From 1 November, Unknown Numbers May Show a Name Too: How CNAP Works
Featured photo: A generic smartphone photo (Unsplash). A small but useful change has come to your phone. When a call comes from an unknown number, your screen may now show not only the number, but also the name registered to that number. The feature is called CNAP — Calling Name Presentation — and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom companies to start it from 1 November 2026. What Is CNAP, in Simple Words? Until now, people often relied on an app to identify an unknown number, or searched the number manually. With CNAP, the name will come directly from the telecom network. In other words, the name recorded with the company whose SIM the caller is using will appear on your screen along with the number. You do not need to download an app or make a separate request — the feature will be available by default. What Will You See on Your Screen? If the number is saved in your contacts, you will see the name you saved. Your saved name will always come first. If the ...