Caller ID to Become Mandatory on 4G and 5G Networks From November 1 Across India
The new Calling Name Presentation system will display callers’ names alongside their phone numbers by default, helping users identify unknown callers without installing an additional app.
New Delhi: Mobile phone users across India will soon be able to identify unknown callers more easily, as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom operators to introduce Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) from November 1, 2026.
The feature is designed to display the caller’s registered name along with their mobile number, even when the number is not saved in the recipient’s contact list.
The service is expected to be activated by default on supported 4G and 5G networks. Users will not need to download a separate application or manually switch on the feature.
How the New Caller Identification System Will Work
Under the CNAP system, the caller’s name will be retrieved from the telecom operator’s subscriber database and displayed on the recipient’s phone.
If the number is already saved in the recipient’s contacts, the phone will continue to show the name stored by the user.
Calls originating from international numbers will be identified with the label “International Call”.
Telecom operators will also be required to maintain accurate and updated subscriber records to ensure that names displayed through the system correspond to the registered mobile numbers.
Privacy Safeguards Under CNAP
The new system includes provisions intended to protect subscribers’ privacy.
According to the reported guidelines, information exchanged to display a caller’s name must be deleted once the call ends.
Users who have activated Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) to conceal their identity will not have their names disclosed through the CNAP system.
These measures are intended to balance caller identification with the protection of personal information.
Businesses Can Request Preferred Display Names
Businesses and organisations that use multiple phone numbers will be allowed to request a preferred name for display during outgoing calls.
However, the requested name must be supported by a registered trademark or a trade name recognised under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.
Telecom operators will examine the relevant documents before approving such requests.
The facility is initially expected to operate on 4G and newer networks. Extending it to older 2G and 3G networks, as well as conventional landline connections, is still under consideration.
Decision Follows TRAI Consultations
The rollout follows trials and consultations involving the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which favoured making the service available by default rather than requiring individual subscribers to register.
The initiative aims to make it easier for people to identify incoming calls and decide whether to answer them, particularly when the number is unfamiliar.
However, displaying a caller’s name does not necessarily mean the call is genuine. Mobile users are advised to remain cautious when dealing with unknown callers and avoid sharing passwords, banking details or one time passwords (OTPs) over the phone.
The introduction of CNAP is expected to add another layer of caller identification, although users will still need to remain alert to potential fraud.