Disabling Smart Tags in Microsoft Word

When you type an address, phone number or financial symbol in Microsoft Word, it will label your text with a Smart Tag.

The text will have a light red dotted line below it. If you hold your mouse over the text, a small box with an “i” in it appears.

When you click on the Smart Tag, you’re presented with a number of options. For example, if you enter a stock symbol, you can find recent stock quotes via the internet.

Many people find Smart Tags annoying. They can get in the way of your work. Fortunately, you can turn them off individual Smart Tags. Or, you can disable Smart Tags entirely.

To turn off an individual Smart Tag, follow these steps:

1. Hold your mouse over the text

2. When the Smart Tag button appears, click it

3. Click Remove this Smart Tag

4. To remove all instances in your document, click Stop recognizing…>>as Smart Tag


To disable Smart Tags altogether, follow these steps:

1. Click Tools

2. Select AutoCorrect Options

3. Open the Smart Tags tab

4. Deselect Label text with Smart Tags

5. Deselect Show Smart Tag Action Buttons

6. Click OK