Caller Name Display On/Off: Android Guide

This guide shows you how to turn caller name display on or off on your Android phone. The setting controls whether the name of the person calling you appears on the screen during an incoming call, based on the information your carrier sends. You’ll need your Android phone and, in most cases, access to the Phone app’s settings. The exact steps vary slightly by phone manufacturer and Android version, but the core process is the same.

What You’ll Need

Your Android phone
Access to the Phone or Dialer app (the app you use to make calls)
Your carrier’s network connection (the setting often syncs with your carrier)

Step-by-Step

Open the Phone app. This is the app you normally use to make calls. It might be labeled “Phone,” “Dialer,” or have a phone icon.
Access the settings menu. Look for three vertical dots (â‹®) in the top-right corner of the screen, or sometimes three horizontal lines (â˜°) in the top-left. Tap it to open a dropdown menu.
Select “Settings.” From the dropdown menu, tap “Settings.” This opens the call settings page.
Find the caller ID option. Scroll through the settings list. Look for options like “Caller ID,” “Caller ID & spam,” “Additional settings,” or “Caller name display.” The exact wording varies by phone. On many Samsung phones, it’s under “Supplementary services” or “Caller ID.” On Google Pixel phones, it’s often under “Caller ID & spam.”
Tap the option. Once you find it, tap on it. This will open a submenu or a dialog box.
Choose your preference. You’ll typically see three options: “Network default,” “Hide number,” and “Show number.” Select “Show number” to turn caller name display on, or “Hide number” to turn it off. If you want the phone to use whatever your carrier has set, choose “Network default.”
Confirm your selection. After tapping your choice, the setting is usually applied immediately. You may see a brief confirmation message or the menu will simply close.
Test the setting. Ask a friend or family member to call you. Check whether their name appears on the screen as expected.

Common Mistakes

Looking in the wrong settings. Caller name display is not in the main system settings (the gear icon). It’s specifically inside the Phone app’s settings.
Confusing caller name display with contact names. This setting controls the name your carrier sends with the call. If the number isn’t saved in your contacts, you might only see the number, not a name. Saving the number to your contacts is a separate action.
Assuming the setting works instantly. Sometimes, especially after changing carriers or SIM cards, the network needs a moment to update. Wait a few minutes and try again.
Using the wrong menu on Samsung phones. On many Samsung Galaxy devices, the option is under “Supplementary services” within the Phone settings, not directly labeled “Caller ID.”
Forgetting carrier limitations. Some carriers don’t support hiding or showing your caller name on certain plans. If the option doesn’t work, check with your carrier.

Tips

Use “Network default” if unsure. This is the safest option and uses whatever your carrier has configured for your line.
Check for carrier-specific apps. Some carriers have their own call management apps that may override the Phone app settings. Check if you have an app from your carrier installed.
Update your Phone app. An outdated Phone app might not have all the latest settings. Check the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store for updates.
Remember this is per-line. If you have multiple SIM cards, you may need to set this for each line separately.
Know the difference between “Caller ID” and “Caller Name.” Caller ID typically shows the number; caller name display shows the name. This setting usually controls both, but not always.

Troubleshooting

If the setting doesn’t seem to work, try these steps in order:

Restart your phone. A simple reboot often clears temporary network or app glitches.
Toggle the setting off and on. Go back to the setting, choose “Hide number,” wait a few seconds, then choose “Show number” again.
Check your carrier’s network. Caller name display relies on your carrier sending the information. If you’re in an area with poor signal, the name might not come through. Try again in a different location.
Verify your plan supports it. Some prepaid or budget plans may not include caller name display. Contact your carrier’s customer service to confirm.
Reset your network settings. On many Android phones, you can go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. This won’t delete your personal data, but it will reset network configurations. You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.
Clear the Phone app’s cache. Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Storage > Clear Cache. This doesn’t delete your contacts or call history, just temporary files.
Contact your carrier. If none of the above works, the issue is likely on your carrier’s side. They may need to enable the feature on their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I see the number but not the name?

This usually means your carrier is sending the number but not the associated name. It can also happen if the number isn’t in your contacts. Try saving the number to your contacts, or contact your carrier to ensure the name service is active.

Will this setting hide my name when I call others?

Yes, in most cases, the same setting controls what others see when you call them. If you set it to “Hide number,” your name and number will be hidden from the person you’re calling.

Does this work for international calls?

It depends on your carrier and the international network. Caller name display is less reliable for international calls, and some international carriers don’t transmit the name at all.

Why is the “Caller ID” option greyed out?

This often means your carrier doesn’t support changing this setting from the phone, or your plan doesn’t include it. You’ll need to contact your carrier to change it on their end.

Will this affect spam call detection?

No. Caller name display is separate from spam detection features. Your phone will still use its built-in spam filters and database to identify potential spam calls, regardless of this setting.

Does this work on all Android phones?

The setting is available on virtually all Android phones, but the exact menu path varies. Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others all have it, but it might be under different names like “Supplementary services” or “Additional settings.”

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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