Caller ID: Identify your caller

Caller ID allows you to see an incoming caller's name and number before you answer. Learn more about this feature, including troubleshooting tips.

Download the Caller ID user guide

How to get Caller ID

Caller ID is available in most areas and is included with all Simply Unlimited phone packages. It can also be purchased for a monthly fee.

What equipment you need to use Caller ID

To use Caller ID, you need a Caller ID-enabled phone or a standalone Caller ID box. Either way, you'll see the number, date, and time of the incoming calls on the screen of the device you're using.

For specifics about your device, refer to your owner's manual.

How Caller ID works

Within one to two rings, the phone number of the person calling will show up on your screen.
If you don't anwer, in most cases, the caller's information will automatically be stored in the device's memory.

Troubleshooting Caller ID messages

In most cases, when you look at your Caller ID, you'll see the incoming caller's name and number. Depending on the type of Caller ID unit you're using, you may also see the current date and time.

Occasionally, you may see a message instead of a phone number. This is normal, and usually is caused by the way the phone number was transmitted.

Display Message	Explanation
OUT OF AREA, UNKNOWN, or UNAVAILABLE	The incoming call doesn't include the necessary data and/or the call is being sent via equipment that doesn't support Caller ID. Examples include: Calls from cell phone networks Calls from large businesses (call centers) Operator-assisted calls (collect, pay phone, credit card billed, certain international calls)
ANONYMOUS or PRIVATE	The caller has blocked his/her name and number from displaying on your Caller ID unit. You can stop these calls from ringing through to your home by using Anonymous Call Rejection.
ERROR or CODE 1	Caller ID display units are sensitive. A power surge, static or trouble on the line when the data is being sent can cause an ERROR message. If it happens on every call, refer to your owner's manual.
NO DATA SENT	Caller information shows up within the first couple of rings. If you pick up the phone too quickly, no data can be captured. If you see a "No Data Sent" message, the phone was picked up before the second ring.
8888 or 0000	The display contrast on your Caller ID unit needs to be adjusted. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions.
English or Spanish Content	Refer to your owner's manual to learn how to change the language preference.

Troubleshooting Caller ID service

If you've recently set up your Caller ID service, you might have called someone and had them tell you that your name showed up wrong on their display.

If it's been less than four business days since your account was activated, give it a little more time. All updates may not have been made in the system. If it's been more than four days, and your name and number are not appearing correctly, you need to contact us to correct the problem.

Troubleshooting Caller ID equipment

There are many kinds of Caller ID equipment and we can't provide detailed support for all of them. However, if you're having problems getting your equipment to work, try some of these fixes. If you still have trouble, refer to the owner's manual for your equipment.

Display showing wrong data

If names/numbers are being cut off in your display, it's probably because they are too long to fit on the screen. Most Caller ID screens display a maximum of 15 characters of data.

If a business name isn't showing up, it could be a big company with a main number and multiple "secondary" numbers. For instance, if someone calls you from a call center, you may see XYZ Telemarketing Services (main number), Customer Service (secondary number) or UNAVAILABLE/UNKNOWN.

If old numbers are showing up, your Caller ID unit might be full. Caller ID units can only store so many numbers. When they reach their maximum, they may no longer show the most current phone number. Try deleting old numbers to make room for new ones.

If you're wondering why you don't see multiple numbers from people who have called many times, it's because your equipment is trying to save space. Some Caller ID units only show a number once — no matter how many times the caller has called. In those cases, you'll see the phone number with parentheses indicating the number of times the person has called (e.g., 303-000-0000 (4)).

Blank display

Change the batteries, or double check the cord is firmly plugged into the back of the unit and the wall.

If you have a lot of things connected to your phone line — phones, modems, faxes, alarm systems, satellite receivers — it might be too big a load for the line. Try unplugging a few things and see if that solves the problem.

When all else fails, reset your Caller ID unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Note that a reset can erase all saved phone numbers on the unit.

Be aware of Caller ID spoofing

If you glance at your Caller ID and pick up the phone thinking you're talking to a friend or neighbor only to find a telemarketer, you could be experiencing "spoofing." Spoofing is a way companies conceal their identity by changing how their name and/or number appear on your Caller ID. They do this to get you to answer the phone. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself and control who's calling your home.

Sometimes numbers you see on your Caller ID display might look legit, but always be cautious when answering. Caller ID spoofing is a way for callers to conceal their real identities. They do this to appear harmless, to get around Do Not Call laws or to trick you into giving up personal information or money.
There are some ways to block unwanted calls.
If you are receiving consistent, harassing calls from the same number, consider using Call Trace to build a case and potentially have legal action taken against the caller.

More Caller ID support

If you're still having trouble with Caller ID, have more questions, or want to add or change calling features on your account, contact us. We're here to help!

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