Phone Verification / Validation

Phone validation describes the process of verifying the accuracy and usability of a phone number. Phone validation will let you know whether a number exists, is active, and can receive calls or texts. 

What does phone validation do?

• Checks the format: Firstly, a validation process will ensure the number follows the correct format for the specified country or region. This will include verifying the length, presence of country code, and absence of special characters.
• Checks the number exists: Next up is checking phone number is associated with a real phone line and not a typo or made-up number. Often, this will involve comparing it to databases of known valid numbers.
• Verifies the phone type:  This means the type of phone line, such as mobile, landline, or toll-free.
• Checks reachability: The final, and most crucial, step of phone validation is to contact the phone number through a call or text message. This ensures the number in question is currently active and able to receive communication.
  
  

Why is phone validation important?

There are several reasons why phone validation is a key consideration for businesses and organizations to make:

• Improves your communications: By ensuring phone numbers are valid and reachable, you can avoid wasted calls, texts, and other communication attempts, which saves time and money.
• Reduces fraud risk: Using validated numbers will help identify and prevent fraudulent activity, such as fake accounts or spam calls. That means your crucial business communications will only go to real customers.
• Enhances data quality: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date phone numbers in your databases improves data quality , which in turn means you'll get better insights from your data.
• Boosts customer satisfaction: When you can successfully reach customers by phone, it leads to a more positive experience and builds trust. The result? Happy customers who are likely to come back or tell others about the experience they had.

Learn more about why phone validation is a critical part of handling customer data.  

How is phone validation done? Phone Validation Process

Here are the steps involved with a comprehensive phone validation process:

• Syntax check: The bog-standard, basic check to ensure the number follows the correct format.
• Database lookup: A common method of validation, your number is compared against databases of known valid numbers.
• Call attempt: A test call is then made to the number to see if it rings or goes to voicemail.
• Text message: A test text message is sent to the number to see if it is delivered successfully.
• Carrier lookup: Services from phone carriers can provide more detailed information about the number, such as its type and location.

The best method for phone validation will depend on your specific needs and budget, but Loqate's phone validation is the most comprehensive, going beyond number length to identify country location, carrier and apply proper syntax, all in a simple type-ahead phone validation process. Learn how Loqate can simplify and automate your phone validation at the push of a button with Phone Verify.