10 Phone Number Input Field Best Practices

The phone number input field is one of the most important fields on a web form. It’s also one of the most commonly misused fields, with users inputting incorrect or invalid phone numbers.

To help you avoid these problems, we’ve compiled a list of 10 best practices for phone number input fields. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your phone number input fields are user-friendly and error-free.

1. Use a standard format

When a phone number is inputted in a standard format, it’s much easier for both the user and your system to parse and understand. This way, users are less likely to make mistakes when inputting their phone number, and your system is more likely to correctly interpret the phone number.

A standard format also makes it easier to internationalize your phone number input field. If you use a standard format, you can be sure that users from all over the world will be able to input their phone numbers correctly.

2. Allow users to enter the number in any order

If you’ve ever had to fill out a form with your phone number, you know how annoying it is to have to remember the correct order of the digits. For example, in the United States, we have to remember to put the area code first, followed by the three-digit exchange, and then finally our four-digit line number.

This can be especially difficult for international users who may not be familiar with the local conventions. Allowing them to enter the digits in any order makes it much easier for them to complete the form.

It’s also worth noting that many phones now have the ability to automatically format phone numbers as they’re being entered. So even if a user enters the digits out of order, they’ll still be able to see the correct number when it’s displayed on the screen.

3. Provide an international code dropdown

If you’re catering to a global audience, it’s important to make it as easy as possible for people to input their phone number. An international code dropdown ensures that people from all over the world can easily select their country code, so they don’t have to remember or look it up.

This is a small detail that can make a big difference in your conversion rates. So if you’re not already doing it, be sure to add an international code dropdown to your phone number input field.

4. Show the country flag next to the phone field

When a user is filling out a form on your website, they should be able to easily see which country’s phone number they are inputting. By including the country flag, you’re making it crystal clear for the user. Not only that, but you’re also helping to prevent any confusion or errors that could occur if the user inputs the wrong phone number.

This is especially important if you have users from multiple countries. Showing the country flag will help to ensure that everyone inputs their phone number correctly.

5. Don’t use a separate mobile and landline fields

If you have two separate fields, users will have to think about which number to input. This is an unnecessary cognitive load, and it increases the chances of errors being made.

It’s much better to have a single field that can accept both types of numbers. The user can then input their number in the format they’re used to, and the system can automatically detect whether it’s a mobile or landline number.

This is a much more user-friendly approach, and it reduces the likelihood of errors being made.

6. Display the full number with formatting

When a phone number is displayed with the proper formatting, it’s much easier for users to understand what they need to do in order to input a valid phone number. This is especially important if your website or app is being used by people in different countries, as phone numbers can vary greatly in terms of length and format.

Additionally, displaying the full phone number with formatting can help to prevent errors when inputting the number. For example, if a user sees that they need to input a 10-digit phone number, they’re less likely to make a mistake than if they only see a blank input field.

Finally, displaying the full phone number with formatting can also be a good way to build trust with users. When users see that you’re taking the time to display their phone number correctly, it shows that you’re attentive to detail and care about providing a good user experience.

7. Add validation for invalid numbers

If a phone number input field doesn’t have validation in place, users may enter invalid numbers. This can cause problems down the line, such as when you try to call or text the user and the number is no longer in service.

Adding validation for invalid numbers ensures that only valid numbers are entered into the field. This helps to avoid any potential problems that could arise from using an invalid number.

There are a few different ways to validate phone numbers. One option is to use a regular expression (regex) to ensure that the number is in the correct format. Another option is to use a library, such as Google’s libphonenumber, which can parse, format, and validate phone numbers.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to test it thoroughly to ensure that it works as intended.

8. Make sure it works on all devices

If a customer is trying to input their phone number on a mobile device and the field isn’t working properly, they may get frustrated and abandon the purchase altogether. In addition, if the phone number input field only works on certain devices (e.g., iPhone), you could be excluding a whole segment of your potential customer base.

To avoid these problems, make sure to test the phone number input field on all devices before launching it live. This way, you can be confident that everyone will be able to input their phone number successfully and without any frustration.

9. Test your form with real people

When you’re designing a phone number input field, it’s important to consider how people will actually be inputting their phone number. Will they be using their mobile device? If so, will they be using the numeric keypad or the full keyboard?

It’s also important to consider international users. Will your form be used by people in other countries? If so, you’ll need to account for different country codes and make sure the input field can accommodate different formats.

Testing your form with real people is the best way to ensure that it works well for all types of users. By doing so, you can catch any potential problems early on and make sure your form is as user-friendly as possible.

10. Keep the phone number input short

When a phone number input field is too long, it’s easy for users to make mistakes when entering their phone number. A short phone number input field makes it easier for users to enter their phone number correctly, and it also reduces the chances of errors.

It’s also important to keep the phone number input field short because it helps to improve the usability of the phone number input field. A shorter phone number input field is easier to use, and it’s less likely to cause problems for users.

Finally, a shorter phone number input field is more visually appealing, and it’s more likely to be used by users. A shorter phone number input field is more likely to be used by users because it’s easier to see, and it’s less likely to be ignored.