5 min read
2026-02-17
In the database, save only digits with the country code: +79161234567. Apply formatting when displaying.
Users enter numbers differently: 89161234567, +7-916-123-45-67, (916) 123-45-67. Normalize the input before saving.
Sending an SMS to an invalid number is a waste of money. Check the format and length before each send.
Number format depends on the country. If your service operates in multiple countries, support the corresponding formats.
Phone numbers can change. Don't tie critical data exclusively to a phone number.
Stripping the leading zero or plus sign
Confusion between 8 and +7 for Russian numbers
Rigid binding to a single format
Check numbers with the Phone Validator.
See also: Email Validator, JSON Data Generator