How do I Use T9 on a Phone?

Use your keys in brand new ways with T9 texting.

Because texting is such a vital function of mobile phones, T9, or predictive texting, uses software to determine what you want to spell as you're spelling it on your 9-figure numeric keypad.

How to Access

Look for T9, Predictive Text, Dictionary or T9 Word in the text messaging menu on your mobile phone. Select the option and begin using T9 every time you type a text message.

Creating Words

Numeric keypads assign three letters or symbols to every number on your mobile device. With T9, you only have to strike the key once and the program will show you what it thinks you're trying to spell as you type. Don't pay attention to the word it displays until you're done entering letters.

Accepting a Word

Use the space key to accept the word T9 offers and move on to the next word. If you don't like the first choice, use the "next" or "scroll" button on your phone to scroll through other possible word choices.

Punctuation

Use the "1" key to type punctuation. T9 will predict whether you need an apostrophe, like in the middle of a word, or a period, if you've reached the end of a word. If the phone gets your punctuation wrong, you can still scroll through options until you've selected the punctuation you want.

Adding Words

T9 has a dictionary vocabulary, but doesn't speak the same lingo as you. It may not recognize slang or proper nouns that you often use, but it can learn. When T9 gets confused by the sequence of letters you type, it will add a question mark or prompt you to "add a word." When you click to add a word, you'll go back to regular ABC texting, which will allow you to spell out the word and save it. T9 will remember the word the next time you try to spell it.

References

• T9: Learn to Use T9