A tel link is an HTML5 protocol that initiates a phone call when clicked on mobile devices. On desktop, it opens Skype, FaceTime, or other VoIP software. Format: <a href="tel:+1234567890">Call Us</a>.
An sms link opens the default SMS app with the recipient number pre-filled. Format: <a href="sms:+1234567890">Text Us</a>. Some phones support pre-filling the body via ?body= parameter.
Mobile Websites: Add click-to-call buttons on mobile sites for instant customer contact without manual number entry.
Contact Pages: Provide both phone, SMS, and email links to accommodate different user communication preferences.
O2O Services: Enable quick contact between customers and businesses in food delivery, ride-hailing, and booking apps.
Marketing Campaigns: Use SMS links in marketing to quickly open messaging apps and increase engagement.
β’ Always use international format (+country code + number) for cross-border compatibility.
β’ Provide fallback options on desktop sites where tel/sms links may not work.
β’ Use CSS media queries to show tel/sms links only on mobile devices, or provide text alternatives.
β’ Remove spaces, parentheses, and dashes from numbers β keep only digits and the + sign.
β’ Add title attributes to tel/sms links for accessibility, e.g., title="Click to call".
A tel: link automatically initiates a phone call on mobile or opens VoIP software on desktop. Format: tel:+1234567890.
An sms: link opens the SMS app with the recipient pre-filled. Format: sms:+1234567890. Some phones support pre-filling the message body.
tel: links often open Skype or FaceTime on desktop. sms: links typically need a phone. Optimize these for mobile use.
Use 'p' for pause (~2 seconds) and 'w' for wait (user clicks). E.g., tel:+1234567890p1234 dials then pauses and enters extension 1234.
Yes, always use international format (+country code + number) so it works even when users are traveling abroad.