Custom Function to Format Phone / Mobile numbers in Australian Standard format

Custom Function to Format Phone / Mobile numbers in Australian Standard format

So I got sick of phone numbers being formatted incorrectly and Zoho not doing anything to standardise phone numbers to meet E.164 formats. So I went and coded my own function to fix this.
And figured I'd share with the community

This is specifically for Australian numbers. 

The CF will take all mobile, local landline, 1800 & 1300 numbers and format them into the format we are used to in Australia.
It will also add the country code +61 to the prefix so you can call directly from the CRM.

It works with all 10 digit numbers (0400 000 000 or 03 9000 0000)
And with all 9 digit numbers (400 000 000 or 3 9000 0000)
IE works with both the starting 0 or without the starting 0 (ie 03 9000 1111 or 3 9000 1111)


The numbers will be formatted as below

All mobile numbers    0400111222 --> +61 400 111 222
                                       400111222 --> +61 400 111 222
All local numbers        0390001111 --> +61 3 9000 1111
                                       390001111 --> +61 3 9000 1111
1800 numbers            1800111222 --> +61 1800 111 222
1300 numbers            1300111222 --> +61 1300 111 222

For the local numbers it will work with all states area codes (02, 03, 07, 08)

Anything that isn't the above will be ignored and stay the way it was. IE 131122 will stay like that
As will any numbers that aren't 9 or 10 digits long. (ie +61400111222 wont be formatted with spaces)

**NB I may do a V2 to format numbers that are +61 already but not planning that for a while.

This function is specifically for the Leads module.
It is Phone/Mobile Field agnostic. In that it will take whatever value is in the Phone Field, format it return it to the Phone Field. and what ever is in the Mobile Field, format and return it to Mobile Field.

I did this specifically as we use Phone to be the contacts Primary contact number and Mobile to be their Secondary contact Number.

It should be pretty easy to adapt to Contacts Module or any other module. You only need to change line 1 & 211.


Setting up with Workflow and Triggering the Function:
This applies for CRM
  1. Go to Setup --> Automation --> Workflow Rules --> Create Rule --> Under Module, select Leads --> Give a Rule name and Description (ie Format Phone Numbers Australia) --> Next
  2. When = Select "On a Record action" --> "Create or Edit" --> Next
  3. Condition = In Conditions, choose "All Leads" --> Next.
  4. Instant Actions --> Function --> New Function --> Write your own --> Add a Function name (ie Format_Phone_Numbers_Au), Display Name (ie Format Phone Numbers Australia), Description --> Create
  5. Copy paste the code from below and proceed to save the code.
  6. "Edit the Arguments" --> Key is id, in Param Value type # and choose your fields (ie Leads and Lead Id) the end result should read id = Leads - Lead Id --> Save
  7. Save the Function 
  8. Save the Workflow.


NOTE: there is probably a better more efficient way of achieving this.
So if anyone know a better way to code the above I'd love to hear.

EDIT: I had to upload the code separately due to restrictions in the post lengths.

EDIT 2: now updated to work with brackets (03) 9000 1111 and hyphens 0400-000-000

EDIT 3: updated to work with the country code already added but no + ie 61400111222  


The number formatting will work with the following

All mobile numbers    --> +61 400 111 222
  1. 0400 111 222
  2. 400111222
  3. 0400-111-222
  4. 61400111222
All local numbers  --> +61 3 9000 1111
(works with 02, 03, 07, 08) 
  1. 0390001111                  
  2. 390001111
  3. (03) 9000 1111
  4. (03) 9000-1111
1800 numbers  --> +61 1800 111 222
  1. 1800111222
  2. 1800 111 222
1300 numbers  --> +61 1300 111 222
  1. 1300111222 
  2. 1300 111 222 
​
​
EDIT: May 2025

Theres been some requests about cleaning up existing phone numbers for leads/contacts.

To do this there are a few steps to do.

Step 1 - create a new Custom Function called "Format Phone Numbers Au - mass update"
(or what ever you want to name it)

Use the same code as the single run fuction and add a recurring "loop" section to the start of the code, and a small closing at the end.
The way I have it setup is to use the following opening code before Line 1. 
Line 6 of the below code replaces Line 1 in the full code.

