iPhone T9 Dialing: A Blast from the Past Makes a Comeback

iPhone T9 Dialing: A Blast from the Past Makes a Comeback

Remember T9 dialing?  This classic phone feature is back on your iPhone thanks to iOS 18.  Learn how to activate and use T9 predictive text for faster and easier dialing.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 30, 2024

Remember the days of flip phones and texting with number keys?  

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try T9 Dialing.

For many, that involved T9 predictive text, a technology that guessed the word you were trying to type based on the number sequence you pressed. 

While it might seem like a relic of the past, T9 dialing has made a surprising comeback with the release of iOS 18.  

T9, which stands for "Text on 9 keys," was a revolutionary technology in the early days of mobile phones. 

It allowed users to type messages faster and more efficiently by predicting words based on the number keys pressed. 

While touchscreen keyboards have largely replaced physical keypads, T9 can still offer a faster and more convenient way to dial phone numbers, especially for those nostalgic for the old days or who prefer a tactile approach.

Here's how to do it.

1. Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 18 or later.
2. Go to your iPhone's home screen and tap the green phone icon to open the Phone app.
3. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Keypad."
4. Begin entering the phone number using the number keys. As you type, T9 will predict the contact you are trying to reach and display it above the keypad.
5. If the correct contact appears, simply tap on their name to complete the call. If not, continue typing the full number.

fig. 1 - T9 Dialing on iPhone

T9 dialing can be a surprisingly efficient way to dial numbers, especially if you're used to the old-style keypad. 

It can be faster than scrolling through your contacts list, particularly for frequently called numbers.  

However, T9's accuracy depends on how well it predicts your intended contact. 

If you have multiple contacts with similar names or numbers, you might need to type more digits to get the right suggestion. 

T9 dialing is available to all iPhone users who have updated to iOS 18 or later.

The return of T9 dialing with iOS 18 offers a nostalgic throwback for some and a potentially faster dialing method for others. 

Give it a try and see if this blast from the past improves your dialing experience.

What do you think about the return of T9 dialing?  

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!  

And don't forget to share this article with your friends on social media.

READ MORE

• How to Record Calls on Your iPhone (iOS 18)
  
• Unlock the Full Potential of Apple Maps Library
  
• Hear This: How Your AirPods Pro Can Double as Hearing Aids
  
• MORE iOS 18 Cool Tips

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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