Phone Validation

Phone validation describes the process of verifying that a phone number is valid and usable. A comprehensive validation process will check whether the number exists, is active, and can receive calls or texts. 

What does phone validation do?

A lot! Phone validation is quite a comprehensive process which involves a number of different tasks. Here are the common features of a typical phone validation process: 

• Format check: Firstly, the validation process needs to ensure the number follows the correct format for the country or region it's linked to. This includes verifying the length, presence of country code, and absence of special characters.
• Checks existence: We need to know our phone number is associated with a real phone line and not a typo or made-up number. Validation software confirms this, comparing it to databases of known valid numbers.
• Type verification: The type of phone line also has to be factored in. Is our number mobile, landline, or toll-free?
• Reachability check: Lastly, a good validation process needs to confirm the number is working. The way to do this is to contact the phone number through a call or text message to see if it is currently active and able to receive communication.
  
  

Why is phone validation important?

Because using real and genuine numbers in the database improves a whole lot of things for businesses! Here are some of the top benefits of following rigorous phone validation processes: 

• Improves communication: With validated numbers, you'll avoid the cost and pain associated with wasted calls, texts, and other communication attempts with your customerbase, and mitigate the risk of overcommunicating (for example, sending the same message to duplicate data records).
• Reduces fraud: Phone validation can help identify and prevent fraudulent activity, such as fake accounts or spam calls, thwarting malicious actors.
• Enhances data quality: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date phone numbers in your databases improves data quality and enables better analysis and decision-making.
• 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, and maybe even tell others about the great 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

There are several key steps to a phone validation process:

• Syntax check: This is a basic check to ensure the number follows the correct format.
• Database lookup: The number is compared against databases of known valid numbers.
• Call attempt: A test call is 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.
• 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 on the market, 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 our Phone Validation product.