[Fixed!] Spell Check Is Not Working in Excel (4 Solutions)

To explore the fixes, we’ll use the following dataset that represents some clothes’ prices.


Reason 1 – Excel Can’t Check Spell in a Cell That Contains Formula

We have used the VLOOKUP function here to find the price of Hat. We typed Haat and that’s why the formula is not working. Let’s try the spell checker in Excel and see what happens.

Excel Cannot Check Spell in Cell That Contains Formula

Steps:

  • Click Review and go to Spelling.

Excel Cannot Check Spell in Cell That Contains Formula

The spell checker in Excel didn’t find anything since it doesn’t work directly in formulas.

Excel Cannot Check Spell in Cell That Contains Formula

Solution:

  • Double-click the word.
  • Go to Review.
  • Click Spelling.

Excel Cannot Check Spell in Cell That Contains Formula

A dialog box opened and shows the suggestions.

  • Select the right word and press Change.

You will get the corrected word.


Reason 2 – Excel Can’t Apply AutoCorrect for Text in a Dialog Box

We used Conditional Formatting in Excel and then tried to use the Spelling command, but the command doesn’t work when inside a dialog box.

Solution:

  • You will have to correct spelling manually in the dialog box.

Excel Cannot Apply AutoCorrect for Text in a Dialog Box


Reason 3 – The Built-in Dictionary Doesn’t Have the Listed Word

Spell checker always uses a dictionary to correct spells. If you do not turn on a custom dictionary then Excel will be failed to check the spelling. Now let me show you how to turn it on.

Steps:

  • Click on File.

Turn On Custom Dictionary Option If Spell Check Is Not Working in Excel

  • Select Options.

Turn On Custom Dictionary Option If Spell Check Is Not Working in Excel

  • Go to Proofing and choose Custom Dictionaries.

Turn On Custom Dictionary Option If Spell Check Is Not Working in Excel

  • Mark all the options.
  • Press OK.

Read More: How to Turn Off Spell Check in Excel


Reason 4 – The Sheet Is Protected

If the sheet is protected with a password, the spell-checker feature could be disabled to users who didn’t enter it.

Unprotect Sheet If Spell Check Is Not Working in Excel

Solution:

  • Go to Home then to Cells.
  • Choose Format and select Unprotect Sheet.

Unprotect Sheet If Spell Check Is Not Working in Excel

  • Enter the password and press OK.

Unprotect Sheet If Spell Check Is Not Working in Excel

You will enable the Spelling command.


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<< Go Back to Spell Check in Excel | Proofing in Excel | Learn Excel

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Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun
Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun

Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun, an Excel and VBA Content Developer at Softeko's ExcelDemy project, joined in October 2021. Holding a Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering degree from BUET, Mithun showcases expertise during his two-year tenure. With over 200 published articles on Excel topics, he earned a promotion to Team Leader, excelling in leading diverse teams. Mithun's passion extends to Advanced Excel, Excel VBA, Data Analysis, and Python programming, contributing significantly to the innovative and dynamic environment of ExcelDemy... Read Full Bio

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