The plus sign in front of a phone number means the number is written in international format, where the plus sign in front of phone number replaces the caller's international access prefix and is followed directly by the country code. This universal symbol tells your phone network to route the call internationally, regardless of which country you are calling from.
What the plus sign in front of a phone number means
The plus sign (+) before a phone number is the standardized international prefix. It stands for the caller's international access code, such as 011 in the United States or 00 in many European countries, so you do not need to know or remember the specific exit code for your current location. The plus sign indicates the number begins with a country code and is ready for international dialing from anywhere in the world. Apple's style guidance confirms that telephone numbers begin with + and are followed by the country code, city code, and number.
How to dial the plus sign on your phone
Entering the plus sign is simple on most smartphones.
- On an iPhone, open the Phone or Contacts app and begin entering the number.
- Touch and hold the 0 key until the plus sign (+) appears in the dial field.
- Release the key and continue typing the country code and the rest of the number.
Android users can typically do the same by holding the 0 key, or they may find the plus sign available on the number-keyboard overlay when dialing. If your phone does not show the plus sign after holding 0, check your dialer's symbol or punctuation key for a direct + option.
How to write a full international number
The correct sequence for a complete international number is: +, then the country code, then the city or area code (without the leading trunk prefix, like 0), then the local number. For example, a London number would be written as +44 20 7946 0958, where 44 is the UK country code, 20 is the London area code, and 7946 0958 is the local number. This format works from any phone worldwide.
Why your phone might not need the plus sign
If your carrier supports Dial Assist, you may not need to enter the plus sign manually. On an iPhone, Dial Assist is a feature found at Settings > Phone > Dial Assist. When enabled, it automatically adds the correct international or local prefix for supported GSM carriers when you call contacts or favorites. This means that if you save a number without the plus sign, Dial Assist can still route the call correctly based on your current location and carrier settings. Apple’s Dial Assist may not require + before an international number if your carrier supports it.
Using the plus sign in your contacts
The best practice is to save all numbers in international format with the plus sign at the beginning. This ensures calls connect seamlessly when you travel, because the plus sign tells your phone to use the correct international prefix no matter which country you are in. To add or change your own contact information, open the Contacts app, tap My Card, tap Edit, and enter the number with the plus sign. Apple’s contact-editing instructions specify using My Card in the Contacts app to add or change your own contact information. If Dial Assist is unavailable, you can add the + manually by holding the 0 key while editing the contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the plus sign mean the same thing as "00"?
Yes. The plus sign is a universal replacement for any country's international access code, including "00" used in many countries. It is recognized by all modern phone networks and avoids confusion when dialing from different locations.
Can I use the plus sign when saving contacts on any phone?
Yes. Both iPhone and Android phones allow you to include the plus sign in contact numbers. It is the recommended format for any number you may call from abroad.
What happens if I dial a number with the plus sign from a landline?
Most landline phones do not recognize the plus sign. On a landline, you must replace the + with the specific international exit code for your country (e.g., 011 in the US or Canada, 00 in most of Europe).
Why does my phone sometimes add a plus sign automatically?
If your carrier supports Dial Assist (on iPhone) or a similar feature, your phone may automatically add the plus sign when you dial a number it recognizes as international. This is normal and helps ensure the call connects correctly.
Does the plus sign work for text messages and WhatsApp?
Yes. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage, as well as standard SMS, recognize the plus sign as the international prefix. Saving contacts with the + ensures messages reach the correct recipient regardless of your location.
For the wider topic, see phone number formats and digits.
