Is Truecaller Safe to Use? Features, Privacy & Myths

With over 350 million global users, Truecaller is one of the most trusted caller ID and spam-blocking apps available today. But many users still ask, is Truecaller safe to use? In this blog, we’ll explore how Truecaller works, what data it accesses, and whether it poses any privacy risks. We’ll also break down its key features, community-based spam reporting, and business verification process to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Let’s uncover the truth behind Truecaller’s safety, transparency, and data policies.

What is the Truecaller app?

Truecaller is a mobile application designed to help users identify unknown callers, block spam calls, and enhance communication. Developed by True Software Scandinavia AB, it provides caller identification by displaying the name and location of incoming calls, even if the number is not saved in the user’s contacts. The app relies on a community-based spam database to automatically block known spam and scam calls, offering users relief from unwanted disturbances. 

Additionally, Truecaller filters spam messages and organizes them separately, ensuring a cleaner inbox. It also includes features like call recording (available for premium users), secure private messaging, and the ability to search for information about unknown numbers. With its comprehensive features, Truecaller has become a trusted tool for managing calls and messages effectively.

Is Truecaller safe to use?

1. Data privacy 

Truecaller places a strong emphasis on protecting user data privacy, ensuring that trust remains at the core of its communication services. The platform is designed with privacy as a top priority, implementing robust policies that give users control over how their personal information is displayed. Truecaller provides transparency regarding the permissions it requires, allowing users to choose optional permissions, such as location, camera, and microphone access, depending on the features they wish to use. Importantly, these permissions can be deactivated at any time through the app or device settings.

As a global company, Truecaller complies with various data protection regulations across the countries it operates in. The organization closely monitors evolving privacy laws, proactively adopting good practices to meet and exceed compliance standards. 

Significant resources are allocated to ensure adherence to these regulations, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding user data. Through these measures, Truecaller aims to create a safer and smarter communication experience while maintaining the highest standards of data privacy.

Conclusion: Truecaller is safe to use. 

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2. Account details

Truecaller collects various types of information from users to provide its services effectively and personalize the user experience. Here’s a detailed overview of the data it gathers:

A. User Profile Information:

• When creating a user profile, Truecaller requires basic details such as your first name, last name, and phone number.
• Optionally, you can provide additional details like a profile photo, gender, street address, zip code, country of residence, email address, professional website, Facebook page, Twitter handle, and a short status message.
• Truecaller may also supplement this information with publicly available data and demographic details from third-party sources.

B. Device and Usage Data:

Truecaller collects information from devices used to interact with its services, including:

• Geo-location and IP address.
• Device details like manufacturer, type, hardware settings, and device ID.
• SIM card usage and operating system details.
• Browser information, screen resolution, and connection settings.
• Installed applications and paired devices (e.g., smartwatches).
• Logs and metadata of incoming and outgoing calls and messages.
• Usage statistics, such as how and from where the service is accessed.

C. Service Interaction Data

Truecaller tracks user interactions, including:

• Features accessed and pages visited within the app.
• Services and websites engaged through the app.
• Ads viewed and interacted with.
• Content searched, commented on, or shared via the app.

D. Cookies and Automated Data Collection

Some information is collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies, such as keywords, logs, and metadata. For details, Truecaller provides a comprehensive Cookie Policy.

E. Non-Identifiable Information:

Truecaller also gathers anonymized usage data that cannot identify users, even when combined with other data. Such information is not considered personal under its privacy policy.

By collecting this information, Truecaller aims to provide tailored services while adhering to its privacy policies and applicable regulations. Users can review and manage permissions through the app or their device settings to control the data shared.

Conclusion: Truecaller is safe to use. 

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3. Third-party data 

Truecaller collaborates with trusted third-party vendors, service providers, and partners to support its business operations and enhance its services. These third parties play a crucial role in providing technical infrastructure, bug testing, analyzing service usage, facilitating payments, measuring ad and service effectiveness, and assisting in fraud detection. Truecaller ensures that all third parties handling personal information implement appropriate organizational and technical measures to protect data and comply with relevant laws.

Additionally, Truecaller shares user information with third-party clients, agencies, and networks for analytical and marketing purposes. This data may be used for services like targeted advertising, measurement services, and improving third-party products and services. Third parties may collect this information using cookies or similar technologies, with further details provided in Truecaller’s Cookie Policy.

In cases of business restructuring, such as mergers, acquisitions, or consolidations, user information may be disclosed or transferred to affiliated organizations or the acquiring entities. Throughout these processes, Truecaller emphasizes compliance with data protection standards and privacy regulations to safeguard user information.

Conclusion: This makes me doubtful if Truecaller is safe or not.

