Contents
How to Automate Typing of Common Phrases on Android
The limitations of just 140 characters in text messaging and Twitter has led to the use of abbreviations for commonly used phrases. While abbreviations like ASAP and LOL are common, some can be confusing. For example, I recently received a DM on Twitter using the abbreviation YMMV, which I had to look up on Google to discover its meaning – Your Mileage May Vary. This made me realize how challenging it would be for my parents to understand my text messages filled with these Net Lingos.
Abbreviations assist us in saving time while texting. iPhone users have an automatic feature that expands these shortcuts in real-time based on their iOS settings. Furthermore, Android users can now also access a similar feature through an app on the Play Store, allowing them to type faster while maintaining coherence.
How to Get Text Expander on Android to Type Faster
The app “Texpand – Text Expander” requires permission to observe and draw over other apps for text replacements. After granting the necessary permissions and turning on the services, you can start adding commonly used phrases.
Tap on the + icon at the bottom-right to add a new phrase. Enter the phrase you want to replace and the expanded text. You can configure options like auto replacement and expanding phrases between words. Enable auto-expander to save time.
Open any app to try out Texpand. The typed phrase will be replaced with the full text when you press the spacebar button. You have an undo button for one-time use.
On iOS, you get basic features. However, Android takes it a step further with dynamic text replacement. For instance, typing “tdate” will automatically generate today’s date. To achieve this, add a new phrase to Texpand and select “show dynamic values.”
Advanced Feature: Dynamic Phrases
You can use dynamic text like date, day, month, year, and the clipboard. This feature is useful for typing emails and formal messages. You can combine these dynamic values with a shortcut for various output variations.
Texpand works with all Android apps and keyboards, including physical ones connected via Bluetooth. The app lets you exclude specific apps like Twitter, where you don’t want to expand certain phrases. This feature makes Texpand useful for everyone. There are also other settings available to explore.
In the free version, you can define up to 10 phrases for expansion. You can make this unlimited by purchasing the pro version for $2.49 to support the developer.
Conclusion
Texpand – Text Expander is a useful app for Android users. Features like backing up app data to SD card, automatically adding space after expansion, and excluding unwanted apps make it better than other Android apps. iOS can learn a thing or two from this app. Try it out and let us know if you find it useful.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.