Spell Check Not Working in Google Docs? Fix It

If spell check has stopped working in Google Docs, the fix is usually a quick settings toggle or a browser issue, not a problem with your document. Start by checking Tools > Spelling > Underline errors to ensure it’s enabled, then verify that your browser’s built-in spell checker isn’t conflicting with Google Docs’ own tool. This guide walks through every common cause and the exact steps to restore spell check on both desktop and mobile.

Why Google Docs Spell Check Stops Working

Google Docs relies on its own spell-checking engine, which runs in your browser. When it stops working, the cause is usually one of four things:

• Underline errors is turned off – the setting that shows red squiggly lines is disabled.
• Browser spell check is interfering – Chrome, Firefox, or Edge have their own spell checkers that can override or conflict with Google Docs.
• Wrong language is selected – the document’s language doesn’t match the text you’re typing.
• Browser extensions or cache – an extension or corrupted cached data can break the feature.

How to Turn On Spell Check in Google Docs

The most direct fix is to check the underline setting. Here’s how:

1. Open your document in Google Docs.
2. Click Tools in the top menu.
3. Hover over Spelling.
4. Make sure Underline errors has a checkmark next to it. If not, click it to enable.

Once enabled, misspelled words will show a red squiggly line. If you still don’t see it, move on to the browser settings below.

Check Your Browser’s Spell Check Settings

Google Docs works inside your browser, and the browser’s own spell checker can interfere. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox each have a native spell checker that may either mask or duplicate Google’s underlines. To fix this:

• Chrome: Go to Settings > Languages, and turn on “Spell check” (or toggle it off if you want Google Docs to handle everything).
• Firefox: Go to Settings > General, scroll to “Language and Appearance,” and check “Check your spelling as you type.”
• Edge: Go to Settings > Languages, and enable “Spell check.”

If both the browser and Google Docs are trying to check spelling, you might see double underlines or none at all. Try turning off the browser’s spell check and rely solely on Google Docs, or vice versa, to see which works.

Set the Correct Language for Your Document

Spell check only works if the document’s language matches the text. For example, if you’re typing in English but the document is set to French, every word will be flagged or nothing will be underlined. To change the language:

1. Click File > Language.
2. Select the language you’re writing in (e.g., English (US), English (UK), etc.).
3. Click OK.

You can also set a default language for all new documents by going to File > Language > Set default language.

Clear Cache and Disable Extensions

If the above steps don’t work, a browser extension or cached data might be the culprit. Extensions like Grammarly or other writing tools can conflict with Google Docs’ spell checker. To troubleshoot:

• Disable extensions one by one – go to your browser’s extension manager and turn off any that might affect text editing, then test spell check.
• Clear your browser cache – in Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data, and clear cached images and files.
• Try incognito mode – if spell check works in an incognito window, an extension is the likely cause.

Spell Check on the Google Docs Mobile App

On the Android or iOS app, spell check is controlled by your device’s keyboard, not by Google Docs itself. If you’re not seeing red underlines on mobile:

• Make sure your keyboard’s spell check is enabled (e.g., in Gboard, go to Settings > Text correction > Spell check).
• In Google Docs, tap the pencil icon to edit, then look for the “A” with lines icon to access text formatting – there’s no separate spell check toggle in the app.

The desktop version has the full spell check feature; the mobile app relies on your phone’s keyboard for suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is spell check not working in one specific document?

If spell check works in other documents but not this one, check the document’s language setting. It might be set to a language that doesn’t match your text. Also, check if the document is in “Suggesting” mode (click the pencil icon and switch to “Editing”) – spell check underlines don’t show in suggesting mode.

How do I add a word to the Google Docs dictionary?

Right-click on the underlined word and select “Add to dictionary.” The word will no longer be flagged. You can manage your personal dictionary by going to Tools > Spelling > Personal dictionary.

Does Google Docs have a grammar checker?

Yes, Google Docs has a basic grammar checker that works alongside spell check. To enable it, go to Tools > Spelling > Grammar suggestions. It underlines grammar issues in blue. It’s not as advanced as dedicated tools, but it catches common mistakes.

Why does spell check underline everything in a different language?

This happens when the document language is set to one language but you’re typing in another. For example, if the document is in Spanish and you type English, every word will be flagged. Change the language via File > Language to match your text.

Can I run a spell check manually without waiting for underlines?

Yes. Go to Tools > Spelling > Spell check. This opens a panel that walks through each error one by one, letting you accept or ignore suggestions. This is useful if underlines aren’t showing but you still want to check the document.

Related

• Reset Computer Without Password: Full Guide
• Find Your MacBook IP Address: 3 Fast Ways
• Share Recently Played Music on iOS 10