# SearchDial

> Fast iPhone contact search and dialing with advanced features. (iPhone/iPad app by iBranc.com.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/searchdial/id287373035 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [iBranc.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/287373040)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 3.30/5 from 30 App Store ratings · 76 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 2.0 · 0 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-08-02
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/searchdial/id287373035/reviews.md

## What is SearchDial?

The smarter way to find and dial a contact on the iPhone!  The fastest and most flexible way to search, including Notes and special characters.  Now with fast switching between keyboard and T9!

++++++++
What people are saying about SearchDial:
"Truly an indispensible app!  Tried Fast Contacts and did some research on similar apps. This one is by far the most easy to use and fastest."

"Just what the iPhone needs. Gets you what you want and how you want it. Love it! ... When I first got the iPhone and I wanted to look in contacts, I was stuck (because I come from a treo with the really easy search option) and have been looking for an app that does exactly this. Great work, well thought out, you got my vote..."

"I think Search Dial is the most useful application I have on my iPhone.  It has completely replaced my use of the phone's inbuilt contacts dialer.  I've put it on my first screen....just hit it...type in a couple of letters for your contact....hit the contact name in the list that appears...and it dials.  Billiantly simple!"

"Feature rich, well thought out!"

"Best app ever! ... I love this app, specially if you used Blackberry and treo before you will love this app"

"I love this app and its very vaulable and sits in my dock."
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+ Ability to search the Notes field
+ Search using T9 (number pad)
+ View and Edit full contact details directly within SearchDial.
+ SMS or Email a contact in addition to calling.
+ Full extended character set support.
+ Searching by initials, multiple names, special characters, phone number and email addresses

Each Name/Number combination is listed separately to avoid having a intermediate screen to choose the right number to call.  Additionally, common types of numbers such as Mobile, Home and Work can have their own configurable colors for a visual way to quickly locate the proper number.

This application is also great for former Treo and Blackberry users who are used to turning on their phone, typing their contact's name, and hitting a button to call.

## Key features

- Search Notes field
- T9 number pad search
- View and edit contact details
- SMS or Email contacts
- Extended character support
- Search by initials and multiple names

## What do users think of SearchDial?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🔍 Powerful search functionality
- 💡 Useful for large contact lists
- 👍 Backs up contacts

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
- ⏱️ Slow startup times
- 🔍 Duplicate search results
- 🆕 Needs updates for newer iOS versions

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Menu bar disappearing on lock screen
- Invisible keyboard on startup

**Most requested features**

- Export contacts to CSV
- Integration with calendar for searching appointments
- Ability to bold or highlight search results

## Recent user reviews (10 of 76)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/searchdial/id287373035/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Great features, needs an update!

*2011-07-11*

I haven't seen an update for this app in months. Needs iOS4 multitasking support and please support the ipad too.

### 5/5 — Backs up address book - PERFECT

*2011-07-01*

1. It backs up contacts for use when native address book crashes - not uncommon if you are using MS Exchange and off wifi. 
2. Super speedy search including notes. 
3. Wish it could export contacts back to address book or save them as CSV

Thank you.

### 1/5 — It's ok

*2011-05-05, version 2.9.1*

But there is better for your money

My issues with this app are: 

When opening the app I don't need to know who made the app and what version the app is at....if this is going to replace A standard dialer why would anyone need to know that info on startup every time ?

£1.19 for less that 500 k of app ??

Check out either callway or phonexl ( phonexl being my favourtite dialer)

### 5/5 — Former Blackberry guy

*2011-03-01, version 2.9.1*

Were you a dyed in the wool Blackberry person? Did you, like me, hesitate to get the iphone because it was such a hassle to find the number you want to call?  This app makes iphone work just like the Blackberry. You spell the name and all the numbers come up just like the BB did. Tap it and it dials away, or texts or emails if you tell it to.
If you add a contact you need 
 to refresh the Searchdial to import it. 
This is a GREAT app and wprth every nickel.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2010-07-05, version 0*

Please update this app to iOS 4. Thank you also please change your icon

### 5/5 — Best of speed dial apps

*2010-05-12, version 0*

Former bberry addict.  Tried face-based and T9-based apps. All felt like MORE work rather than less.  This one is much better.  After 2 days I am already using it more than native phone and contacts apps.

### 5/5 — Very useful

*2010-03-22, version 0*

Since the upgrade it works and works well!

### 5/5 — T9 default option please

*2010-02-06, version 0*

Great app. Would love to be able to set T9 as default search though

### 4/5 — nice

*2010-01-10, version 0*

not to bad

### 5/5 — What is happening with these new Apps

*2009-11-15*

Downloaded it twice and it so far does not work, reboot and still does not work, other apps are working fine, so maybe an update would be nice or something is just not loading right... Looks like a good idea if I can get it to work

## Frequently asked questions about SearchDial

### What does SearchDial do?

SearchDial is designed to be a faster and more flexible way to find and dial contacts on your iPhone. It allows you to search through your contacts using various methods, including notes and special characters, and provides quick access to call, SMS, or email them.

### What are the key features of SearchDial?

Key features include the ability to search the Notes field of your contacts, use a T9 number pad for searching, view and edit full contact details directly within the app, and send SMS or emails to contacts. It also supports extended character sets and searching by initials or multiple names.

### How much does SearchDial cost?

Based on the provided information, SearchDial is a paid application. There are no indications of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a one-time purchase for full functionality.

### Is SearchDial compatible with my iPhone?

The application is specifically designed for the iPhone, as indicated by its description and focus on iPhone contacts. While specific iOS version compatibility isn't detailed, it's intended for users of Apple's mobile devices.

### Who would benefit most from using SearchDial?

Users who frequently interact with their contact list and desire a more efficient search and dialing experience will benefit. It's particularly noted as being useful for former Blackberry and Treo users accustomed to advanced contact search functionalities.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.9.1 — 2025-08-02

- Fixed issues with deleting AutoFavorites list

### 2.9 — 2009-12-29

- Now requires iPhone OS 3.x
- Improved startup performance
- Can now switch between keyboard and T9 from the toolbar in the application
- Typing 00 in T9 mode now displays all contacts, similar to [space][space] in keyboard mode
- New splash screen
- Various other fixes and improvements

### 2.8.1 — 2009-09-23

- Updated icon to match SearchDial Touch (see in App Store now!)
- Fixed intermittent issues with Settings
- 3.0 Compatibility

### 2.8 — 2009-05-01

- The keyboard automatically hides when you start scrolling through the search results.  You can disable this in SearchDial Preferences
- Fixed crash when SMS was set as default mode

### 2.7 — 2008-12-15

No release notes.

## More apps by iBranc.com

- [SearchDial Touch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/searchdial-touch/id328593101)
- [Toddler Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toddler-timer/id373243639)
- [ModBoss](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modboss/id6751470470)

All apps by iBranc.com: https://appshunter.io/developer/287373040

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*