Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Microsoft Word Marking Correct Words as Incorrect on iPad

John Wilson Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

Microsoft Word on the iPad is incorrectly marking valid English words as spelling errors and occasionally replacing them with nonexistent words.

How to Fix Word Marking Correct English Words as Incorrect on iPad

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Typing and editing English documents using the Microsoft Word app on an iPad Pro.
Observed behavior: Valid English words are underlined with red squiggly lines indicating spelling errors, despite the text being correct and the iPad functioning normally in other apps.

Before you start

Ensure your iPad is connected to the internet, as Microsoft Word may need to download the latest language proofing dictionaries or require an app update from the App Store to resolve the glitch.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Document Language and Proofing Settings

Ensuring the correct regional English variant is selected often resolves false spelling errors caused by mismatched dictionaries.

If the document is mistakenly set to a different language, Word will attempt to spell-check English words against a foreign dictionary. Manually forcing the correct English variant ensures the proper proofing tools are applied.

Open the Document

Launch the Microsoft Word app on your iPad and open the document where the spelling errors are appearing.

Navigate to the Review Tab

Tap on the 'Review' tab located on the top ribbon of the application interface.

Access Proofing Language Settings

Tap the 'Spelling' or 'Proofing' icon, then select 'Proofing Language' from the drop-down menu.

Select the Correct English Variant

Scroll through the list and select the appropriate English regional variant, such as 'English (United States)' or 'English (United Kingdom)'.

Adjust Document Language and Proofing Settings

Tip: Applying this setting to the entire document can quickly clear all false spelling underlines at once.

Solution 2

Temporarily Disable Spell Check and Update Word

If changing the language settings does not work, bypassing the glitch by turning off the spell checker and updating the app is the most effective workaround.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless and Error-Free Typing on iPad

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with spell check glitches on your iPad, WPS Office offers a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface and accurate proofing tools without the subscription hassle.

1. Download the App: Search for WPS Office in the iPad App Store and download it for free.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word document directly.
3. Edit Without Errors: Enjoy accurate spell checking and a smooth typing experience.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) file formats.Accurate, built-in spell check and proofing tools tailored for mobile devices.Free to use with a lightweight app footprint ideal for iPads.Familiar and intuitive user interface for a seamless transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Word app marking every word as misspelled on my iPad?

This usually happens if the document's proofing language is accidentally set to a different language (like French or Spanish), causing all English words to be recognized as errors. It can also result from a glitch in an outdated version of the app.

How do I turn off the red squiggly lines in Word for iPad?

You can hide the red spelling lines by navigating to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon and toggling off the 'Check Spelling' option.

Does the iPad keyboard auto-correct override Word's spell check?

Microsoft Word uses its own built-in proofing tools, which operate independently from the native iPadOS auto-correct settings. You must manage spell check preferences directly within the Word app's 'Review' tab.

Will changing the proofing language fix auto-replace issues?

Yes, matching the proofing language to the text you are typing ensures that Word uses the correct dictionary, which stops it from incorrectly auto-replacing valid English words with irrelevant terms.

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