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Outbound CNAM (Caller ID Name) with Voiply

Voiply offers support for both inbound and outbound CNAM (Caller ID Name) features. This article focuses on Outbound CNAM — how it works, how to manage it, and what to do if your caller ID name isn’t displaying as expected.

What is Outbound CNAM?

Outbound CNAM (also called outbound caller ID name or CNAM storage) lets you assign a custom name to one of your phone numbers. This name is stored in a national CNAM database and can appear on the receiving party’s caller ID when you make calls.

Example: You’ve set your phone number 412-200-7430 to display as "XYZ COMPANY." When you call someone, they should see "XYZ COMPANY" on their screen.

How It Works

  • When you place a call, the receiving phone provider performs what's called a CNAM dip, which means they look up your caller name in a central database.
  • Even if a caller name is sent in the SIP header (the "From" field), it’s not guaranteed to be shown—this info can be removed once the call travels through the public phone network (PSTN).
  • The receiving phone provider (like Verizon, AT&T, etc.) is ultimately responsible for showing the caller name—not Voiply.

Things to Know

  • Caller ID name display is not universal — it can vary by carrier, and some carriers cache outdated records.
  • If the wrong name appears, the only way to correct it is by opening a support ticket with the receiving carrier.
  • Not all Voiply phone numbers (DIDs) support Outbound CNAM. Be sure to choose compatible numbers when purchasing or porting.

CNAM Propagation & Update Timeline

Please allow up to 48 business hours for CNAM changes to fully take effect.
Note: Some phone carriers cache old records, so the previous name may still appear temporarily—even after it's been removed.

What Happens When You Update CNAM

  1. Instant Save: Your CNAM change is saved in Voiply's system right away.
  2. Vendor Sync: Updates are sent to our CNAM provider—usually overnight.
  3. Propagation Time: It can take up to 48 business hours for the new name to fully appear in CNAM lookup (dip) results.

If you open a ticket, we’ll review the timestamp of your update and take action if the info hasn’t reached our vendor properly.

CNAM Character Limit

  • CNAM names are limited to 15 characters, including spaces.
    • Longer names are automatically shortened (e.g., "ABCDEF GHIJKL MNO" becomes "ABCDEF GHIJKL").
    This is a national standard that applies across all carriers—not a Voiply limitation.

Final Tips

  • No extra fees for using Outbound CNAM—just choose a compatible number
  • Caller name display is controlled by the receiving carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T)
  • Changes take time—wait 48 business hours before assuming there's an issue
  • Still seeing the wrong name? Open a ticket with the carrier showing incorrect info

Need help verifying your Outbound CNAM?
📨 Contact our support team—we’re happy to help!