Why Local Calls Show as International and How to Fix It? (iPhone & Android)

Local outgoing calls can appear as international when you save a local phone number in an international phone number format, have misconfigured roaming settings, or turn on assisted dialing for your outbound calls.

If a phone number in your contact is saved in international format, then the outgoing call can be shown as international.

For instance, if you are a US resident and have saved a local US phone number like 212 555 1234 in its complete international format, +1 212 555 1234, it can show your outgoing calls as international.

Sometimes, communication providers may route your local calls internationally following Least-Cost Routing (LCR) - a strategy to minimize cost using the lowest-cost network. Also, if you’re using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system, its network configuration for call routing can cause the issue.

A software bug in the dialer app can cause local calls to be routed incorrectly. If the app fails to recognize the local area code, it may mistakenly add the country code, treating the call as international.

If your cell phone's assisted dialing feature is enabled, it may incorrectly add a country code to your outgoing call, making your local outbound call appear international. This typically happens when the default home country setting is misconfigured or your phone misinterprets your current location.

When you're using your phone outside your home network (even within the same country), it can mistakenly think you're in another country if roaming settings aren’t set up right. In such circumstances, your phone might automatically add a country code to a local number, making it seem like an international call.

To prevent outgoing calls from showing as international, make sure your contact numbers are saved in the correct local format, update your dialer app, disable roaming and dial assist, and set your default home country correctly.

If any local number is saved in international phone number format, fix it to appear as local calls when dialed again in the future.

1. Open your contacts app.
2. Find and select the contact with the incorrect number format.
3. Edit the phone number format to a local number.
4. Save the contact.

Updating your dialer app can solve the issue of incorrect call routing caused by bugs or outdated software.

1. Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for your dialer app (e.g., "Phone" or "Dialer").
3. If an update is available, tap on "Update" to install the latest version.

Disabling Dial Assist can prevent your phone from automatically adding a country code to a local call and prevent it from appearing as calling an international number.
 

For Android:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Press the three horizontal dots in the top right corner
3. Tap on Settings > Assisted Dialing
4. Toggle off Assisted Dialing

For iPhone:

1. Open Settings > Phone app
2. Scroll down to Dial Assist > Toggle off

Setting your home country correctly on your phone will help it recognize local numbers and avoid misinterpretation.
 

To update your home country settings

1. Go to Settings
2. Search “Language & Region”
3. Select Region
4. Select or enter the correct country name

If your roaming settings are active, disable them to prevent your phone from adding a country code when dialing a local number.
 

For Android:

1. Go to Settings
2. Search “Roaming”
3. Disable

For iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Scroll down and tap Cellular
3. Tap Cellular Data Options
4. Toggle off Data Roaming

Most of the time dialing the number inaccurately, misconfigured settings, and dialer app malfunctioning cause your local calls appear as international in Android and iPhone. You can fix the issue easily by adjusting your settings. However, sometimes, the problem may lie with your carrier's network routing.

So, if troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, contact your carrier to check if they are using international routes for local calls.

An international call means a phone call made between two different countries. These calls use the international gateway exchange system, which helps route the call from one country’s network to another.

Yes, you’ll be charged for international calls. The costs depend on your phone carrier plan and roaming charges.

Yes, cell phones have international calling capabilities, allowing users to call international numbers. However, they are comparatively costlier than making local calls.

Yes, you can block international calls on your phone using your device’s built-in call blocking features or third-party apps. It helps prevent unwanted calls, both local and international ones.

A local call can show as international on Verizon due to various reasons, including roaming and outdated carrier settings, routing issues, or dialing an incorrect number format.