Setting up caller display
Guide reference: HG-0040
Quote this reference if you contact us about this guide.
Approx. 2 min read
Turn on and check caller display on your phone. T
Don't worry if numbers do not show straight away. Caller display needs both the line and your phone set correctly.
Quick answer
Turn on caller display in your phone menu if it has a screen, wait for a test call, and contact us if numbers still never appear.
More detail
Most Simple Telecoms lines send caller display automatically.
Your handset must support the feature and have it enabled in settings.
Very old phones may not have a display at all.
What you'll need
- Caller display capable home phone
- A friend or mobile to make a test call
Before you begin
- Complete basic line tests first. See Testing your line after setup
- Find the phone instruction booklet if menus are hard to locate.
Turn on caller display
Confirm your phone has a screen that can show numbers.
Find caller display or CLI in the phone settings menu.
Switch caller display on and save settings.
Ask someone to call you from a mobile you recognise.
Check the number appears before you answer.
Try 1471 after a call to see the last caller if display was missed.
Contact us if every call shows unknown when it should not.
What success looks like
Incoming call numbers appear on the screen before you pick up, including on test calls from a known mobile.
Common mistakes
- Using a phone without a display screen.
- Leaving display switched off in phone settings after a reset.
- Expecting display on withheld numbers.
Things to know
- See What is caller display? for background.
- See Caller display and staying safe about spoofed numbers.
- Cordless handsets may each need display turned on.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a monthly fee?
Caller display is included on most lines.
Shows unknown every time?
Check phone settings, then contact us if the line may be at fault.
Does 1471 replace display?
No. 1471 is after the call. Display helps before you answer.