Why does my Fairphone show Unknown Caller or Private Number?

When you receive an incoming call, the caller identity might sometimes display as private or unknown instead of showing a phone number. This guide helps you understand why this happens on your Fairphone and how to resolve modern network-related caller ID issues.

Understanding private numbers vs. unknown callers

While both states hide the caller's identity on your screen, they happen for completely different reasons:

• Private Number: The caller has intentionally hidden their phone number using their own network privacy features. This cannot be bypassed by the receiver's phone.
• Unknown Caller: This is a technical error where a phone cannot read the incoming data stream due to an incorrect network profile configuration or an unsupported network feature.

How to manage your own caller ID visibility

If other phone owners tell you that your number appears as private when you call them, check your outgoing caller ID configuration:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner, then tap Settings > Calling accounts.
3. Select the SIM card you wish to configure, then tap Additional settings and wait for the network data to load.
4. Tap on Caller ID and select your preferred setting.

How to fix incoming "Unknown Caller" errors

If your incoming calls frequently display as unknown from different callers, your phone might be experiencing a conflict with advanced network profiles. Follow the steps below to try to resolve the issue. 

1. Update your Fairphone's software

First, make sure to update your Fairphone to the latest software version to resolve known network compatibility bugs.

2. Disable 4G Calling (VoLTE)

Advanced voice features can sometimes misinterpret incoming caller ID data depending on your device's current configuration.

1. On your Fairphone, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Select your active SIM, scroll down to 4G Calling, and tap to toggle it off.

This option may be named differently or hidden, depending on your network provider.

3. Disable Wi-Fi calling (VoWiFi)

If the unknown caller issue persists, wireless internet calling profiles might be interfering with your cellular data stream.

• On your Fairphone, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
• Select your active SIM, scroll down to Wi-Fi Calling, and tap to toggle it off.

This option may be named differently or hidden, depending on your network provider.

4. Reset Mobile Network Settings

If toggling 4G or Wi-Fi calling doesn't resolve the issue, refreshing your phone's connection to local cell towers can clear stuck network profiles or incorrect IMS registration data.

1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
2. Tap Reset mobile network settings (or Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth depending on your phone model).
3. Tap Reset settings to confirm.

Still need help?

First try our self-service portal and then reach out to our customer support team. You can also open a support request directly through the My Fairphone app pre-installed on your device.