Many users rely on Grammarly to improve their writing by checking grammar, spelling, and style. However, there are situations when you might want to disable Grammarly temporarily or permanently. Common reasons include privacy concerns, performance issues, or simply preferring another editing tool.
For example, if you’re working with sensitive information, you may worry about Grammarly collecting your data. Disabling it can help protect your privacy and keep confidential content secure. On the other hand, if Grammarly slows down your computer or causes conflicts with other applications, disabling it can improve your device’s performance.
Additionally, some users prefer manual editing or want to use alternative tools that better suit their writing style. Disabling Grammarly allows you to switch to your preferred method without interference. Whether for privacy, speed, or personal preference, understanding how to disable Grammarly can give you more control over your writing environment.
In the following sections, we will guide you step by step through disabling Grammarly across different platforms and devices. This way, you can choose the option that best fits your situation, whether on your computer, browser, or mobile device.
Disabling Grammarly on Chrome Browser Step-by-Step
If you use Grammarly as a browser extension on Google Chrome, you might want to disable it temporarily or permanently. Disabling Grammarly can help troubleshoot writing issues or prevent it from interfering with specific websites. This guide walks you through the simple steps to turn off Grammarly within Chrome.
- Open Google Chrome on your computer. Make sure you are signed in to your account if needed, and have your Chrome browser open to the homepage or any webpage.
- Access the extensions menu. Look for the puzzle piece icon located in the upper right corner of Chrome, near the address bar. Click on this icon to view your installed extensions.
- Find the Grammarly extension in the list. It may be labeled as “Grammarly” or with a Grammarly logo. To make things easier, you can also type “chrome://extensions” into the address bar and press Enter.
Once you arrive at the Extensions page, you will see all the extensions installed in Chrome. Now, proceed with the next steps to disable Grammarly.
- Disable Grammarly extension. Locate the Grammarly extension card on the Extensions page. There will be a toggle switch next to it. Click this switch to turn off Grammarly. When disabled, the toggle will turn gray, and Grammarly’s functionalities will stop working on your browser.
- Confirm that Grammarly is disabled. Refresh your current webpage or open a new tab. You should no longer see Grammarly’s suggestions or icon in the browser toolbar. If you want to re-enable Grammarly later, simply toggle the switch back on.
For additional control, you can choose to delete the extension entirely if you no longer want to use it.
- Remove Grammarly extension completely. On the Extensions page, click the “Remove” button located on the Grammarly extension card. Confirm by clicking “Remove” again in the popup window. The extension will be uninstalled from Chrome.
Tips: If you find Grammarly tags pop up on certain websites even after disabling, check if there are site-specific settings or other Grammarly-related tools installed. Also, ensure your Chrome browser is up-to-date, as outdated versions can sometimes cause extensions to malfunction.
By following these steps, you can easily disable or remove Grammarly on Chrome whenever needed. This allows for smoother browsing and better control over your writing tools.
Turning Off Grammarly in Firefox and Edge
If you use Grammarly with your browsers, you might want to disable it temporarily or permanently. This can help if Grammarly is causing issues, slowing down your browser, or if you simply prefer to write without its suggestions. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to turn off Grammarly in Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge, noting any differences between the processes.
Disabling Grammarly in Mozilla Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox and look for the Grammarly icon in the toolbar or extensions area.
- Right-click on the Grammarly icon to see options. If you do not see it there, go to the menu (three horizontal lines in the upper right corner) and select “Add-ons and Themes.”
- In the Add-ons Manager, find Grammarly in the list of extensions. You can also type “Grammarly” into the search box to locate it quickly.
- Click on the Grammarly extension, then select the toggle button to disable it. This turns off Grammarly without removing it from your browser.
- If you want to re-enable Grammarly later, just return here and toggle it back on.
Disabling Grammarly in Firefox stops its spell check and suggestions on all websites. You can also choose to remove the extension completely if needed, by clicking “Remove” instead of toggling off.
Disabling Grammarly in Microsoft Edge
- Launch Microsoft Edge and locate the Grammarly icon near the address bar or in the extension menu (puzzle piece icon).
- Click the icon to see options. To disable it, click the three-dot menu next to Grammarly or right-click the icon itself.
- Alternatively, open the Edge menu (three dots in the upper right corner) and select “Extensions.”
- Find Grammarly in the list of installed extensions. When you find it, you will see a toggle switch.
- Click the toggle switch to turn off Grammarly. When disabled, the icon may become grayed out or disappear from the toolbar.
Like in Firefox, disabling Grammarly in Edge stops its features from functioning. If you want to quickly turn it back on, just follow these steps again and toggle it on.