  1. string button.Format_Phone_Numbers_Au_mass_update(String leadIDs)
  2. {
  3. idList = leadIDs.toList("|||");
  4. for each  rec in idList
  5. {
  6. a = zoho.crm.getRecordById("Leads",rec);

Then to close the function replace the final Map (line 208-213) with the following

  1. }
  2. mp = Map();
  3. mp.put("Phone",nph);
  4. mp.put("Mobile",nmob);
  5. update = zoho.crm.updateRecord("Leads",rec,mp);
  6. info mp;
  7. info update;
  8. }
  9. return "Success";
  10. }

This new function will take your selected list of Leads and then "for each Record in the idList will run the function"

Step 2 - Create a Mass Update Button in the List view of the Leads/Contacts Module

Go to Settings > Customizations > Modules and Fields > [Module Tab} > Leads
Then go the the Buttons tab > Create New Botton

Button Name: Phone Numbers Mass Update
Define action: Function
Select Page: In List
Select Position: Mass Action Menu  (preview to see where the botton will be placed)
Configured Function: Select the function you created in the above step

Doing the above will create a new botton in the main list view for the Module. 
To use the button you need to select the entries you want to run the function then click the button.

Step 3 - Create a custom View for your Leads/Contacts so that you have less than 1000 

Zoho CRM Limits mass update functions to run for max of 1000 entries at a time. So if you have 10,000's leads you need to figure out how to narrow your view down to less than 1000 entries.

One way is to create a View with specific criteria like 
Email starts with A - this will show all leads with email address beginning with A
If this is still more than 1000 then figure out how to reduce it further to less than 1000

Step 4 - Select all records
Select the check box of the view at the top of the Column. This will select all records in the current window.
Windows are limted to 100 records, so you need to select all 1000 
You will then see a Blue text option to "Select All records in this view". Click this and all records will be selected.
If you have more than 1000 records in the view you wont be able to do the following step so make sure you've limited the view.

Step 5 - click the Mass Update button

Click the Mass Update Button you created above in Step 2. This will run the fuction for all the entries.
It'll take some time and entries will be added to the execution que. If you are interested you can check the api usage to make sure you keep your usage under the daily limit.

Step 6 - Figure out how to vary your list View for the next batch

Rinse and repeat Step 3-5. 
Figure out how to change the View so you see the next 1000 batch but exclude the ones you have already done.

Step 7 - Finish

Make sure you remove the Button you created in Step 2, otherwise someone will definitily run it in future when you dont want them to.


    • Recent Topics

    • "Temporary" Field Value?

      I have a custom action in Form A report Detail View that passes the Rec ID and updates a Temp Record ID lookup field in the Form B record via openURL (and opens the Form B report in popup) . The updated Temp Record ID field value in Form B is then used

    • File Upload field automatically replaces spaces with underscores – support experience

      Hi everyone, I want to share my recent experience regarding the File Upload field behavior in Zoho Creator and my interaction with the Zoho support team. When a user uploads a file, the system automatically renames the document by replacing spaces in

    • We Asked, Zoho Delivered: The New Early Access Program is Here

      For years, the Zoho Creator community has requested a more transparent and participatory approach to beta testing and feature previews. Today, I'm thrilled to highlight that Zoho has delivered exactly what we asked for with the launch of the Early Access

    • Queries on Project-Based Inventory Consumption and Proforma Invoice in Zoho ERP

      We would appreciate your clarification on how Zoho ERP plans to handle the following: Project-based inventory consumption without itemized sales orders Accurate project cost tracking along with inventory reduction Proforma Invoice usage We look forward

    • Applying Excess Payments & Conflict Invoices Due to Cancelled Items

      I’m running into several issues that appear to stem from deeper-than-expected overlap between Zoho Finance (Books/Inventory) and Zoho POS. The level of coupling between these systems seems greater than what was originally communicated, and it’s leading

    • Zoho Sprint Backlog View, filter by item status

      Hello, In Zoho Sprints, it would be great to be able filter out specific items in the Backlog based on their status. We would like to track items that were Removed from our backlog without seeing them constantly in the Backlog view, as this view should

    • WATERFALL CHART IN ZOHO ANALYTICS

      Hi Team, I would like to know whether Zoho Analytics currently supports a Waterfall Chart as a built-in visualization type. If yes, could you please share the steps to create one? If not, is there any workaround or recommended method to build a Waterfall

