Tappable phone number

What we check

We open the home page in the smartphone view and look for a link that starts with tel:, that is a phone number that can be tapped to call directly. If it is missing, we give a note.

Why it matters

For many organisations the phone call is an important way to get in touch: the advice line of a bank, the customer service of an online shop, the hotline of a public authority, the medical practice or the restaurant for a reservation. Anyone who opens the website on a smartphone often wants exactly that: to call.

If the number exists only as text, you have to select, copy or type it. That is awkward and error-prone. Some visitors give up or turn to another provider where one tap is enough.

A tappable link costs nothing, is set up in minutes and brings enquiries directly.

How to fix it

Link the number with tel: and the international format without spaces:

<a href="tel:+442079460958">020 7946 0958</a>

• The leading 0 of the area code drops out, and the country code goes in front: +44 for the UK, +49 for Germany, +41 for Switzerland. US numbers get +1 in front of the ten digits.
• The visible text may stay formatted as usual.

Tips:

• Place the number prominently, on a smartphone ideally in the header or as a fixed "Call" button.
• If the number is only in the footer, hardly anyone scrolls that far.
• If the number exists only as an image, for example in the logo or a graphic, add it as text with a link.

WordPress

In the block editor select the number, click the link icon and enter tel:+442079460958. Page builders such as Elementor have a button or icon list element where you enter tel:… as the link.

Wix

Select the text, click "Link" and choose "Phone". For a fixed button on the smartphone there is the "Quick Action Bar" in the smartphone editor.

Jimdo and Squarespace

Insert a link or button and enter tel:+442079460958 as the target.

How to check it yourself

Open the home page on a smartphone and tap the phone number. The phone app should open with that number.

Frequently asked questions

Do smartphones not recognise phone numbers automatically?

Sometimes. The automatic detection does not work reliably, for example with numbers with unusual spacing or in images. And it creates no visible button. A real "tel:" link works everywhere.

Must the number be linked in the international format?

In the link, yes, so "tel:+442079460958". That way it also works with foreign smartphones. The number may be displayed as usual, e.g. "020 7946 0958".