Differences to Keep in Mind
- In Firefox, you access extensions via the Add-ons Manager, while in Edge, you go through the Extensions menu or the extension icon.
- The toggle switches are similar but may look slightly different depending on browser versions.
- Both browsers allow you to disable Grammarly without deleting it, so you can re-enable later as needed.
If you experience issues with Grammarly, disabling and re-enabling it often fixes the problems. Remember, turning off Grammarly only affects the browser you do it in. If you use Grammarly on multiple browsers, you’ll need to disable it separately in each one.
How to Disable Grammarly on Windows and Mac Apps
If you find Grammarly notifications or suggestions distracting while using its desktop applications on Windows or Mac, you might want to disable it temporarily or permanently. Disabling Grammarly in the desktop apps is straightforward and can help improve your workflow or resolve compatibility issues. Below are step-by-step instructions to turn off Grammarly on both Windows and Mac computers.
- Close Grammarly Desktop App. Before making any changes, ensure the Grammarly app is completely closed. On Windows, right-click the Grammarly icon in the system tray (bottom right corner), then select Quit or Exit. On Mac, click the Grammarly icon in the menu bar at the top, then choose Quit Grammarly.
- Access Settings in the Grammarly App. Launch the Grammarly desktop application again if it is not already open. In both Windows and Mac versions, access the app’s main menu or settings. Usually, this is done by clicking on the gear icon or three dots icon in the app window.
- Disable Grammarly Monitoring. Within the settings or preferences menu, look for an option that says Disable Grammarly, Turn Off Grammarly, or similar. Toggle this option to off. This action stops Grammarly from providing suggestions or checking your documents.
- System-Wide Disable (Optional for Mac). If you want to disable Grammarly completely on Mac, you can also remove it from startup items. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Select Grammarly and click the minus (-) button. This prevents it from launching automatically when you start your Mac.
- Uninstall if Necessary. If you prefer to remove Grammarly entirely, you can uninstall the application. On Windows, go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program. Find Grammarly, right-click, and select Uninstall. On Mac, drag the Grammarly app from the Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash to complete removal.
Disabling Grammarly on your desktop apps is useful if you no longer need its features or want to troubleshoot issues. Remember to re-enable it anytime by following similar steps and turning the feature back on. If you encounter problems or Grammarly still appears active, restarting your computer can help ensure all changes take effect.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Turning Off Grammarly
If you’re having trouble turning off Grammarly, you’re not alone. Many users encounter issues when trying to disable the tool, especially if it is integrated into browsers, word processors, or mobile apps. This guide will walk you through common problems and easy solutions to help you manage Grammarly settings smoothly.
Problem: Grammarly Keeps Re-enabling Automatically
Some users find that even after disabling Grammarly, it turns back on unexpectedly. This often happens with browser extensions syncing across devices or automatic updates. To fix this:
- Open your browser and go to the extensions or add-ons menu.
- Locate Grammarly and disable or remove the extension directly.
- Check for any sync options that might be restoring the extension and turn them off.
- Restart your browser and verify if Grammarly remains disabled.
Problem: Cannot Find the Disable Option
Sometimes, the option to turn off Grammarly isn’t obvious, especially in mobile apps or within certain programs. Here’s what to do:
- For browser extensions, click on the Grammarly icon and look for a settings or options menu.
- If using the Grammarly desktop app, go to the app’s settings or preferences menu.
- In Microsoft Word, check the Add-ins tab, and disable Grammarly from there.
- For mobile apps, go to your device settings, find the Grammarly app, and disable the toggle.
Problem: Grammarly Still Corrects Text After Turning Off
This often occurs if Grammarly is integrated into a device-wide setting or remains active as a keyboard. To address this:
- On mobile devices, switch to your device’s default keyboard instead of Grammarly’s keyboard.
- In Windows, check the spelling & grammar settings in the control panel or settings menu and disable Grammarly if it’s listed.
- Ensure that you have fully closed all Grammarly-related processes or apps.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
- Clear your browser cache and cookies, as outdated data can interfere with extension settings.
- Uninstall and then reinstall Grammarly to reset configuration files, which can solve persistent issues.
- Update your browser or app to ensure you have the latest version, as bugs are often fixed in updates.
- If disabling Grammarly doesn’t work, contact Grammarly customer support for help, especially if you’re dealing with a corporate or educational account that may have restrictions.
Remember, each platform or app might have slightly different steps to turn off Grammarly. Always double-check the specific instructions for your device or software version. Troubleshooting these common issues can help you regain control over when and where Grammarly provides assistance.
