TextExpander is just not working, why?

If TextExpander is not working, try these steps based on how TextExpander is acting.

1. When I type a snippet abbreviation the abbreviation doesn't disappear and I don't hear the expansion sound.

1a. If nothing happens when you type a snippet, it could be TextExpander is not running. Locate the TextExpander app in your Applications folder and double-click on the app to launch it. If you cannot find it in your Applications folder, check your Downloads folder. If it's there, drag it to your Applications folder then double-click to launch it.

2. When I expand a snippet the abbreviation does disappear, but it is not replaced with the snippet's full and accurate content.

2a. If something unexpected shows up when you expand a snippet, contact Smile Support and explain what is happening, including what app you are expanding in.

3. I tried expanding a snippet in the TextEdit app (free app on all Macs) and…

3a. It worked! If your snippets are only expanding in certain apps, like TextEdit, but not in others, you might have turned off certain snippets from expanding in certain groups. See our article on selective app expansion.

3b. It didn't work. Continue to step 4.

4. Looking at the TextExpander icon in the menubar in the upper right of my screen it appears grayed out or has a yellow triangle on it.

4a. TextExpander is currently disabled. To re-enable it see our article on turning expansion back on.