CNAP Vs Truecaller: Government Caller ID is Coming, Is Truecaller's Reign Over? Find Out Which is More Powerful

CNAP Vs Truecaller: A major change in caller identification has begun in India.

CNAP Vs Truecaller: A major change in caller identification has begun in India. With the arrival of TRAI's new initiative, CNAP (Caller Name Presentation), the question arises whether popular apps like Truecaller will become obsolete. However, the reality is a little different and more interesting.

What is CNAP and how does it work?

CNAP, or Caller Name Presentation, is a new system introduced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Through this system, mobile users can see the caller's name on incoming calls without downloading any app or requiring a subscription.

This name is taken from the official KYC-based records held by telecom companies, which are registered through documents provided at the time of SIM card purchase. This means that when a call comes in, the network itself displays the registered name associated with the number on the screen.

CNAP is currently being implemented in a phased manner on 4G and 5G networks. There are plans to extend it to older networks later. Its biggest advantage is that it does not require an internet connection or any third-party app.

TRAI has also provided an option for users who do not wish to display their name; they can opt out through the CLIR (Calling Line Identification Restriction) setting.

What is the purpose of CNAP?

The main objective of CNAP is to provide a standard and reliable caller ID system that works directly at the network level. This can reduce problems related to fake identities, incorrect names, and unknown calls.

Telecom companies and device manufacturers have also been instructed to ensure timely device support. It is expected that this system will be widely available by the beginning of 2026.

What is Truecaller, and why is it so popular?

Truecaller is a well-known caller ID and spam detection app available on both Android and iOS. Its functionality is not limited to just displaying the caller's name. Truecaller's database is based on information from its user community and real-time patterns. This is why it can display calls with tags such as spam, fraud, business, or personal.

In addition, Truecaller offers features like call blocking, spam alerts, a business directory, call reason identification, logo badges, and even voicemail. However, this requires installing the app and registering with your mobile number.

What is the real difference between CNAP and Truecaller?

The biggest difference between CNAP and Truecaller lies in the source of their data. CNAP relies on official and KYC-verified records from telecom operators, while Truecaller identifies callers based on user-shared information and community data.

CNAP is a network-level feature that works without the internet or an app. Truecaller, on the other hand, is a feature-rich app that needs to be installed and updated regularly. Their functionalities also differ. CNAP is limited to displaying only registered names, while Truecaller offers spam blocking, fraud alerts, and additional call-related information.

Which one is better for you?

Both systems aim to inform users about who is calling, but they do so differently. CNAP is better for those who prioritize privacy and want to see only official names without needing an app.

Truecaller, however, is beneficial for users who are bothered by spam calls and are comfortable granting the necessary permissions to the app in exchange for advanced features.

Ultimately, the choice between the government-backed network-based CNAP and the feature-rich Truecaller depends entirely on your needs and priorities.