Truecaller: Beyond Caller ID
CNAP Shows a Name. Truecaller Shows the Truth.
| Compare features | Operators | Truecaller |
|---|---|---|
| Caller ID based on real-time signals and community insights, not just operator records | ||
| Community-driven detection of spam, scam, and fraud | ||
| Automatically blocks spam | ||
| Global business directory with verified business identities | ||
| Blue verification badge for trusted callers | ||
| Live caller ID | ||
| Reason for Call | ||
| AI call screening | ||
| Global coverage, international numbers | ||
| Fraud insurance | ||
| Family Protection | ||
| Third-party app number identification | ||
| Caller ID based on SIM card registration |
Why Truecaller is essential even with operator built-in Caller ID
CNAP (Calling Name Presentation) shows the name linked to a number in the operator's records, and when it works well, it gives people a basic sense of who's calling. But it was built for just that — a basic caller identification, not for a world full of spam, scams, recycled numbers, and anonymous calls.
That’s exactly where Truecaller adds meaningful value. Operators can show the registered name of the caller, no more, no less. They can't tell you whether the call is risky, unwanted, part of a scam trend spreading across your region, or any other details that might be important to you.
Who's really calling? Truecaller goes beyond the name.
Community-powered
Real-time signals and community input
Truecaller brings in real-time signals and community input to spot suspicious patterns long before they reach the phone. It stays constantly updated thanks to hundreds of millions of active users who help flag new issues as they appear. This is something basic operator name display isn't designed to do.
With the strength of the Truecaller community and our advanced AI models, spam and fraud detection gets smarter every day.
Data behind the call
Know more than just a name
Truecaller doesn’t just show names – we also see signals around how calls are usually handled. For example, when a number appears as “Someone you may know,” it’s because the call patterns suggest a personal or familiar connection rather than mass calling.
Similarly, a call may be marked as “Likely important” when Truecaller sees that people generally answer calls from that number instead of ignoring or blocking them.
Spam blocking
Block unwanted calls and messages
With Truecaller, you can block unwanted calls and messages, not just see who's calling. We update the spam list daily because spammers change their numbers frequently. You can create your block list or let Truecaller's auto-block feature handle it for you.
Real identity
Fully in control
of your name
Number recycling is extremely common. When a number changes hands, the old name linked to that SIM can remain for years, even though the person using the phone is completely different.
Operators identify numbers based on SIM ownership and KYC records and have a complicated process to get your number changed. Truecaller identifies the person actually using the phone, and allows names to be updated directly in the app, so caller identity stays current and accurate.
Verified business identity
Official name, logo and a checkmark
When a business is verified on Truecaller, it appears on your screen with the official name, logo, and a checkmark. This verification is based on confirming both the brand and the phone number, so the identity shown reflects the business as it actually operates today.
CNAP name display relies on KYC records tied to SIM ownership. While there are processes for businesses to request a preferred name, they can be complex and slow, and they don't add much context beyond the name itself.
Truecaller goes further by also showing the reason for the call — whether it's a delivery update, bank communication, OTP-related call, or service request — making it easier to understand the intent behind the call.
Global coverage
Know the names of international callers
Truecaller works seamlessly when you roam or switch carriers. Your operator doesn't stick with you, nor does it provide names for international numbers. With Truecaller, you get the same rich, high quality caller IDs and other signals no matter where you are or who calls you.