    • Export contacts from Bigin's mobile app to your Android device

      Hello everyone! We're happy to announce that you can now export customer contacts from the Bigin mobile app to your device. Scenario A small-scale business owner has two pipelines in Bigin—one for procuring raw materials and the other for selling his

    • ASAP iOS SDK – Xcode Compatibility Update

      Hello everyone, We have been delivering the ASAP iOS SDK developed using Xcode 16.1 to provide Help Center support within mobile applications. Thus, ASAP iOS SDK versions upto 4.5.8 are compatible with development environments running in Xcode 16.1 and

    • Sub form auto field population based on parent form

      I have a parent form called "Sites" with a text field called "Site". I have a subform called "Design Comments" (actual form name "Review Comments") with a lookup field name "Sites1" that looks up from the Sites form. I want the Sites1 lookup field to

    • A note-taking app right inside your project management space

      How do you feel when you check off the last task from your to-do list after a long day at work? Euphoric, blissful, satisfied? Now, imagine completing the same checklist from your PM platform, without juggling tools. Sounds simple and handy? That’s exactly

    • Email Forwarding: Maintain business continuity

      As an administrator, ensuring uninterrupted email communication is critical when a role-based employee is unavailable due to extended leave or a temporary role change. Emails from customers, partners, and internal teams must continue to be received and

    • Tip #61- Collaborate live with Invite Technician- 'Insider Insights'

      Hello Zoho Assist Community! From the series of Technician Console, we will be exploring Session. Let's jump right into a brief overview. We’ve all been there: you’re deep into a complex remote session, and you realize you need a second pair of eyes.

    • How to integrate Zoho CRM, Zoho Forms and a WIX Web Site

      Attached video demonstrates how to use Zoho Forms included in Zoho One, to design a Contact Us form to be embedded into a WIX web site and integrated into Zoho CRM.

    • Bug Causing Major Sync & SO Access Failures in Zoho POS

      We are experiencing critical and recurring issues in Zoho POS that all trace back to role-permission handling defects in the latest POS app version. These issues directly affect syncing, login ability, and Sales Order access for role-restricted users

    • OAuth2 Scope Error - Incorrectly defaulting to CRM instead of Analytics.

      Hello Zoho Team, I am trying to connect n8n to Zoho Analytics API V2 for a simple automation project. Despite using the correct Analytics-specific scopes, my OAuth handshake is failing with a CRM-related error. The Problem: The authorization screen shows:

    • Add Custom Reports To Dashboard or Home Tab

      Hi there, I think it would be great to be able to add our custom reports to the Home Tab or Dashboards. Thanks! Chad Announcement: The feature is being rolled out across DC's and Edition in phases. To know more refer to the announcement post here.

    • Hiding Pre-defined Views

      You can enhance Zoho with custom views - but you cannot hide the pre-defined views. Most users focus on 4 or 5 views. Right now for EVERY user EVERY time they want to move to one of their 4 or 5 views - they have to scroll down past a long list of pre-defined

    • why can't agent see accounts & contacts

      My new user, with 'Agent' privileges, cannot see records that don't belong to them. How can I give them access? Why isn't this the default configuration in Zoho?

    • Sender Email Configuration Error.

      Hello Team, Hope you are all doing well. We are in the process of creating the Zoho FSM environment in the UAE. When we try to add the sender email address “techsupportuae@stryker.com”, we receive the error message: “Error occurred while sending mail

    • 【Zoho CRM】フィルター機能のアップデート：ルックアップ項目を使ったデータフィルタリング

      ユーザーの皆さま、こんにちは。コミュニティチームの藤澤です。 今回は「Zoho CRM アップデート情報」の中からフィルター機能のアップデートをご紹介します。 ルックアップ項目を使ったデータフィルタリングがより詳細に行えるようになりました。 この機能は詳細フィルターとカスタムビューで利用でき、必要な情報を正確に取得できます。 これにより、タブ間を移動することなく、より深く正確な方法でデータを絞り込むことが可能になります。 ◉できること 詳細フィルターとカスタムビューで、ルックアップ先タブの項目が選択可能

    • This will be long, Please bear with me - Next Gen Layout - Search

      In general, I think that Zoho are going in the right direction with the Next Gen UI. The latest update brings some nice improvements and all-in-all from a user's perspective I think the improvements are generally very good. However, there are some areas

    • Zoho Books | Product updates | July 2025

      Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From plan-based trials to the option to mark PDF templates as inactive, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience. Introducing Plan Based Trials in Zoho

    • Zoho Books | Product updates | August 2025

      Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From the right sidebar where you can manage all your widgets, to integrating Zoho Payments feeds in Zoho Books, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience.

