The excessive accumulation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) in soil exerts tremendous pressure on soil ecosystems and human health. This study explored the feasibility of using bacterial quorum sensing signal molecules, N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), to enhance phytoremediation of DMP contaminated soil. The effects of N-butyryl-Lhomoserine lactone (C4-HSL) on soybean (Glycine max L.) physiology and phytoremediation efficiency were assessed. Results indicated that C4-HSL significantly promoted the efficiency of soybean in remediating DMP contaminated soil, achieving an 87.40 % DMP removal efficiency after 28 d cultivation. Applying C4-HSL significantly enhanced soybean photosynthetic by the potential promotion of chlorophyll synthesis and bolstered the antioxidant with a notable reduction in malondialdehyde content. The presence of C4-HSL also stimulated plant growth and improved soil enzymatic activities, likely aiding in nutrient cycling and pollutant degradation in soil. Moreover, C4-HSL modified the bacterial community, increasing the relative abundance of bacteria related to DMP degradation (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria) and plant growth promotion (Micromonosporales, Sphingomonadaceae). In general, this study proposed that AHLs-assisted phytoremediation offers a promising, eco-friendly strategy for DMP remediation. This approach provides economic and ecological benefits while reducing damage to soybeans and lays the groundwork for practical applications in agriculture.