Phone numbers are essential tools for communication, personal or business. However, international phone numbers can be in many formats, creating confusion that can cause errors in dialing, messaging, or validating numbers abroad.
Here comes the E164 phone number formatting - a universal international number format; hence, every number is structured correctly for global use. In this article, we examine how to convert phone numbers to an international format, how and why it is crucial for phone number validation and the tools like free carrier lookup and phone number validation service that can help better manage your phone number information.
If your business wants to maximize the contact database or you're an individual interested in getting to know some phone formats, this complete guide to mastering the international phone number is for you.
What is the E164 Phone Number Formatting?
E164 phone number formatting is an international public telecommunication numbering plan defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It standardizes the format for phone numbers worldwide, ensuring that any number can be dialed internationally easily.
An E.164 phone number comprises of:
- A plus sign (+) followed by the country calling code
- Followed by the national significant number (area code and subscriber number)
- It can have a maximum of 15 digits (excluding the plus sign)
For example:
- A US phone number (415) 555-2671 becomes +14155552671 in E.164
- London (UK) number 020 3133 9966 becomes +442031339966
Creating E164 number formatting is how to arrive at a universal standard identifiable by all telecom providers and communication platforms. Why should phone numbers be converted to E164 phone number formatting? Consider the following reasons.
Consistent International Dialing
Phone numbers with the correct E164 phone number formatting can be dialed correctly while crossing international borders. Calls or SMS might not occur if an improper country code or the number is wrongly formatted.
Improving Accuracy in Phone Number Validation
E164 number formatting allows most verification tools and services to ascertain whether the number being validated is valid and in service. Standardized numbers are thus validated faster and more effectively.
Better Technology Integrations
CRM systems, marketing platforms, and VOIP providers require the international phone number format for smooth integration. They usually want the numbers in the E.164 format to identify the phone number's carriers, regions, and line types (mobile or landline).
Faster Carrier Lookup and Location Services
With a consistent format for phone numbers, it becomes quite easy to use carrier lookup tools for the phone carrier check or to find the phone number location and region, such as tools provided by Phone Number Wizard.
How to Format Phone Numbers into E164
National vs. International Formats
The national telephone number format is how one would dial a number within the country; if a number is dialed with a trunk prefix, that is usually dropped in the national opposing system-retainment; in the UK, it is "0," while in the US, it is "1."
An international telephone number format does not use prefixes for local dialing; rather, it uses the country's dialing code (or the telephone country code).
Identification of Country Code (Calling Code)
A certain country is assigned a unique international dialing code or calling code. By way of example:
- The USA & Canada: +1
- The UK: +44
- India: +91
- Australia: +61
Consult a list of international codes or use a phone number international format converter for the appropriate code.
Removing National or Trunk Code Prefixes, if Any
If a phone number begins with a "0", remove it, as this is common in many countries.
For example, the UK telephone number 020 7946 0958 will become 20 7946 0958 when converted to the international format.
Make a Composite of Country Code and Number
Place together the country calling code and the cleaned-up phone number, with a '+' sign prepended to it by E164.
Example of International Format Conversion:
- National number: 020 7946 0958 (UK)
- Remove leading 0 → 20 7946 0958
- Add country code +44 → +442079460958
Tools for Automating Conversion
Conversion in phone numbering is usually time-consuming and prone to manual errors. Fortunately, conversion to E164 format is quite straightforward on the Internet. The Phone Number Wizard site hosts an international phone number format converter that allows you to:
- Enter any phone number in a national format
- Automatic detection of country code from the number or selection
- Convert to E.164 format
It also validates phone numbers to check whether they are valid and active, thus eliminating any time spent cleaning up the data.
Related Concept Understanding: RFC 3966 and Phone Number Validation
RFC 3966 is a technical specification that extends the E164 format by adding parameters for telephone URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) schemes used in web applications.
While the E164 format is necessary for dialing and validation, RFC 3966 becomes essential for any software developer who makes phone number analysis tools or communication apps requiring standardized phone number URI handling.
Validation and Verification of Phone Numbers
After converting phone numbers to E164, the last step is to verify and validate them to ensure correctness.
- A phone number validation will confirm if the phone number is in the correct format and exists.
- A phone number verification will see if the number is active and can receive calls or messages.
Most advanced phone validation tools validate them in real time, including carrier information, line type, and location. You can make free phone validator lookups or use paid services for batch processing.
How Phone Number Wizard Will Augment Your Phone Numbers
Phone Number Wizard allows all-round management of phone number information through an array of handy utilities:
- Phone number formatting tools: For converting any number to E164 phone number formatting or national phone number format
- Free carrier lookup: Instantly find out who the carrier for a phone number is or the cell phone provider
- Phone number location: Locate by phone number and get a detailed phone number region lookup
- Phone number validation service: Verifies whether phone numbers are correct and active
- Phone type lookup: Clarifies if a number is mobile, landline, or VoIP
Using these tools together lets you keep your databases clean from irregularities, analyze phone numbers online, and apply international communication strategies.
Practical Tips for Managing International Phone Numbers | E164 Phone Number Formatting
Always Store Numbers in E164 Format
When inputting all contacts, using an E164 phone number format maintains consistency and prevents errors during dialing or validation.
Use Validation Tools Regularly
Check your phone lists occasionally with a phone number validation tool or use the free phone validator to remove inactive phone lines or inappropriately formatted numbers.
Use Carrier and Location Lookups
Carriers and locations can be great information that customizes marketing campaigns and optimizes routes and message types to avoid high charges.
Always Remember International Dialing Codes
Consider international dialing codes and country phone codes to get a glimpse of how numbers should be dialed and the bulk formatting thereof.
Summary
Know-how of E164 phone number formatting could open anyone working with international numbers. By converting to this universal standard, one can use voice calls or SMS anywhere worldwide, integrate with the technology environment seamlessly, and pinpoint the validation of phone numbers.
Further, leveraging services that PhoneNumberWizard.com offers to convert a phone number to any international format, verify it, and conduct carrier and location lookups will uplift communication opportunities, upscale data quality, and empower global connectivity.
Start converting your phone numbers today and experience the difference between professional phone number formatting and validation services!