# Manage Favorites In The Phone App on iPhone: How It Works

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

> Pin the people you call most, and pick call, text or FaceTime per person. Favorites is more flexible than it looks. When you add someone you choose what the favourite does, so you can have one entry that calls a person and a second entry for the same person that opens a message or a FaceTime video call.

- **What it does:** Pin the people you call most, and pick call, text or FaceTime per person.
- **Published for:** any iPhone
- **Type:** iOS setting

Pin the people you call most, and pick call, text or FaceTime per person. 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 Manage Favorites In The Phone App?

Favorites is more flexible than it looks. When you add someone you choose what the favourite does, so you can have one entry that calls a person and a second entry for the same person that opens a message or a FaceTime video call. The small icon next to the name tells you which action it will take.

In the Unified layout up to eight favourites appear across the top of the Calls tab, with Show All revealing the rest. Touch and hold a favourite to drag it to a new position, or to see every way you can reach that person.

Favorites also matter beyond convenience: a Focus can be configured to allow calls from specific people, and Favorites is the shortlist most people build first when setting that up.

## How do I do it?

- Open the Phone app and go to the Calls tab, or Favorites on the Classic layout.
- Tap Edit, then tap Edit Favorites.
- Tap the plus button, choose a contact, then choose call, message, video or email.
- Tap the minus button next to any entry to remove it.

## Which carriers does this apply to?

| Published for | any iPhone |

| Type | iOS setting |

| Good to know | Available on every current iPhone. The Edit Favorites flow described here matches iOS 26; on iOS 17 and 18 use the plus button on the Favorites tab. |

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

## Related iphone phone and message settings

- [Unified Or Classic Phone Layout](/blog/unified-or-classic-phone-layout-iphone/)
- [Emergency Bypass For A Contact](/blog/emergency-bypass-for-a-contact-iphone/)
- [Filter Unknown Callers Out Of Recents](/blog/filter-unknown-callers-out-of-recents-iphone/)
- [Custom Respond With Text Replies](/blog/custom-respond-with-text-replies-iphone/)
- [Move Spam Calls To A Spam List](/blog/move-spam-calls-to-a-spam-list-iphone/)
- [Remind Me To Return A Call](/blog/remind-me-to-return-a-call-iphone/)

See all [iphone phone and message settings](/blog/iphone-codes/phone-settings/) 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 Manage Favorites In The Phone App on iPhone?

Pin the people you call most, and pick call, text or FaceTime per person. Favorites is more flexible than it looks.

### What else should I know about Manage Favorites In The Phone App?

When you add someone you choose what the favourite does, so you can have one entry that calls a person and a second entry for the same person that opens a message or a FaceTime video call. The small icon next to the name tells you which action it will take.

### What are the steps for Manage Favorites In The Phone App?

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Calls tab, or Favorites on the Classic layout. 2. Tap Edit, then tap Edit Favorites. 3. Tap the plus button, choose a contact, then choose call, message, video or email. 4. Tap the minus button next to any entry to remove it.

### Where do I find Manage Favorites In The Phone App?

In the Phone app on your iPhone.

### Is there a dial code for Manage Favorites In The Phone App?

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

### Which carriers does Manage Favorites In The Phone App work on?

It is published for any iPhone. Available on every current iPhone. The Edit Favorites flow described here matches iOS 26; on iOS 17 and 18 use the plus button on the Favorites tab.

### Does Manage Favorites In The Phone App work on Android phones too?

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

### Will Manage Favorites In The Phone App work outside the US?

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

### What if Manage Favorites In The Phone App 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 Manage Favorites In The Phone App?

Unified Or Classic Phone Layout. Switch between one combined Calls tab and the old separate tabs.

### What else is in this category?

Emergency Bypass For A Contact. Let one person ring through even when the phone is silenced.

### Can I find Manage Favorites In The Phone App 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)

