Incorrect Caller ID

My Caller ID Is Wrong... Why? 

The Short Answer 

Your caller ID may appear incorrectly — or not at all — on the recipient's screen, even if Audian has your name properly configured. This is not a bug in your phone system. It is the result of how modern cellular networks handle caller ID data, and it is something only you can fix by registering your numbers directly with the platforms that control it. 

Why Is This Happening? 

Traditionally, carrier networks relied on a centralized national database called CNAM (Caller Name) to look up and display a caller's name when a call came in. Audian can submit your business name to this national CNAM database, and we do — but that's only part of the picture today. 

Over the past several years, major cell carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and others) have moved away from querying the national CNAM database for incoming calls. Instead, they now use their own proprietary spam-analytics platforms and third-party data providers. These private databases are powered by companies like Hiya, First Orion, and Transaction Network Services (TNS) — and carriers are under no obligation to pull from the old national database. 

The reason? Cost savings. Querying the CNAM database for every incoming call adds up at scale. Carriers found it cheaper (and more effective for spam filtering) to build or license their own systems. As a result, even if your name is perfectly correct in the national database, cell phone users may still see your number displayed as unknown, blank, or — worse — labeled as "Spam Likely." 

Why Can't Audian Fix This For Me? 

We wish we could do it all for you — but we genuinely can't, and here's why: 

Each of the platforms listed below requires direct verification from the business owner. They need to confirm that the person registering the number has the legal authority to represent that business. This is an intentional anti-fraud measure — it prevents carriers or VoIP providers from registering numbers on behalf of customers without their knowledge or consent. 

Additionally, some platforms (like Google Business and Apple Business Connect) tie your profile to your personal login credentials and may display your business profile information publicly. These are decisions only you can authorize. 

The good news: registration is free, and most platforms take less than 10–15 minutes to set up. 

What You Should Do: Register With These Platforms 

1. 🔗 Free Caller Registry 

Link: freecallerregistry.com 

Start here. Free Caller Registry is a one-stop submission portal jointly maintained by Hiya, First Orion, and Transaction Network Services (TNS) — the three analytics engines that power caller ID and spam detection for all major U.S. wireless carriers. 

By registering here, your business name and phone numbers are submitted simultaneously to all three providers, which in turn update their data across every major carrier network. You'll provide your business name, contact info, and the specific phone numbers you want registered. After submission, expect confirmation emails from each provider within 3–5 business days. 

Note: This registry only covers U.S. phone numbers and focuses on carrier-level spam/identity data. It does not control how your name appears on individual apps or devices. 

2. 🔗 Hiya 

Link: hiya.com/products/connect/number-registration 

Hiya is one of the largest call protection and caller ID platforms in the world, powering spam detection and name display on Samsung phones, AT&T, and 40+ carrier networks globally. Even after registering through Free Caller Registry, it's worth creating a dedicated Hiya account to: 

• Monitor your numbers' spam reputation score 

• See if any of your numbers have been flagged, and why 

• Add or remove numbers at any time 

• Gain broader international coverage beyond what Free Caller Registry provides 

Hiya registration is free and typically verifies your business within 24 hours of signup. 

3. 🔗 First Orion 

Link: firstorion.com/register-your-number 

First Orion powers the caller ID and spam-tagging systems used by T-Mobile (and its subsidiaries). If your customers are on T-Mobile, registration with First Orion directly is especially important. 

The process is free and straightforward: submit your business name, contact information, and the phone numbers you want identified. First Orion will review your submission and confirm registration. For businesses managing a large volume of numbers, they also offer an API for bulk registration. 

Tip: If you primarily make outbound calls to T-Mobile customers and have seen your calls flagged or unidentified, this registration is likely the single most impactful step you can take. 

4. 🔗 Google Business Profile 

Link: business.google.com 

Google's search and maps ecosystem is deeply integrated with Android's native Phone app and the Pixel dialer. When your business has a verified Google Business Profile with your correct phone number listed, Android devices — and some other platforms — can pull your business name directly and display it to callers receiving your calls. 

Beyond caller ID, a verified Google Business Profile also improves your visibility in Google Search and Maps, making it a high-value registration even outside of the caller ID context. Setup is free, and verification is typically done via a phone call or postcard to your business address. 

Note: Google has a collaboration with Hiya to enrich caller ID data. Keeping your Google Business Profile up to date may also improve how your business appears through the Hiya network. 

5. 🔗 Apple Business Connect 

Link: businessconnect.apple.com 

Apple has over 1 billion active device users worldwide — and iPhones now have a Business Caller ID feature built into iOS. When your business is verified through Apple Business Connect, your business name and logo can appear directly on the incoming call screen of iPhone users, helping them recognize you instantly and reducing the chance your call gets ignored or declined. 

Registration is free and uses your existing Apple ID (or a new one). Apple will verify your business before your information goes live. Once verified, your brand can appear across multiple Apple apps — including Maps, Wallet, and Mail — giving you a consistent identity across the entire Apple ecosystem. 

Note: Apple Business Connect is particularly important given that iPhones make up a majority of smartphones in the U.S. This is one of the most impactful registrations for businesses calling consumer numbers. 

Summary Checklist 

Still Have Questions? 

If you believe your caller ID is incorrectly configured at the carrier or VoIP level — for example, if your number is showing someone else's name entirely — please contact Audian Support and we'll investigate what we can on our end. 

For everything related to how your business name appears on cell phones, the registrations above are your most direct and effective path forward. 

Audian — Powering Better Business Communication