How to create hyperlink to call a phone number on mobile devices?

The "+" sign for global compatibility

For your number to work worldwide, prefix the country code with a "+". This guarantees the call will connect correctly irrespective of your user's geographical position.

<a href="tel:+15555555555">+1-555-555-5555</a>


You know, using + is like saying "Your call, from any part of the world, is welcome here!"

Ensuring proper hyperlink syntax

The href attribute should be free of spaces and special characters such as dashes to ensure compatibility across different platforms:

<!-- Syntax so perfect, it's like it won a beauty pageant -->
<a href="tel:+15555555555">+1-555-555-5555</a>

<!-- Syntax so wrong, it hurts -->
<a href="tel:+1-555-555-5555">+1-555-555-5555</a>


Prioritizing extensive testing

Testing your link on a variety of mobile devices ensures cross-platform compatibility. Remember, virtual emulators are good, but nothing beats holding the real thing in your hands!

Security, SEO and phone numbers

Using rel="nofollow noreferrer" in your anchor tag can offer security benefits and positive SEO effects:

<a href="tel:+15555555555" rel="nofollow noreferrer">+1-555-555-5555</a>


This is hygiene 101 for SEO folks! It stops crawlers from following the link and blocks the HTTP header from revealing the referral page.

Mastering country codes and dialing prefixes

A comprehensive service catering to an international audience should reference resources like ITU for accurate international call prefixes and country codes. Remember, regional phone number formatting variations exist - the devil is in the details!

Striking the visual vs functional balance

While the phone number should visually appeal to users, ensure the actual link makes it an easy „one-click call."

<!-- Visually appealing -->
<a href="tel:+15555555555">+1 (555) 555-5555</a>

<!-- Functional format -->
+15555555555


It's like a swan: elegant on the surface, furiously paddling underneath!

Preparing for an international audience

Dialing habits vary globally. By displaying the "+" and the appropriate country code, you're not just friendly; you're globally friendly.

Adapting to regional dialing diversities

Different regions have different dialing rules. Just like using cutlery changes from the East to the West, your dialing code must work from anywhere in the world.