A method and system for populating a predictive text dictionary is provided. A connection between a handheld electronic device and a network is detected. The handheld electronic device is operable to allow a user to enter text. The handheld electronic device has a predictive text dictionary that is operable to receive and employ sets of words. User preferences for the handheld electronic device are retrieved. The predictive text dictionary of the handheld electronic device is populated with a set of words at least partially based on the user preferences.