How to format phone numbers for your locations
Table of Contents
Your location's phone number is one of the most important details customers see on Google, Apple Maps, Bing and other directories. This article explains how to enter phone and mobile numbers so they're accepted and published correctly.
Which fields does this apply to?
The same rules apply to all phone number fields on a location profile:
Phone (main phone number)
Mobile
Fax
They apply whether you edit a single location, use the Bulk Editor or import a spreadsheet.
Accepted formats
You can type a phone number the way you normally write it. Spaces, brackets and dashes are all fine. When you save, the number is automatically converted to a standard international format.
Example for a location in Germany:
You enter |
Saved as |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
How the country code is handled
If you include a country code (for example +44), that code is always kept, even if the location is in a different country.
If you don't include a country code, the code for the location's country is added automatically.
Why a phone number might be rejected
A phone number is rejected when it can't be recognised as a valid number for the country it belongs to. Directories may also reject a listing if the phone number doesn't match the location's country.
Tips to make sure your number is accepted
Use the international format. Start with + and the country code, for example +49 30 12345678. This is the most reliable way to make sure your number is read correctly.
Check the location's country. If you leave out the country code, the location's country decides which code is added, so make sure it's set correctly.
Use a number from the location's country. A number from another country may be rejected by some directories.
Test your number before saving (optional). You can check whether a number is valid with Google's free phone number checker: libphonenumber.appspot.com
Always add a phone number if applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my saved number look different from what I typed?
Phone numbers are stored in a standard international format. Spaces, brackets and dashes are removed and the country code is added, but the number itself stays the same.
Can I use a phone number from a different country than my location?
Yes. If you include that number's country code, it will be kept. Some directories may still reject a listing when the phone number doesn't match the location's country, so we recommend using a local number.
Do the same rules apply to mobile numbers?
Yes. Phone, mobile and fax numbers all follow the same formatting rules.
My location doesn't have a phone number. What should I do?
Only some directories, including Google, accept locations with no phone numbers. The others will not publish the location due to missing mandatory field. It is therefore strongly recommended that all locations include a phone number and the field is mandatory in the platform.