Methods and systems for processing symbols in contact list entries are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for controlling one or more features of a telephony system via a user device, comprises receiving a selection of a contact in a contact list to establish a communication session from the user device; parsing a dial-string associated with the contact, wherein the dial string includes an identifier and one or more symbols, and wherein the one or more symbols are associated with one or more features of the user device; translating the one or more symbols into instructions to control the one or more features; and initiating the telecommunication session based on the instructions.