# Dial Assist on iPhone: How It Works

URL: https://byshahid.com/blog/dial-assist-iphone/
App: Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322)
Author: Muhammad Shahid
Updated: 2026-11-04

> Automatically fix country prefixes when travelling. Dial Assist adds the correct international prefix or local area code to numbers stored without one, based on where you currently are. Handy abroad, occasionally confusing at home — turning it off is a known fix when calls to short or unusual numbers fail.

- **What it does:** Automatically fix country prefixes when travelling.
- **Published for:** any iPhone
- **Type:** iOS setting

Automatically fix country prefixes when travelling. This page explains what it 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](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322).

## What is Dial Assist?

Dial Assist adds the correct international prefix or local area code to numbers stored without one, based on where you currently are. Handy abroad, occasionally confusing at home — turning it off is a known fix when calls to short or unusual numbers fail.

## How do I do it?

- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then Phone (or tap Phone directly on earlier versions of iOS).
- Scroll to Dial Assist.
- Turn it off if calls to certain numbers are failing.

## Which carriers does this apply to?

| Published for | any iPhone |

| Type | iOS setting |

| Good to know | Available on every iPhone. |

_Screenshot: The Secret Codes detail screen shows the steps, the carriers and an Open in Phone button._

## Related iphone calling features

- [RTT and TTY](/blog/rtt-and-tty-iphone/)
- [Allow Calls During Focus](/blog/allow-calls-during-focus-iphone/)
- [Auto-Answer Calls](/blog/auto-answer-calls-iphone/)
- [Wi-Fi Assist](/blog/wi-fi-assist-iphone/)
- [Call Audio Routing](/blog/call-audio-routing-iphone/)
- [Merge Calls Into A Conference](/blog/merge-calls-into-a-conference-iphone/)

See all [iphone calling features](/blog/iphone-codes/iphone-features/) or [every category of iPhone codes](/blog/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.

**Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier** is free on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322

## FAQ

### What is Dial Assist on iPhone?

Automatically fix country prefixes when travelling. Dial Assist adds the correct international prefix or local area code to numbers stored without one, based on where you currently are.

### What else should I know about Dial Assist?

Handy abroad, occasionally confusing at home — turning it off is a known fix when calls to short or unusual numbers fail.

### What are the steps for Dial Assist?

1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Apps, then Phone (or tap Phone directly on earlier versions of iOS). 3. Scroll to Dial Assist. 4. Turn it off if calls to certain numbers are failing.

### Where do I find Dial Assist?

In the Settings app on your iPhone.

### Is there a dial code for Dial Assist?

No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.

### Which carriers does Dial Assist work on?

It is published for any iPhone. Available on every iPhone.

### Does Dial Assist work on Android phones too?

These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.

### Will Dial Assist work outside the US?

The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.

### What if Dial Assist 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 Dial Assist?

RTT and TTY. Text-based calling for accessibility.

### What else is in this category?

Allow Calls During Focus. Decide who can still get through while you're heads-down.

### Can I find Dial Assist in an app?

Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.

## Sources

- [Apple Support: iPhone User Guide](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios)