Making Calls

Caller ID Selection

Learn how caller ID works in Sonafone and how to select the best number for your calls.

Chan

Written by Chan

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Your caller ID is the phone number that appears on the recipient's phone when you make a call. This guide explains how caller ID works in Sonafone and how to choose the right number for your calls.

What is Caller ID?

Caller ID is the phone number that displays on the recipient's caller ID screen when you call them. It helps recipients identify who is calling and can affect whether they answer your call.

Default Caller ID

When you first start using Sonafone, you'll have a default caller ID number. This is typically a Sonafone-provided number that you can use immediately.

The default caller ID is available immediately and doesn't require any setup.

Using Virtual Numbers as Caller ID

If you've purchased virtual numbers, you can use them as your caller ID:

  1. Purchase a virtual number from the Numbers page
  2. The number will appear in your caller ID dropdown
  3. Select it when making a call
  4. The recipient will see your virtual number

Benefits of Virtual Numbers

  • Local presence: Use numbers from different countries/regions
  • Professional appearance: Dedicated business numbers
  • Multiple numbers: Use different numbers for different purposes
  • Portability: Keep your number even if you change locations

Virtual numbers are great for businesses that want a local presence in different markets.

Using Verified Caller IDs

Verified caller IDs are phone numbers you own (like your mobile or office number) that you've verified with Sonafone:

  1. Add a number to verify from the Numbers page
  2. Complete verification by answering a call or entering a code
  3. Once verified, the number appears in your caller ID options
  4. Select it when making calls

Why Verify Your Number?

  • Higher answer rates: Recipients are more likely to answer calls from recognized numbers
  • Trust: Using your own number builds trust with recipients
  • Consistency: Recipients see the same number they know
  • Compliance: Some regions require verified numbers for certain call types

Some destinations may reject calls from unverified numbers. Verifying your number improves call success rates.

Selecting Caller ID in the Dialer

When making a call:

  1. Enter the phone number you want to call
  2. Click the Caller ID dropdown
  3. Select your preferred number from the list
  4. The selected number will be used for this call

Your caller ID selection is remembered for subsequent calls, but you can change it anytime.

Caller ID Best Practices

For Business Calls

  • Use a virtual number that matches your business location
  • Consider getting numbers in areas where you have customers
  • Use the same number consistently for brand recognition

For Personal Calls

  • Verify your personal mobile number for trusted contacts
  • Use virtual numbers for privacy when needed
  • Consider the recipient's location when selecting caller ID

For International Calls

  • Use a local number in the destination country when possible
  • Recipients are more likely to answer local numbers
  • Consider time zones and local business hours

Caller ID Restrictions

Some limitations apply:

  • Destination restrictions: Some countries may not accept certain caller IDs
  • Verification required: Some destinations require verified numbers
  • Number availability: Not all numbers can be used as caller ID in all regions

If a call fails, try using a different caller ID or verify your number if you haven't already.

Changing Your Default Caller ID

You can set a default caller ID that's automatically selected:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Calling Preferences
  2. Select your preferred default caller ID
  3. Save your preferences
  4. The dialer will use this number by default

Troubleshooting

Caller ID not showing correctly?

  • Verify the number is active and properly configured
  • Check that the number is verified (if required)
  • Try selecting a different caller ID
  • Contact support if the issue persists

Can't use a number as caller ID?

  • Ensure the number is active and not released
  • Verify the number if verification is required
  • Check destination restrictions for that number
  • Some numbers may have usage restrictions

Recipient sees wrong number?

  • Verify you selected the correct caller ID
  • Check that the number is still active
  • Some carriers may display numbers differently
  • Contact support if the issue continues

Still Need Help?

If you have questions about caller ID selection, check our other guides or contact support.

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