How To Set Up Speed Dial on iPhone

Speed dial is that handy feature that lets you call someone with just a tap—kind of like a shortcut for your contacts. On Android, it’s usually built-in or just a quick tap away. But on iPhone, it’s a bit of a workaround using the Shortcuts app. This can be a game changer if you want quick access to certain contacts without digging through your app drawer or contacts list. The best part? Once set up, a single tap can make a call—saving time and a few clicks, especially when you’re rushing or just hate scrolling through contacts. Though it’s not quite a native speed dial like on Android, creating a custom shortcut is pretty straightforward, and it works well enough for frequent calls. Plus, you can even add these shortcuts to your Lock Screen for super quick access, which is kinda neat.

How to Add Speed Dial on iPhone Home Screen

Start by creating the shortcut in the Shortcuts app

– Why it helps: This gets you a dedicated icon on your home screen that immediately dials your chosen contact whenever you tap it. Great for quick calls—works when you’re in a rush or just don’t want to hunt through your contacts.- When it applies: Usually when you’ve got specific contacts you call often.- What to expect: A small icon on your home screen, tapping it, and boom—your call gets initiated.- A little tip from real experience: Sometimes, after creating the shortcut, the icon looks kinda plain. No worries, you can add a photo or change the icon color for easier spotting later.

Open the Shortcuts app. If it’s not on your home screen, you’ll probably find it in the App Library or by searching.
Tap the (+) icon in the top right corner to start a new shortcut.
Tap the down arrow icon next to the shortcut name, then rename it to your preference (like “Mom” or “Work Call”).
Tap Add Action.
In the search bar, type Call and select the Call action from the list of contacts or apps.
Choose or select the contact you want to connect with.
Tap the drop-down arrow next to the shortcut name, then choose Add to Home Screen.
Customize the icon by choosing a photo or icon color. It’s kinda cool since you can make these look distinctive. When done, tap Add.

Voila! Now you’ll see that new icon on your home screen. Just tap it whenever you want to call that contact. Easy peasy, right? Not sure why it works, but sometimes the shortcut takes a second to load the first time—or you might need to re-add it if it glitches. Of course, on some setups, it’s a little flaky, but generally, it works fine after a reboot or re-adding.

Adding the speed dial shortcut to your Lock Screen

– Why it helps: Tapping a single icon right from your Lock Screen is about as quick as it gets—no unlocking, no unlocking, just tap and call.- When it applies: For contacts you call a lot and want immediate access to without unlocking your device.- What to expect: A little shortcut icon on your Lock Screen that jumps straight into the call.- Tips from real-world trials: Setting this up isn’t super complicated, but it does need some patience. Also, newer iOS versions might vary slightly in menu layout.

Go to your Lock Screen.
Touch & hold the Lock Screen to bring up Customize.
Select Customize Wallpaper and then Lock Screen.
Tap Add Widgets and find Shortcuts in the widget list.
Tap & hold the Shortcut widget and drag it to the widget section of the Lock Screen.
Tap the Shortcut widget again, then select the speed dial shortcut you just made.

Done. Now, whenever you wake your phone and see that shortcut, a quick tap will call that contact. Remember, because of iOS restrictions, you might need to tweak settings a bit—like ensuring Shortcuts have access to your contacts and notifications enabled.

Honestly, it’s not the slickest native solution, but it’s the closest approximation of speed dial on iPhone. Making these shortcuts is kind of a hassle the first time, but after that, you’ve got a quick dial just a tap away—on your home screen or lock screen. Not perfect, but better than nothing.

Summary

Use the Shortcuts app to create call shortcuts for your favorite contacts.
Add those shortcuts to your Home Screen for quick access.
For even faster access, add them to your Lock Screen via Widgets, though setup can be awkward with newer iOS versions.
Expect some trial and error, especially if iOS updates mess with widget placement or shortcuts permissions.

Wrap-up

Basically, this isn’t as seamless as native Android speed dial, but it gets the job done for quick calls. Once you set it up, it’s just a matter of tapping an icon or widget, and you’re good to go. If you’re calling the same few people regularly, it might save a few seconds — and that’s worth the effort. Just hope the setup doesn’t break after iOS updates or reboots. Fingers crossed this helps someone streamline their favorite calls without pulling out the contacts every time.