How to Add Phone Number Validation to Shopify Checkout

In the world of e-commerce, a smooth checkout process is crucial for converting visitors into customers. One often overlooked aspect of this process is phone number validation. Ensuring that customers enter valid phone numbers can help reduce errors and improve communication. In this article, we’ll explore how to add phone number validation to your Shopify checkout page, even if you’re not a Shopify Plus merchant.

Understanding Shopify Checkout Customization

The Limitations of Standard Shopify Plans

Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand that customizing the checkout page in Shopify is typically reserved for Shopify Plus merchants. This limitation can be frustrating for store owners on standard plans who want to implement additional validation or customization.

The Importance of Phone Number Validation

Phone number validation serves several purposes:

1. It ensures that you have accurate contact information for your customers.
2. It helps prevent errors in SMS notifications or shipping updates.
3. It can reduce fraud by verifying that a real phone number is being used.

Shopify’s Built-in Validation vs. Custom Scripts

While Shopify does provide some basic input validation, it may not meet the specific needs of all merchants. Custom scripts can offer more robust and tailored validation options.

Implementing Phone Number Validation

The JavaScript Solution

For those with access to the checkout.liquid file (typically Shopify Plus merchants), adding a custom JavaScript snippet can provide powerful phone number validation. Here’s a breakdown of how this can be achieved:

Step 1: Accessing the Checkout File

If you’re a Shopify Plus merchant, you can edit the checkout.liquid file directly. For other merchants, this option isn’t available, which leads us to alternative solutions.

Step 2: Adding the Script

The most likely solution for adding phone number validation is to insert a JavaScript snippet into your checkout page. This script would typically be placed within “ tags and would look something like this:

(function($) {
  $(document).on('page:load page:change', function() {
    if (Shopify.Checkout.step === 'contact_information') {
      var $phoneField = $('[name="checkout[shipping_address][phone]"]:not([tabindex="-1"])');
      
      function phoneNumberValidation() {
        var phoneFieldVal = $phoneField.val();
        var formattedPhoneValue = phoneFieldVal.replace(/[^0-9]/g, '');
        $phoneField.val(formattedPhoneValue);
      }
      
      $phoneField.on('blur', phoneNumberValidation);
      
      $('[data-step] form [type="submit"]').on('click', function(e) {
        e.preventDefault();
        phoneNumberValidation();
        $('[data-step] form').trigger('submit');
      });
    }
  });
})(Checkout.$);

This script does several things:

• It targets the phone number field on the contact information step.
• It strips out non-numeric characters when the field loses focus.
• It validates the phone number before form submission.

Alternative Approaches for Non-Plus Merchants

If you don’t have access to the checkout.liquid file, there are still ways to improve phone number input:

Using Shopify’s Form Builder

Shopify’s form builder allows you to create custom forms with some validation options. While this won’t directly affect the checkout page, you can use it to collect validated phone numbers earlier in the customer journey.

Leveraging Third-Party Apps

There are several Shopify apps available that can add additional validation to your store’s forms, including phone number fields. These apps often work by injecting scripts into your store’s pages without requiring direct access to the checkout file.

Best Practices for Phone Number Validation

Setting Character Limits

It’s a good practice to set both minimum and maximum character limits for phone numbers. This helps prevent obviously invalid entries while allowing for international numbers.

Handling International Numbers

Consider whether you need to support international phone numbers. If so, your validation should be flexible enough to accommodate different formats and country codes.

Providing Clear Error Messages

When validation fails, provide clear, user-friendly error messages that explain what went wrong and how to correct it. For example:

“Please enter a valid phone number between X and Y digits long.”

Testing Across Devices

Ensure that your validation works well on both desktop and mobile devices, as many customers complete checkout on smartphones.

The Impact of Phone Number Validation on User Experience

Reducing Friction vs. Ensuring Accuracy

While validation is important, it’s crucial to balance it with user experience. Overly strict validation can frustrate users and lead to abandoned carts.

Improving Customer Communication

Valid phone numbers improve your ability to communicate with customers about their orders, potentially leading to higher customer satisfaction.

Enhancing Data Quality

Accurate phone numbers in your customer database can be valuable for marketing and customer service purposes.

Conclusion

Adding phone number validation to your Shopify checkout page can significantly improve data accuracy and customer communication. While Shopify Plus merchants have more direct control over checkout customization, there are options available for all Shopify users to enhance their validation processes. By implementing these best practices and considering the user experience, you can create a smoother, more reliable checkout process for your customers.

Remember, as Shopify continues to evolve, new options for checkout customization may become available. Always stay updated with the latest Shopify features and best practices to ensure your store provides the best possible experience for your customers.