Turning off Dial Assist on your iPhone 7 is a straightforward process. All you need to do is go to the Settings app, tap on Phone, and then turn off Dial Assist. This simple action will prevent your iPhone from automatically adding international or local prefixes to phone numbers you dial.
After you complete this action, you’ll need to enter the full phone number, including any prefixes, when making international calls. This can help prevent accidental calling and potential additional charges from your carrier.
Introduction
Have you ever been puzzled by an unexpected international call charge on your phone bill? It’s not a pleasant surprise and can leave you scratching your head, wondering what went wrong. Well, one possible culprit could be a feature on your iPhone 7 called Dial Assist. Dial Assist is designed to make your life easier by automatically adding the correct international or local prefix to numbers you dial.
However, if you frequently make calls to different countries or prefer to have more control over the numbers you dial, you might want to turn off this feature. This action is particularly relevant to individuals who travel often or have contacts in multiple countries. By disabling Dial Assist, you can avoid unintended charges and ensure that you’re dialing numbers exactly as you intend.
Step by Step Tutorial to Turn Off Dial Assist
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. Turning off Dial Assist will require you to manually input the correct prefixes for international calls. This ensures that you’re in full control of the dialing process.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Find the Settings app on your iPhone 7 and tap to open it. This app is where you can adjust all of your phone’s settings.
In the Settings app, you’ll find a plethora of options for customizing your iPhone’s functionality to your liking.
Step 2: Tap on ‘Phone’
Scroll down until you find the Phone settings and tap on it. This will take you to options specifically related to your phone’s calling features.
The Phone settings menu allows you to change things like call blocking and identification, call forwarding, and of course, Dial Assist.
Step 3: Turn Off Dial Assist
Look for Dial Assist in the list and switch the toggle to the off position. This will disable the automatic prefixing feature.
Once Dial Assist is off, you’ll need to make sure you know the correct international codes and local prefixes when making calls.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Avoids Unexpected Charges | By turning off Dial Assist, you can prevent your iPhone from automatically dialing international prefixes, which could lead to unexpected charges on your phone bill. |
| Complete Control of Dialing | Disabling this feature gives you full control over the numbers you dial, ensuring that you are aware of any international codes and prefixes required. |
| Useful for Frequent Travelers | If you travel often, turning off Dial Assist can help you avoid issues with different country codes and prevent roaming charges. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inconvenience | Without Dial Assist, you’ll have to manually enter international prefixes, which can be inconvenient if you make frequent international calls. |
| Possibility of Errors | Manually entering phone numbers increases the risk of dialing errors, potentially leading to failed calls or calling the wrong number. |
| Requires Knowledge of Prefixes | You will need to know or look up the correct international and local prefixes, which can be a hassle if you’re not familiar with them. |
Additional Information
When you turn off Dial Assist on your iPhone 7, it’s important to remember that it won’t affect your saved contacts. If you have international numbers saved with the correct prefixes, they will still work as expected. However, for new numbers you need to dial, you’ll have to ensure you have the correct code. A good tip is to save new international contacts with the prefix included to avoid any hassle in the future.
Additionally, turning off Dial Assist can be particularly beneficial if you have a limited calling plan or if your carrier charges high rates for international calls. It gives you the flexibility to use alternative methods like VoIP services for international communication without worrying about the automatic prefixing of your iPhone. Remember, this change is completely reversible, so if you find that you preferred having Dial Assist enabled, you can easily turn it back on by following the same steps.
Summary
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone 7.
- Tap on ‘Phone’ to access phone-related settings.
- Turn off Dial Assist to stop automatic prefixing of numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dial Assist?
Dial Assist is a feature on the iPhone that automatically adds international or local prefixes to numbers you dial based on your location and the location of the number you’re calling.
Will turning off Dial Assist affect my saved contacts?
No, turning off Dial Assist will not affect your saved contacts. If you have international numbers saved with the correct prefixes, they will still work as expected.
Can I turn Dial Assist back on if I change my mind?
Yes, you can easily turn Dial Assist back on by going to the Phone settings and switching the toggle to the on position.
Do I need to turn off Dial Assist if I travel internationally?
It’s recommended to turn off Dial Assist when traveling internationally to avoid unintended charges and ensure you are dialing the correct numbers.
How do I know what prefixes to use for international calls?
You can look up international prefixes online or ask your carrier for the correct codes. It’s a good idea to save new international contacts with the prefix included.
Conclusion
Turning off Dial Assist on your iPhone 7 is a simple process that can save you from unexpected charges and give you more control over your phone’s dialing function. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who likes to have a tight rein on your call charges, understanding how to manage this feature is crucial. By following the easy steps outlined in this article, you can confidently adjust your settings to suit your needs.
Remember, the power to control your phone’s functionality is just a few taps away, and with this knowledge, you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions about how you want to use your device. So, go ahead and tailor your iPhone’s settings to your lifestyle, and avoid those perplexing phone bill surprises!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.