Since phone numbers are considered personally identifiable information (PII) under data protection laws such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA, make sure to:
Store data securely using encryption
Restrict access to phone number data
Comply with local opt-in/opt-out germany mobile phone number list communication laws
Honor user data deletion requests
Displaying Phone Numbers: Store Once, Format as Needed
While E.164 is perfect for storage and processing, it’s not the most user-friendly format for display. Use your application logic to format the number appropriately based on the user’s locale.
Use formatting libraries to ensure consistent, readable display formats for various countries.
Conclusion
Storing phone numbers in a database may seem straightforward, but doing it right requires attention to detail and adherence to global standards. The best way to store phone numbers is by using a VARCHAR field, formatting them in E.164 standard, validating input, and securing the data.
By taking these steps, developers and businesses ensure better data consistency, easier integration with communication APIs, enhanced user experience, and full compliance with privacy laws.
Whether you're building a CRM, a customer portal, or a marketing automation tool, implementing a robust phone number storage strategy sets the foundation for reliable communication and scalable operations.