Your Caller ID name is the identifier displayed when you call someone. Whether you want to correct a misspelled name, switch from a number to a personalized label, or brand a business line, this guide walks you through updating it on Android devices.
Below, we cover carrier-specific methods, third-party apps, and troubleshooting tips.
Why Change Your Caller ID Name?
Your Caller ID name appears on recipient phones before they answer. Common reasons to update it include:
- Professionalism: Display a business name instead of a personal number.
- Privacy: Replace your real name with a nickname or initials.
- Errors: Fix outdated or incorrect names (e.g., "Wireless Caller").
Note: Some carriers restrict changes to prevent spoofing. Business accounts often have more flexibility.
Method 1: Change Caller ID via Your Phone App
Many Android devices let you edit Caller ID directly in the default Phone app. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Phone Settings
- Launch the Phone app (e.g., Google Phone, Samsung Dialer).
- Tap the three-dot Menu icon > Settings.
Step 2: Edit Caller ID
- Navigate to Additional Settings or Calls.
- Select Caller ID or Show My Caller ID.
- Choose Your Name and enter the desired display name.
Note: If this option is missing, your carrier may block edits here. Proceed to Method 2.
Method 2: Update via Your Mobile Carrier
Most carriers require account-level changes. Here’s how to do it for major providers:
Verizon
- Log into your Verizon account.
- Go to Account > My Profile > Contact Information.
- Edit the Caller ID Name field and save.
Changes take up to 24 hours to reflect.
AT&T
- Sign in to your AT&T account.
- Navigate to Profile > Personal Information.
- Update the Caller ID Name and confirm.
T-Mobile
- Visit the T-Mobile website or app.
- Select Account > Line Settings.
- Click Edit next to Caller ID and submit changes.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App
Apps like Truecaller or CallApp let you customize your Caller ID name for outgoing calls. However, results vary by region and recipient device.
Steps for Truecaller
- Install Truecaller.
- Open the app and create an account.
- Go to Settings > About > Edit Profile.
- Update your name and enable Caller ID.
Limitation: Recipients must also use Truecaller to see your updated name.
Method 4: Change Caller ID Name via Google Voice
If you use Google Voice for calls, update your name through its settings:
- Open the Google Voice app or visit voice.google.com.
- Click Menu > Settings > Account.
- Under Calls, edit the Outgoing Caller ID name.
Troubleshooting: Caller ID Not Updating?
If your new name doesn’t appear, try these fixes:
- Wait 24–48 hours: Carrier systems often delay updates.
- Contact Support: Your carrier may need to manually approve the change.
- Check for typos: Ensure no special characters are used (e.g., emojis).
- Disable VPNs: VPNs can interfere with carrier services.
How to Verify Your Caller ID Name
Test the update by calling a friend or secondary phone. For businesses, use a Caller ID lookup service like Whitepages to confirm visibility.
Legal Considerations
Avoid impersonation or misleading names, which violate FCC regulations. Carriers may reject names like "IRS" or "Amazon Support."
Most Android users must rely on carrier settings for permanent changes. For immediate but temporary fixes, third-party apps are an option. If issues persist, contact your carrier’s support team for assistance.