We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Spell Check won't work

  • 6 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by WestEnd

more options

Hello

The spell check doesn't work anymore in Firefox, so I have followed the advice on line and have upgraded to version 57, added the Eng Dictionary and checked the settings in about:config and changed the value of default spell check to 2 for single and multi line text boxes, but still my spell checker doesn't work, so I wonder if you could please suggest something else to fix this. Thank you.

Elizabeth

Hello The spell check doesn't work anymore in Firefox, so I have followed the advice on line and have upgraded to version 57, added the Eng Dictionary and checked the settings in about:config and changed the value of default spell check to 2 for single and multi line text boxes, but still my spell checker doesn't work, so I wonder if you could please suggest something else to fix this. Thank you. Elizabeth

All Replies (6)

more options

Hello I also have the issue I had once before where I don't have grab handles on the edge of the browser to resize the screen. I think when I had this before I was advised to install another lower / different version of FF.

more options

Do you have a dictionary installed and selected?

You can see which dictionary is selected if you right-click in a text area and open the Languages sub menu. At least one dictionary should be installed and have a check mark to indicate that it is selected.

  • open the "Add Dictionaries" link to install a dictionary if you do not have one.

The spelling checker is enabled if [X] "Check Spelling" in the right-click context menu has a checkmark.

You can enable or disable spell checking globally:

  • Options/Preferences -> General: Browsing: "Check my spelling as I type"

You can look here for dictionaries:

Make sure to choose a dictionary and not a language pack.

more options

Hello

Thank you for your reply, but I can't even do the first thing to right click on a text area, I have tried in the search of google, and in a few other text areas, but I don't get a sub menu that mentions languages. I have attached a screen shot when I right click in this text box. That said I have added an Eng language and have already checked the Spell as I type is checked, but still no spell checker. Thanks Elizabeth

more options

The language menu gets hidden when the website disables the builtin Firefox spell checker via a spellcheck="false" attribute on that text area, but that shouldn't happen with this website.

Do you have the Firefox en-GB version? Do you see the dictionary in "Add-ons -> Dictionaries" as enabled?


For your other question:

If you can't resize the screen then the Firefox window might be maximized or you run Firefox in Tablet mode and not in Desktop mode.

more options

Hello

Yes I can see the Eng GB Add in.

Elizabeth

more options

Here's my spelling check screen for the EN US version looks like.