> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ownchat.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ownchat.app/bot/ask-action/ask-phone-number.md). # Ask Phone Number The **Ask Phone Number** action allows the chatbot to collect a **valid phone number from users** during a conversation. This action ensures that the user enters a properly formatted phone number, which can be used for contact verification, follow-ups, or customer records. The collected phone number is stored in a variable and can later be used for automation, CRM updates, or customer communication workflows. {% embed url="" %} ### **When to Use Ask Phone Number** Use the **Ask Phone Number** action when the chatbot needs to collect a **customer's contact number**. **Common Use Cases** * Customer contact collection * Appointment confirmation * Order verification * Lead generation * Support request follow-up Example interaction: Bot: We need your phone number to confirm your appointment.\ Please enter it with the country code.\ \ User: 919876543210 The chatbot captures and stores the phone number for later use. ### **How to Add Ask Phone Number** Follow these steps to add the Ask Phone Number action in your bot workflow. * Open **Bot Builder** * Click **Add Node** {% embed url="" %} * Select the **Ask** tab * Choose **Ask Phone Number** {% embed url="" %} * Configure the required fields * Click **Create** The chatbot will pause at this step until the user enters a valid phone number. ### **Ask Phone Number Configuration** When creating an Ask Phone Number action, several fields must be configured. #### **Action Name** The **Action Name** identifies the action within the bot workflow. This name is visible only inside the bot builder. {% embed url="" %} Example: Collect Phone Number\ Customer Contact Input\ Verify Phone Number #### **Message** The **Message** field contains the prompt shown to the user. {% embed url="" %} Example: Hello 👋\ \ We need your phone number to confirm your appointment.\ Please enter it in the format: 919876543210 The message supports: * Dynamic variables * Text formatting * Emojis Variables can be inserted using the **Add Variable** option. #### **Adding Variables** The **Add Variable** option allows dynamic values to be included in the message. Examples include: * Customer name * Phone number * Email * Contact details Example: Hi {{customer.name}} This helps personalize the interaction. #### **Error Attempt** The **Error Attempt** field defines the number of invalid attempts allowed. {% embed url="" %} Example: Error Attempt: 2 If the user enters an invalid response multiple times, the chatbot will follow the configured **Action on Invalid**. #### **Error Message** The **Error Message** is displayed when the user provides an invalid phone number. {% embed url="" %} Example: Please provide a proper phone number so we can continue.\ Example: 919876543210 This helps guide users to enter the correct format. #### **Action on Invalid** This setting defines the behavior when the user exceeds the allowed error attempts. {% embed url="" %} Available options include: **End the Flow** Stops the chatbot conversation. **Skip the Question** Allows the chatbot to continue without collecting the phone number. **Fall Back Flow** Redirects the user to another predefined chatbot flow. #### **Validation Settings** The **Validation Setting** ensures the phone number meets the required length. {% embed url="" %} When enabled, you can define: **Minimum Characters** Example: Min Characters: 10 **Maximum Characters** Example: Max Characters: 12 These limits help ensure the user enters a valid phone number format. {% embed url="" %} ### **Store Response in Variable** The **Store Response in Variable** field saves the collected phone number. {% embed url="" %} Example variable: phonenumber\_collect This stored value can be used for: * Customer records * Marketing campaigns * WhatsApp broadcasts * Follow-up communication ### Save and Deploy After configuring the action: 1. Click **Create** to add the action to the flow {% embed url="" %} 1. Connect the node appropriately 2. Click **Publish** to deploy the configuration #### **Example Ask Phone Number Interaction** Example chatbot conversation: Bot: Hello 👋\ We need your phone number to confirm your appointment.\ Please enter it in the format: 919876543210\ \ User: 919876543210 The chatbot stores the number in the variable: phonenumber\_collect and continues the workflow. ### **Best Practices** Follow these recommendations when using Ask Phone Number. **Provide clear formatting instructions** Tell users whether to include the country code. **Use validation settings** Ensure phone numbers meet the expected length. **Provide helpful error messages** Guide users when incorrect input is entered. **Store phone numbers securely** Use variables for later automation or CRM integration. **Personalize messages** Include dynamic variables when possible. ### **Summary** The **Ask Phone Number** action enables chatbots to collect **valid phone numbers from users** during conversations. {% embed url="" %} With Ask Phone Number, you can: * Capture customer contact numbers * Validate phone number format * Limit incorrect input attempts * Store phone numbers in variables * Use collected data for automation and communication This feature helps ensure **accurate contact data collection for business workflows and customer engagement**.