When importing a CSV file with contact info into your dashboard, it's crucial to follow the E.164 international phone number formatting standards. Doing so guarantees seamless communication across borders and prevents any potential problems related to incorrect dialing on your Distrobird dashboard.
In this guide, we'll help you understand the E.164 number format and show you how to correctly format your contacts phone numbers accordingly.
What is E.164?
E.164 is a standardized format for phone numbers that defines the international public telecommunication numbering plan. It's a globally accepted standard for phone numbers that ensures each telephone number is unique worldwide, making it easier to route calls across borders. The E.164 number format includes a country code, area code, and the local number. Using E.164 formatting ensures that phone numbers are uniquely identifiable and can be dialed correctly, regardless of where the caller and receiver are located.
The E.164 Format
- + Sign and Country Code: This is a plus sign (+) followed by the country code. The plus sign indicates that it's an international number. Country codes can vary in length but are typically one to four digits long. For example, the country code for the United States is +1, and for the United Kingdom, it's +44.
- Area Code: Also known as the area code, this part identifies a specific geographic region or mobile network within the country. Its format and length can vary depending on the country.
- SubscriberNumber: The subscriber number is the unique identifier for an individual phone line or subscriber within the specified area or network. It can vary in length but usually falls within a range defined by national regulations.
Putting it all together, here's what a formatted E.164 number looks like:
+1 212 555 1234
In this example:
- +1 is the country code for the United States.
- 212 is the area code for a specific region. In this case, New York City.
- 555 1234 is the subscriber number, unique to an individual phone line.
Note: There should be no spaces when entering the contact's phone number. The example provided above is intended to illustrate the individual components that should be included.
If you have additional questions about the E.164 phone number format, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@distrobird.com; a member of our team will be happy to respond to your questions and resolve any issues you might be experiencing.
Happy selling!