E.164 is a numbering plan followed internationally to ensure each device on the Publicly Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has a globally unique number. Its important to follow the E.164 format when importing contacts to your Zoho Marketing Automation account. Rules you need to follow for a phone number to be E.164 qualified include:
- The maximum length of phone numbers is 15 digits.
- The format of the phone number should comprise a country code (1 to 3 digits) and subscriber number including area code (up to 12 digits).
A sample phone number adhering to the E.164 plan would be similar to +12345678901, where [+1] is the country code, [234] is the area code, and [5678901] is the subscriber's phone number. Ensure that all your contacts are saved in the format as shown in the image below.

Given below are some of the examples of E.164 numbers:
E.164 format
| Country code
| Country
| Subscriber Number
|
+12468097531
| 1
| US
| 2468097531
|
+16789012345
| 1
| Canada
| 6789012345
|
+919876543210
| 91
| India
| 9876543210
|
While trying to import contacts into Zoho Marketing Automation, contacts that are not saved according to the E.164 format will either be ignored or considered invalid. You will not be able to send campaigns to such contacts, hindering your business communications with them.