Fix Caller ID Showing Wrong Name on Any Device

Your caller ID may show the wrong or a different name due to outdated or incorrect information in the CNAM (Caller Name) databases that telecom providers use to display names. It can also happen due to a number porting issue, technical glitches, or name length limitation.

1. Number Porting Issues: If you have recently ported your number to a new phone service provider, your caller ID might not update immediately. This can happen because the new carrier may not correctly update all the records in the databases.
2. Recipient's Phone Settings: When a recipient saves your number under a different name, their phone will display that saved name instead of your actual caller ID. Sometimes, saved contacts can override the network's caller ID.
3. Technical Glitches: Temporary glitches or issues with the phone carriers' systems may cause the incorrect caller ID to be displayed.
4. Name Length Limitations: Caller ID names are limited to 15 characters, so longer names may be cut off or appear incomplete.
5. Toll-Free or Fax Numbers: These types of numbers do not support custom caller ID names, resulting in a default or generic name display.
6. Shared or Reused Lines: Caller ID may show a different name if you use a shared or recycled number. This happens because the previous user's information may still be stored in the Caller Name (CNAM) database. It can take some time for the system to update and show your correct name.
7. Outdated Carrier Settings: Incorrect or outdated carrier settings on your cell phone can cause your caller ID to display the wrong name.

To fix the incorrect caller ID, restart your phone and verify that the caller ID feature is enabled in your phone's settings. If the issue persists, contacting your service provider may help resolve the problem more permanently.

Sometimes, a simple restart can refresh your phone’s system and correct minor glitches affecting your caller ID display.

On iPhone:

• Press and hold the Side button and Volume button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, then press and hold the Side button again to turn it back on.

On Android:

• Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears, then select "Restart" or "Reboot".

Ensure your device is running the latest version of the operating system.

On iPhone:

• Go to the iPhone’s Settings > General > Software Update.
• If an update is available, tap "Download and Install" or "Install Now".

On Android:

• Go to the phone’s Settings > System > Software Update > System Update > Check for update.
• If an update is available, tap "Download and Install" or "Install Now".

Resetting network settings can fix misconfigurations that affect how your phone communicates with carrier networks.

On iPhone:

• Go to the Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Tap Reset, then select Reset Network Settings.
• Enter your passcode and confirm.

On Android:

• Go to Settings > About phone > Reset > Reset network settings.
• Confirm and restart your phone.

Update your dialer or contacts app, as outdated apps may interfere with the display of caller information.

On iPhone:

• Open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, scroll down to find your Contacts or Phone app, and tap Update if available.

On Android:

• Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, go to Manage apps & devices, tap Updates available, and update your Contacts app if listed.

Log in to your online account with your mobile carrier or VoIP service provider. Check the account holder's name and any specific settings related to the caller ID display name. Make any necessary corrections and save the changes.

Contact your provider’s customer service and ask them to verify or update your CNAM record. While some changes may take effect quickly, it can take a few days for updates to propagate across all carrier networks and devices.

Third-party apps, such as Truecaller and Hiya, can display caller ID details from their own databases. If your name is incorrect in these apps, you can register or update your information on these platforms to ensure your name shows correctly.

To address an incorrect Caller ID that displays a business name, check online business directories like Google My Business, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific listings. Claim and verify your business listings on these platforms. Ensure the name, address, and phone number are accurate and consistent across all of them.

If you have recently ported the number, wait a few days. If the issue persists after 3-5 days, contact your new service provider to ensure the port is complete and request they update the caller ID information associated with your number.

After taking any of the above steps, make a test call and confirm if the correct name is now being displayed. If not, you will need to revisit the previous steps and follow up with your service provider.

If your Caller ID displays the wrong or a different name, it can create confusion, missed connections, and even negatively impact your professional reputation. These issues arise from outdated carrier records or a recent number porting. To fix this, contact your phone carrier and request that they update your Caller ID information.