Alternatives to Grammarly for Grammar Checking
If you’re searching for alternatives to Grammarly for grammar checking, you’re not alone. While Grammarly is popular, many users seek options that fit different budgets, workflows, or preferences. Fortunately, there are several useful tools available that can help improve your writing without relying solely on Grammarly.
- ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid is a comprehensive writing assistant that checks grammar, style, and readability. It offers detailed reports and suggestions to enhance your writing skills. You can use it as a browser extension, desktop app, or integrate it with tools like MS Word or Google Docs. It’s especially helpful for writers, students, and professionals who want in-depth feedback. - Hemingway Editor
Hemingway Editor is a web-based tool that focuses on clarity and readability. While it doesn’t catch grammar errors as extensively as Grammarly, it highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and adverbs. It’s perfect for simplifying your writing and making it more engaging. You can use the free online version or purchase the desktop app. - Ginger Software
Ginger offers grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks similar to Grammarly. It also includes translation features and a contextual synonym tool. Ginger can be added as a browser extension or used directly on its website. It’s a good choice if you need ESL support or multilingual writing assistance. - LanguageTool
LanguageTool is an open-source grammar checker that supports many languages. It detects grammar, style, and punctuation errors efficiently. You can use its online editor, browser extension, or integrate it into various writing platforms. It’s especially useful for multilingual users or those looking for a free option. - WhiteSmoke
WhiteSmoke provides grammar, punctuation, style, and translation tools. It offers a desktop app and browser extensions, and is suitable for both casual and professional writers. Its strong focus on translation and language learning makes it attractive for international users.
| Feature | ProWritingAid | Hemingway Editor | Ginger Software | LanguageTool | WhiteSmoke |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar checks | Yes | Limited (style focus) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Style suggestions | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Price range | Moderate | Free & Paid | Moderate | Free & Paid | Paid |
| Platform support | Web, Desktop, MS Word, Google Docs | Web, Desktop | Web, Browser Extension | Web, Browser, APIs | Web, Desktop |
Choosing the right tool depends on your specific needs. If you want detailed writing improvement reports, ProWritingAid is a great choice. For quick readability edits, Hemingway Editor is straightforward. Ginger and LanguageTool are excellent for multilingual and translation support. Meanwhile, WhiteSmoke offers a comprehensive suite for professional use. Experimenting with these options can help you find the best grammar checking alternative to Grammarly for your writing style and budget.
Final Tips: Managing Grammarly Settings for Better Control
When using Grammarly to improve your writing, customizing the settings can greatly enhance your experience. Adjusting preferences helps you focus on the types of corrections that matter most to you. Whether you’re writing emails, academic papers, or casual texts, managing these options ensures Grammarly works best for your needs.
This guide provides simple steps to customize and manage Grammarly settings for better control and more effective use.
- Access Settings: First, open Grammarly on your device or browser. Look for the gear icon or your profile picture in the app or extension. Click it, then select Settings from the dropdown menu. Here, you’ll find all your customization options.
- Adjust Writing Goals: Grammarly allows you to set goals based on your writing context. Choose options like Audience, Formality, Tone, and Intent. For example, if you’re writing a professional email, select formal tone and professional audience. These settings help Grammarly tailor its suggestions to your specific needs.
- Manage Language Preferences: Grammarly supports different dialects like American, British, Canadian, or Australian English. Make sure your correct dialect is selected, so grammatical preferences match your region and style.
- Customization of Corrections: You can enable or disable specific types of corrections. For example, if you don’t want Grammarly to suggest synonyms for certain words or change stylistic choices, adjust these options under Corrections & Improvements. This keeps Grammarly from overcorrecting in areas you’re comfortable with.
- Set Notification Preferences: Grammarly often offers tips or prompts. You can control how often these appear or turn off notifications altogether. This helps avoid distraction and keeps your workspace clean.
- Language and Accessibility: For users with specific needs, Grammarly offers accessibility options. Adjust font size, color contrast, or language input methods to improve usability.
- Syncing and Device Settings: If you use Grammarly across devices, ensure your settings are synchronized. Log into your account on all platforms—web, desktop, or mobile—to keep your preferences consistent.
Remember, regularly reviewing your Grammarly settings can improve your writing process over time. For example, if you notice Grammarly suggesting corrections that don’t fit your writing style, it’s easy to disable or adjust those suggestions.
Common mistakes include forgetting to update your language dialect or setting goals inconsistent with your writing purpose. Double-check these settings before major projects to ensure optimal assistance.
By taking a few minutes to customize Grammarly, you gain better control over its suggestions, helping you write more confidently and efficiently. Now, you’re all set to enjoy a tailored, distraction-free writing experience.
