T9 dialing , also known as Text on 9 key , lets you find contacts by tap the figure that match the letter of the alphabet of the name . Standard in sr. computer keyboard telephone set , the iPhones do n’t have it . Of course , you could open Contacts app andSpotlight lookup work , but that involves switch between apps and interfaces . Missing the T9 dialer from older headphone gravely , I wanted to recreate a similar experience on iPhone . So I essay over a dozen T9 dialer apps for iPhone and curated a list of the best ones out there .
Update : Apple lend T9 dialing to its Phone app withiOS 18 update . If your iPhone runs iOS 18 or afterwards , you could look for contacts directly by type letters in the Phone app . old versions can still use third - political party apps for this characteristic .
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Here’s How T9 Dialing Works
Before you hop onto the list , take a look at how T9 dialing works – in case you have forgotten or do n’t know only . When you give your dialer , you ’ll find nine key ( from 1 to 9 ) . Each figure key has 3 - 4 letters . For example , the routine 2 key has the alphabetic character A , B , and C.
To enter a name , you must press the number headstone corresponding to the desired alphabetic character . For model , to explore for MIKE , you would press 6 ( for M ) , 4 ( for I ) , 5 ( for K ) , and 3 ( for einsteinium ) . Or to search for DAD , you ’d bid 3 ( for D ) , 2 ( for A ) , and then 3 again ( for the second D ) .
Your sound cross reference the number you ’re typecast ( the times you press a release ) with the comparable alphabetic character . It then seek to equal it with a name on your contact list . If it ’s a common spelling , you ’ll find the link name chop-chop . In some case , your phone might show you multiple gens if contacts with same or similar name exist .
Here ’s why you involve to use T9 dialing on your iPhone :
Ready to try T9 dialing ? Here are a few T9 dialer apps you could opt from for your iPhone . Dialing is a two - step process due to iOS restriction . You ’ll tap the telephone dial button in the app , then confirm the call on the iPhone popping - up .
1. Drupe – Caller ID & Dialer
Drupe is an all - in - one dialer app available for iPhone and Android . It offer a smooth T9 dialing along with caller identification and speed dial financial support .
You get crosscut to SMS , FaceTime , WhatsApp , and email – all from the contact page . you’re able to also directly portion out your locating , and add reminders or calendar events for a physical contact from within the app .
Drupe even helps you manage your contacts by merging duplicates , and lets you individualize your experience with over 20 built - in themes . Plus , it ’s free to use , with no ads . The only caution – you ’ll need to signalise in with Apple ID or Google account to commence using the app .
Download : Drupe Dialer for iPhone
2. One Dialer
One Dialer is a straightforward T9 dialer . enter the app and the dialer is ready for search ( T9 works flawlessly ) . There is a selection of three different dialer composition – one looks similar to iPhone ’s dialer , the other one resembles Samsung , and the third one is a full - fledged qwerty keyboard dialer .
you could deepen the app musical theme to 16 different colors . It also gives you a nice subtle haptic feedback when dialing turn . It ’s innocent without any advert .
Download : OneDialer for iPhone
3. T9 Speed Dialer
T9 Speed Dialer is all about chop-chop dial a striking . When you spread out the app , you ’ll see your physical contact list on the master screen , with the dialer at the bottom . you may either scroll through the lean or tip the numbers on the dialer to run a T9 lookup . There ’s also a handy shortcut to add a new contact on this projection screen .
Speed Dialer can show touch avatar and you may enable / disable dialpad sounds . It ’s an ad - free app and need no subscription or bounty pack . There ’s a swell secrecy note in setting promising the app does not share your contact data with anyone .
Download : T9 Speed Dialer for iPhone
Dial in a Flash
The above dialer apps should make it a pushover for you to find and telephone dial link speedily . Besides the ones above , I also discover two other remarkable T9 dialer apps for iPhone :
And for those inquire why your iPhone dialer has letters on the number key even though you ca n’t seek contacts using them , the reason is unsubdivided : many companies use phone number that spell out words or phrases . For object lesson , a plumbing system company might have the number 1 - 800 - PLUMBER ( 1 - 800 - 758 - 6237 ) . The letters on the dialpad make it easier for mass to call back the bit by affiliate it with the letter .
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