Facebook’s predictive text feature suggests words and phrases as you type posts, comments, and messages. This can help you type faster and more accurately on mobile devices. Here’s how to find and use predictive text on Facebook.
What is Predictive Text?
Predictive text, also known as auto-complete or suggestions, is technology that predicts words or phrases you may want to type next. It’s based on the first letters you type, your past typing history, and context.
As you start typing a word, predictive text offers suggestions above the keyboard. You can tap a suggestion to insert it into your text. This saves you time typing out full words and phrases.
Where Does Facebook Offer Predictive Text?
Facebook’s predictive text feature is available in several places when you’re typing on mobile:
- Writing a post or comment
- Messaging in Facebook Messenger
- Typing a caption for a photo or video
- Adding a location, business name, or friend’s name
- Searching for something or someone on Facebook
It works the same across Facebook mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. The suggestions appear above the keyboard as you type.
How to Find Predictive Text on Facebook
Here are the steps to view and use predictive text while typing on Facebook mobile:
- Tap in any text field to bring up the mobile keyboard
- Start typing a word or phrase
- Suggestions will appear above the keyboard after typing a letter or two
- Tap a suggestion to insert it, or keep typing to see more predictions
- Predictions improve the more you type as Facebook learns your style
For example, if you type “How is the…” Facebook may suggest “weather” or “family” to complete your question based on your past posts.
How Does Facebook Generate Predictions?
Facebook’s predictive text feature is powered by artificial intelligence software. It considers several factors to generate intelligent predictions:
- The first letters you type in a word or phrase
- Your own recent and frequent phrases on Facebook
- Trending and common phrases used by others on Facebook
- Context of what you’re typing based on AI understanding
- Your Facebook language settings
- Personalization over time as Facebook learns your unique style
This means the suggestions tend to get smarter and more personalized to you the more you use them.
Tips for Using Predictive Text on Facebook
Here are some tips to get the most out of predictive text:
- Keep an eye on the suggestions bar as you type
- Tap a prediction instead of typing full words whenever possible
- Pay attention to highlighted predictions which indicate Facebook strongly believes it’s accurate
- Adjust your typing style if predictions seem off-base
- Personalize predictions by using common phrases unique to you
- Tap the “X” to delete inappropriate or unwanted predictions
- Turn off predictive text in Facebook Settings if unwanted or inaccurate
With practice, you’ll get faster at composing messages and posts using predictions.
How to Turn Off Predictive Text
If you prefer not to use predictions, you can disable the feature:
- Open Facebook app Settings
- Tap “Language and Input”
- Tap “Prediction and Text Replacement”
- Toggle off “Use text prediction” option
This will stop suggestions from appearing as you type. You can toggle it back on anytime to re-enable predictions.
Limitations of Facebook’s Predictive Text
Facebook’s predictions aren’t perfect. Here are some common limitations:
- May suggest unwanted or nonsensical phrases
- Limited by your own vocabulary and posting history
- Trouble predicting names or uncommon words
- Not contextual enough, focuses on individual words
- Learning curve to use predictions efficiently
- Only available on mobile, not desktop
The technology and AI training is continually improving. But you may still need to manually type some words that trip up the predictions.
Third-Party Keyboards
You can use third-party keyboard apps alongside the default Facebook keyboard. Many offer enhanced predictive text features:
- SwiftKey – top predictions with emoji and flow typing
- Google Gboard – glide typing and multi-language support
- Grammarly – checks grammar and enhances predictions
- Fleksy – customizable themes and GIF predictions
- Typewise – unique layout for two-thumb typing
These keyboards work seamlessly when typing on Facebook. Try a few to see if you prefer them over the default predictions.
The Future of Predictive Text
Predictive text technology will likely improve over time with advances in artificial intelligence. Here are some possible enhancements:
- More personalized and contextual predictions
- Integration with voice assistants for hands-free typing
- Faster and more accurate next word predictions
- Ability to predict full sentences or paragraphs
- Translation into different languages on the fly
- Customizable predictions based on user preferences
For now, take advantage of the current capabilities to speed up typing on Facebook mobile. Adapt your style to leverage the predictions and your posts will be completed in no time.
Conclusion
Facebook’s predictive text can save you time and effort typing long messages or posts on mobile. Look for the word or phrase suggestions above the keyboard as you type. Tap them to quickly insert predicted text based on your history and context. With practice, you’ll get the hang of incorporating predictions into your typing flow. Turn off the feature in Settings if you find it distracting or inaccurate. And try third-party keyboards if you want enhanced predictions.