How to mark-up phone numbers?

user_113195 0
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I want to mark up a phone number as callable link in an HTML document. I have read the microformats approach, and I know, that the tel: scheme would be standard, but is quite literally nowhere implemented.

Skype defines, as far as I know, skype: and callto:, the latter having gained some popularity. I assume, that other companies have either other schemes or jump on the callto: train.

What would be a best practice to mark-up a phone number, so that as many people as possible with VoIP software can just click on a link to get a call?

Bonus question: Does anyone know about complications with emergency numbers such as 911 in US or 110 in Germany?

Cheers,

Update: Microsoft NetMeeting takes callto: schemes under WinXP. This question suggests, that Microsoft Office Communicator will handle tel: schemes but not callto: ones. Great, Redmond!

Update 2: Two and a half years later now. It seems to boil down to what you want to do with the number. In mobile context, tel: is the way to go. Targeting desktops it's up to you, if you think your users are more Skype people (callto:) or will more likely have something like Google Voice (tel:) installed. My personal opinion is, when in doubt use tel: (in line with @Sidnicious' answer).

Update 3: User @rybo111 noted, that Skype in Chrome has meanwhile jumped on the tel: bandwagon. I cannot verify this, because no machine with both at hand, but if it's true, it means we have finally a winner here: tel:

phone-number markup url-scheme html
14 Answers

I keep this answer for "historic" purpose but don't recommend it anymore. See @Sidnicious' answer above and my Update 2.

Since it looks like a draw between callto and tel guys, I want to throw in a possible solution in the hope, that your comments will bring me back on the way of light ;-)

Using callto:, since most desktop clients will handle it:

<a href="callto:0123456789">call me</a>

Then, if the client is an iPhone, replace the links:

window.onload = function () {
  if (navigator.userAgent.match (/iPhone/i)) {
    var a = document.getElementsByTagName ("a");
    for (var i = 0; i < a.length; i++) {
      if (a[i].getAttribute ('href').search (/callto:/i) === 0) {
        a[i].setAttribute ('href', a[i].getAttribute ('href').replace (/^callto:/, "tel:"));
      }
    }
  }
};

Any objections against this solution? Should I preferably start from tel:?

user_1131950
Jan_Aagaard_371470

Since callto: is per default supported by skype (set up in Skype settings), and others do also support it, I would recommend using callto: rather than skype: .

user_1093920
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