Watch CBS News

Can't type "i" on your iPhone? How to fix the iOS 11.1 autocorrect bug

iPhone's "i" bug
How to fix your iPhone's "i" bug 01:28

Editor's note: Apple rolled out an update to fix this bug on Nov. 9. Read more on CNET.


An innocuous yet very annoying bug is affecting some users who have updated to iOS 11.1, which landed last week with hundreds of new emojis in tow. It happens when typing the letter "i." Instead of auto-correcting to a capital, it's instead replaced with the letter "A" and a unicode symbol.

This bug is persistent throughout several different apps but, oddly, not everyone using iOS 11.1 is affected. For those who are, Apple has provided a temporary workaround until a software patch can be issued.

The workaround makes use of the Text Replacement feature built into iOS. You need to create a text replacement that automatically changes a lone lowercase "i" to a capital, effectively overriding the bug.

To create a new text replacement, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Next, click on the plus sign in the top right corner. Beside Phrase, type "I," and beside Shortcut, type "i." Tap Save in the top right.

iphone-text-replacement.jpg
Use the iPhone's Text Replacement function to correct the "i" bug. iStockphoto/CBS News

Now when you type "i" and hit space, it should automatically correct itself to "I."

This article originally appeared on CNET.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.