Secret Codes guide
811 on iPhone: Call Before You Dig
By Muhammad Shahid · · 3 min read
Quick answer
811: Free national line to have buried utility lines marked. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig number. You describe where you plan to dig and the utilities that have buried lines there send someone to mark them, at no charge to you.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| Code | 811 |
|---|---|
| What it does | Free national line to have buried utility lines marked. |
| Published for | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
| Type | Works on all iPhones |
Free national line to have buried utility lines marked. This page explains what 811 does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What does 811 do?
811 is the national call-before-you-dig number. You describe where you plan to dig and the utilities that have buried lines there send someone to mark them, at no charge to you.
Gas, electricity, water, sewer and fibre often sit only a few inches down, well within reach of a fence post or a shrub. Most states require the call by law, and hitting an unmarked line is both dangerous and expensive.
Allow a few working days between the call and the dig. Marking is done by each utility on its own schedule.
How do I use 811?
- Open the Phone app and tap Keypad.
- Type 811 exactly as written.
- Press the green Call button and wait for the result.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
|---|---|
| Type | Works on all iPhones |
| Good to know | Assigned nationwide. The call is routed to your state's one-call centre based on where you are. |
Related more carrier and n11 codes
- 711: Telecommunications Relay Service
- 988: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- 011[number]: Dial Internationally With 011
- 411: Directory Assistance
- +[number]: Dial Internationally With Plus
- 211: Community Services Line
See all more carrier and n11 codes or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line.
Frequently asked questions
What does 811 do on iPhone?
Free national line to have buried utility lines marked. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig number. You describe where you plan to dig and the utilities that have buried lines there send someone to mark them, at no charge to you.
What else should I know about 811?
Gas, electricity, water, sewer and fibre often sit only a few inches down, well within reach of a fence post or a shrub. Most states require the call by law, and hitting an unmarked line is both dangerous and expensive. Allow a few working days between the call and the dig.
What are the steps for 811?
1. Open the Phone app and tap Keypad. 2. Type 811 exactly as written. 3. Press the green Call button and wait for the result.
Where do I use 811?
On the keypad of the Phone app.
Is 811 a hidden or secret code?
No. It is a published service, not a hidden menu. iPhones do not have Android-style engineering menus.
Which carriers does 811 work on?
It is published for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular. Assigned nationwide. The call is routed to your state's one-call centre based on where you are.
Does 811 work on Android phones too?
It is handled by the carrier or service rather than the iPhone, so it is not tied to one phone brand. Check with your carrier.
Will 811 work outside the US?
It is published for US carriers and services, so do not count on it abroad. Ask your carrier before you travel.
What if 811 does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to 811?
711: Telecommunications Relay Service. Free nationwide relay for callers with hearing or speech disabilities.
What else is in this category?
988: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Calls and texts reach trained crisis counsellors, day or night.
Can I find 811 in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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