    • Quotes Approval

      Hey all, Could you please help in the following: When creating quotes, how to configure it in a way, that its approval would work according to the quoted items description, not according to quote information. In my case, the quote should be sent to approval

    • Important Update: Facebook Pages API Deprecation

      Dear Zoho Analytics users, As of January 26, 2026, Facebook has officially deprecated Facebook Pages API version 18. This update involves the removal of several metrics that were previously supported by the API. As a result, these changes will affect

    • Adding a Deal to and Existing Contact

      I want to easily add a Deal to an existing Contact. If I click on New Deal on the Contact page this currently this is what happens: All of the mandatory field (and other field) information exists within the Contact. Is there a simple way for it to automatically

    • Custom SMTP is now available in Zoho Sign

      Hi there! Want to send Zoho Sign emails from your organization's or personal email server? Look no further! Zoho Sign has introduced custom Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for Enterprise users across all data centers. By enabling custom SMTP, you

    • Email was sent out without our permission

      Hi there, One customer just reached out to us about this email that we were not aware was being sent to our customers. Can you please check on your end?

    • Flexible Partial-Use Coupons (Stored Value Credits)

      Subject: Feature Request: Ability for users to apply partial coupon balances per transaction Problem Statement Currently, our coupons are "one-and-done." If a user has a $50 coupon but only spends $30, they either lose the remaining $20 or are forced

    • Prevent accidental duplicate entry of Customer Ordersome

      Zoho Support has confirmed that Zoho currently does not have any method (using Deluge, flow or any other method) to alert a user when a sales order has been entered twice using the same customer reference number (i.e. a duplicate). Most ERP platforms

    • Collapsing and expanding of lists and paragraphs

      hello Would you ever implement Collapsing and expanding of lists and paragraphs in zoho writer ? Best regards

    • Migrating Brevo Automation Logic to Zoho Campaigns

      Hello Zoho Campaigns Support Team, I am in the process of migrating my email marketing from Brevo to Zoho Campaigns. I have around 10,000 contacts, which I have already successfully exported from Brevo and imported into Zoho Campaigns. I now need guidance

    • Is there a way to delete workspaces?

      I want to remove one of the workspaces in my Campaigns account. I don't see any obvious way to do this. Am I missing something?

    • New Custom View -Sorting the Custom fields

      While creating a New Custom View in invoice , Customers, Bills ,expense etc , the sorting of custom fields are not available , a query function "order by / sort by  " may also be included in  Define new criteria module  which will be more beneficial to

    • Make CAMPAIGNS email look as simple as possible

      Hi there I'm trying to make my Campaigns email look as much like a normal email as possible. I'm a bit stuck with the "justification" of the email email block. Can I LEFT JUSTIFY the "whole email" to make it look "normal"? (Please see screenshot attached)

    • [Webinar] Top 10 Most Used Zoho Analytics Features in 2025

      Zoho Analytics has evolved significantly over the past year. Discover the most widely adopted features in Zoho Analytics in 2025, based on real customer usage patterns, best practices, and high-impact use cases. Learn how leading teams are turning data

    • Sorry! we encountered some problems while sending your campaign. It will be sent automatically once we are ready. We apologize for the delay caused.

      Hello. Lately we are having problems with some campaigns, which show us this error message. Sorry! we encountered some problems while sending your campaign. It will be sent automatically once we are ready. We apologize for the delay caused. We can't find

    • Can I remove or divert certain contacts from an active Campaigns workflow?

      I have created a workflow in Zoho Campaigns, which sends different emails, once contacts have been added to a mailing list. To choose which email to send to the contacts, there are conditions, which divert contacts based on their company type and their company size. There was a subsection of this workflow, where company size wasn't selected correctly, and some contacts have been sent down the wrong path and received the wrong email. The workflow contains a reminder loop and a further series of emails.

    • How to map fields from Zoho Recruit to Zoho People

      I've got these fields from my Job Offer that I'm trying to map to the Work information fields in Zoho People, but they arent showing up. For example, how do I get the department name field (in the job post) to map to the work information field in Zoho

    • Next Page