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If you’ve ever called someone and noticed that their Caller ID said they were calling from a different location than where they actually were, you’re not alone. This can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re trying to call someone who is in a different city than you are.
Some of the most common reasons for incorrect caller id location are caller id spoofing, errors in the network, use of third-party VoIP applications for calling, software bugs in the mobile OS, etc.
In this blog post, we will explain why your Caller ID might show a different location, and how to rectify the situation if you’d like your Caller ID to show the correct location.
First, let’s look at how Caller ID works and how to fix the location on your caller id.
Table of Contents
What Is a Caller ID and How Does It Work?
A Caller ID is a service that displays the name and phone number of the person calling you on your phone. The service works by matching the phone number of the person calling you with a database of known phone numbers.
When a match is found, the caller’s name and phone number are displayed on your screen.
The location of the phone number is also displayed, if available. The service is useful for identifying unknown or unwanted callers. It can also be used to find out the name and address of a person you are trying to reach.
To use a Caller ID, you need a phone that supports the service and a subscription to a Caller ID service provider. Most landline and cell phone providers offer Caller ID service.
When you receive a call, the Caller ID information is displayed on your screen. The information is also stored in your phone’s memory so you can view it later. If you have a landline phone, the Caller ID information is displayed on a screen attached to the phone.
Why is my Caller ID Showing a Different Location? (5 Reasons)
You may have noticed that when you call someone and their Caller ID displays a location different from where they actually are, the person on the other end of the phone sometimes says something like, “I’m not at that location.” What’s really going on there?
Caller ID Spoofing
When your caller ID shows a wrong location, what your caller is seeing is not your actual location, but rather the location of the phone number you are calling from. This is called caller ID spoofing.
Caller ID spoofing is a technique used to mask the true identity of the caller. The person making the call can choose any number they want to show up on the other person’s caller ID.
Spoofing is often used for malicious purposes, such as making prank calls or committing fraud. However, there are also legitimate uses for spoofing, such as when a business needs to make a call from a number that is not their own.
Caller ID spoofing is not regulated in some countries. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates caller ID spoofing. The FCC requires that companies that offer caller ID services must allow their customers to block their information from being displayed on caller IDs.
So, if you ever find yourself on the receiving end of a call from a wrong number, don’t be too alarmed. It’s probably just someone using caller ID spoofing to disguise their identity. Just be sure to hang up if the call seems suspicious!
Errors in Capturing the Location Correctly
There are also times when the location shown on caller ID is wrong, but it’s not because of spoofing.
This can happen if the phone number you are calling from is registered in a different location than where you are currently located.
VoIP Calling
Another common source of incorrect caller ID information is when someone calls from a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service.
Because VoIP calls transmit data over the internet instead of through traditional telephone lines, the location captured by Caller ID may not be accurate.
Caller ID Lost When Crossing International Networks
Each country has its own system for handling caller ID information, and sometimes that information gets lost when calls are routed through different networks.
For example, if you are calling from the United States to a phone in Europe, your call will likely be routed through multiple networks before it reaches its destination.
During that process, it’s possible for the caller ID information to get lost or changed.
Issues With Your Operating System (Android/iOS)
There are also some cases where the caller ID location is incorrect because of a problem with your operating system.
This can happen if you have recently changed your phone’s settings or if there is a glitch in the software.
Troubleshooting Inaccurate Caller ID Information
If you are having trouble getting the correct caller ID information to display on your phone, there are some things you can try:
- Check that your phone’s settings are correctly configured
- Restart your phone
- Update your operating system software
- Reinstall the Caller ID app or service on your phone
- Contact your phone service provider
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the problem and get the correct caller ID information to display on your phone.
Does Caller ID Show Current Location?
Most phone carriers offer some form of Caller ID service, which displays the name and number of the person calling you on your phone’s screen. However, the information that is displayed on the Caller ID may not be accurate, or may not be up to date.
There are a few reasons for this. First, phone numbers are often reassigned by carriers, so the number that is calling you may have been previously used by someone else in a different location.
Additionally, some people choose to block their Caller ID information from being displayed, so you may not be able to see their name or number.
Caller ID will also depend on the location of the tower that is handling your call. If you are making a long-distance call, the Caller ID information may be displayed based on the location of the tower that is closest to the person you are calling.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to find out more information about the caller. If you have an iPhone, you can use the “Find My Friends” app to see the location of your contacts who have opted-in to share their location with you.
Alternatively, there are several reverse phone lookup services that can help you find out more information about a phone number, such as the name and address of the owner.
Can You Change Your Caller Location?
No, you cannot change your caller location. The location that is displayed on the Caller ID is determined by a combination of factors, including your phone number, your carrier, and your phone’s GPS signal.
If you are having trouble getting the correct caller ID information to display, you can try restarting your phone or updating your operating system software.
You also may want to contact your phone service provider for more help.
How Do I Change the Location that Appears on Caller ID for an Outgoing call?
You cannot change the location that appears on your caller ID for an outgoing call. The location that appears is based on the phone number that you are calling from.
If you want to change the location that appears, you will need to use a different phone number.
You can also use a VoIP service like Skype or Google Voice to get a phone number in another location.
Alternatively, you can use a service or software to spoof or change the caller ID for outgoing calls. (This is not legal)
However, you can hide your caller ID for outgoing calls. This will prevent the person you are calling from seeing your location.
To hide your caller ID, go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off.
When you hide your caller ID, your number will not appear on their phone screen. Instead, they will see either Unknown or No Caller ID.
Final Thoughts
Inaccurate caller ID information can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
If you are still having trouble, you may want to contact your phone service provider for more help.
It is not ethical to spoof or change your caller ID, so only do this if you are willing to accept the consequences of breaking the law.
Instead, hiding your caller ID is a simple and effective way to prevent people from seeing your location when you make an outgoing call.