Snippets a moment to finish loading.
5. Try expanding a simple plain-text Snippet.

I Don’t See the TextExpander Keyboard

If TextExpander doesn’t appear as a keyboard option:

1. Confirm the TextExpander app is installed.
2. Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
3. Tap Add New Keyboard and select TextExpander.
4. If you still don’t see it, restart your device and try again.

Additional details

If TextExpander still isn’t working as expected, send a problem report from the app so our team can review your logs.

1. Open the TextExpander app.
2. Go to Help.
3. Choose Report a Problem.
4. An email to TextExpander Support will open. Describe what happened and send the report.

Include the app you were typing in, what you expected to happen, and the abbreviation or Snippet you tried to use.