8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Validating Phone Numbers

Phone number validation is a crucial step in ensuring data accuracy and preventing potential issues. Whether you’re building a customer database, running an SMS marketing campaign, conducting cold calling and outreach, or simply verifying user information, having accurate phone numbers is essential. However, many developers and businesses make common mistakes that can lead to costly errors and a poor user experience. Let’s explore eight critical mistakes to avoid.

#Mistake 1: Relying Solely on Format Checking (Regex Limitations)

Using only a pattern check (like regex) for phone numbers is a common mistake. It’s like checking if a sentence has the right punctuation, but not if the words make sense. For example, A pattern check might say a number like “123-456-7890” follows a valid phone number format because it looks like a phone number. But it doesn’t know if that number actually works. It won’t catch typos that still look right or numbers that are no longer in use. This means you could end up with a list of numbers that seem correct but are actually wrong. This wastes time and money because you’re trying to reach people who might not exist. It’s important to do more than just check the format; you need to check if the number is real.

How to Avoid:

• Use carrier lookup APIs to confirm number validity.
• Implement real-time verification instead of relying on static pattern matching.

#Mistake 2: Ignoring Country Codes and Dialing Prefixes When Ensuring a Valid Phone Number Format

Ignoring country codes and dialing prefixes when validating phone numbers is like trying to send a letter without knowing the country or state. Every country has its unique code, and sometimes, regions within countries have their own prefixes. If you don’t include these, you’re essentially missing a crucial part of the address. A number that follows a valid phone number format in one country might be completely wrong in another.. For example, “+1” is for the USA, and “+44” is for the UK. Without these, you can’t tell where the number is from, making it difficult to verify a phone number accurately which leads to wrong numbers in your system, and you won’t be able to reach people. It’s like having a map with missing labels; you’ll get lost.

How to Avoid:

• Enforce proper country code input during user registration.
• Use auto-detection tools that add country codes based on user location.
• Validate against global phone number databases.

#Mistake 3: Not Verifying Number Existence (Carrier Lookup)

Thinking a phone number is good just because it looks right is a big mistake. Checking only the format doesn’t tell you if the number is actually working. Imagine having an address that looks correct, but the house doesn’t exist. That’s what happens when you skip checking if a number is real. Carrier lookup is like calling the phone company to see if the number is connected. It tells you if the number is active, if it’s a cell phone or landline, and if it has been moved to a different company. Without this check, you might have a list of numbers that don’t work, wasting your time and money. It’s like trying to talk to someone who isn’t there.

How to Avoid:

• Use carrier lookup services to check if a number is active and follows a valid phone number format.
• Implement real-time validation to filter out invalid numbers.
• Regularly update customer phone numbers in the database.

#Mistake 4: Overlooking International Format Variations

Phone numbers aren’t the same everywhere. Each country has its own way of writing them. Some have long numbers, others short. Some use dashes, spaces, or other symbols. Ignoring these differences is like trying to speak a language without knowing the grammar. You might get some parts right, but you’ll make big mistakes. For example, a number in USA looks very different from one in Brazil. If you don’t know these formats, your system will reject good numbers or accept bad ones. This makes it hard to talk to people in other countries. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole; it just won’t work.

How to Avoid:

• Use international validation tools that support various formats.
• Implement E.164 formatting, the global standard for phone numbers.
• Recognize and categorize different types of phone numbers to ensure proper handling.

#Mistake 5: Not Handling Extension Numbers Correctly

Many businesses use extensions, those extra digits after the main phone number. Ignoring them is like only writing the street address but missing the apartment number. You’ll reach the building, but not the right person. Extensions help you connect to specific departments or individuals within a company. If your system doesn’t understand them, calls might go to the wrong place or get lost. This can frustrate customers and make your business look unprofessional. It’s important to keep the main number and extension separate so your system can understand both parts. It’s like having a complete address; you need all the parts to reach the right place.

How to Avoid:

• Allow extension input fields to be separate from the main number field to ensure a valid phone number format.
• Use standardized formats (e.g., “123-456-7890 ext. 123”).
• Ensure that phone validation supports PBX (Private Branch Exchange) numbers.

#Mistake 6: Failing to Normalize and Store Numbers Consistently

Not keeping phone numbers the same way in your system causes big problems. Imagine a list of addresses with different formats: some with abbreviations, some without, some with zip codes, and some without. It’s confusing! That’s what happens with phone numbers. If you save them in different ways, like with or without dashes, spaces, or country codes, it’s hard to use them later. Normalizing means making them all look the same, like using a standard address format. This makes it easier to find, sort, and use the numbers. It also helps your system work better with other tools. It’s like organizing a messy room; everything is easier to find when it’s in its place.

How to Avoid:

• Store numbers in E.164 format for consistency.
• Use normalization functions to convert numbers into a standard structure.
• Implement automated de-duplication processes.

#Mistake 7: Not Implementing Real-Time Validation and User Feedback

Not checking phone numbers as people type them is like letting them write a letter with many mistakes and only correcting it at the end. Real-time Phone Numebr validation tool like LandlineRemover having a spellchecker that points out errors as you go. It tells users right away if they’ve made a mistake, so they can fix it. Giving good feedback, like saying “Please enter a valid phone number,” helps them understand what’s wrong. This saves time and frustration. If you wait until they’re done, they might not remember the correct number, or they might give up. It’s like having a guide help you while you’re lost, not after you’ve wandered for hours.

How to Avoid:

• Store numbers in E.164 format for consistency.
• Use normalization functions to convert numbers into a standard structure.
• Implement automated de-duplication processes.

#Mistake 8: Ignoring Legal Compliance: Failing to Check Do Not Call (DNC) Lists and Known Litigators

Calling people who don’t want to be called can cause big trouble. Many countries have “Do Not Call” lists, where people say they don’t want sales calls. Ignoring these lists can lead to fines and legal problems. Also, some people are known to sue businesses for calling them, even if it’s a small mistake. Not checking DNC Compliance is like driving without looking at the road signs; you’re likely to get into an accident. It’s important to check numbers against these lists before calling. This protects your business and keeps you from bothering people who don’t want to hear from you. It’s like respecting people’s privacy and following the rules.

How to Avoid:

• Regularly cross-check phone numbers against DNC lists and litigator databases.
• Ensure users opt in before receiving messages, confirming they have provided a valid phone number format for communication.
• Stay updated on compliance laws for different regions.

Conclusion

As we’ve discussed, avoiding these eight common phone validation mistakes is essential for better communication, effective outreach, and compliance. LandlineRemover helps you tackle all these challenges effortlessly—filtering out landlines, identifying mobile numbers, ensuring DNC compliance, and improving Phone number data accuracy. Start using LandlineRemover today and make every contact count!