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4. SSL

Truecaller is SSL-secured, ensuring a high level of safety for its users by encrypting data transmitted between the app and its servers. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a widely used security protocol that protects sensitive information from unauthorized access by encrypting the data during transmission. This means that any personal information, call logs, or other data shared via Truecaller is safeguarded against interception by malicious parties.

5. User interface

Truecaller features a simple and intuitive interface designed to make it easy for users to navigate and access its functionalities. The app organizes its features clearly, with options for caller identification, spam blocking, call logs, and messaging readily accessible from the main screen. The clean layout and minimalistic design ensure a seamless user experience, whether you’re checking call details, searching for a number, or managing permissions.

6. Company profile on LinkedIn

Truecaller maintains a robust presence on LinkedIn, showcasing its company profile and mission to make communication safer and smarter worldwide. The platform highlights Truecaller’s innovative journey, values, and the impactful solutions it offers to users globally. The profile also features updates about company milestones, job openings, and insights into its collaborative and inclusive work culture.

You can also scroll down their LinkedIn profile and check the real people working in their organization. The profiles of the founder, CEO, and top management people working can also be found on LinkedIn, which gives a clear indication that Truecaller is safe and legit. 

Conclusion: Truecaller is safe to use. 

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Presence on Social Media

1. Instagram

Truecaller has built a strong presence on Instagram, with over 200,000 followers engaging with their content. Their account is active and consistently updated with reels, infographics, and videos that highlight how the app helps users stay protected from spam calls, scam messages, and unknown numbers. 

Truecaller uses its platform not only for product awareness but also to educate users about digital safety and mobile privacy. Through visually engaging and informative posts, the brand effectively demonstrates how its features, such as caller ID, spam detection, and message filtering, can enhance daily smartphone usage. 

Their Instagram strategy reflects a balance of entertainment, trust-building, and utility, making the account relevant for both existing users and potential downloads. This proactive content marketing approach helps reinforce Truecaller’s brand identity as a leader in mobile safety while staying socially connected with a digital-savvy audience across regions.

2. Facebook Presence 

Truecaller has a massive following on Facebook, with over 3 million followers, making it one of the most engaged platforms for the brand. Their Facebook page consistently shares a mix of educational content, helpful tips, and engaging memes to keep users informed and entertained. 

Posts focus on mobile safety, protecting against spam calls, and raising awareness around privacy concerns topics that resonate with a global audience. They also share how-to guide videos that walk users through key features of the app, making it easier for people to get the most out of Truecaller. 

The brand’s active presence and transparent communication further support why many users believe that Truecaller is legit when it comes to mobile protection. By combining entertainment with valuable insights, Truecaller’s Facebook strategy effectively educates users while building trust and community around digital safety.

Conclusion: Truecaller is legit and safe to use. 

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Is Truecaller legit?

Truecaller is one of the most popular caller ID and spam-blocking apps worldwide, used by millions to identify unknown callers and avoid spam. But is Truecaller legit? Here’s a detailed look at the app’s background, transparency, and user testimonials to help answer this question.

1. Company background

Truecaller was founded in 2009 by Nami Zarringhalam and Alan Mamedi in Stockholm, Sweden. The app quickly gained popularity for its ability to identify unknown numbers and block spam calls, a much-needed solution in today’s digital age. With over 350 million active users globally, Truecaller has established itself as a leader in communication services, offering features like caller ID, spam blocking, and even VoIP calls.

Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden

Global Reach: Available in 190+ countries

Key Features: Caller ID, spam blocking, call recording, messaging, and VoIP services

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2. Transparency

Truecaller prioritizes privacy by embedding it directly into the design and architecture of its systems and business practices, ensuring user data is protected from the start. The platform adopts a “privacy by default” approach, automatically safeguarding personal information without requiring user intervention. For instance, when users register, their profile details remain private by default, and phone numbers cannot be accessed through a name search unless explicitly approved by the user. 

Additionally, Truecaller allows users to unlist their information easily, maintaining control over their data unless identified as spammers. By proactively considering privacy implications during feature development, Truecaller ensures its services remain compliant, ethical, and trusted, delivering transparency and user control at every step.

3. User testimonial

Trustpilot Review 

While Truecaller is widely used and appreciated for its caller ID and spam-blocking features, its Trustpilot reviews paint a different picture. The app has received a significant number of low ratings, with many users voicing concerns about privacy, data handling, and customer support. Several reviews highlight frustration with premium subscriptions, where users claim they were charged without clear communication or found it difficult to cancel. Others express disappointment with the app’s inability to block all spam calls effectively, despite its promises. 

Complaints about aggressive advertising and lack of prompt customer service responses are also common themes. While the app itself functions well for many, these poor Trustpilot ratings suggest a gap between user expectations and actual experience, especially in terms of billing transparency and user support. For new users, it’s important to read both app store and third-party reviews before deciding whether Truecaller is truly the right fit.

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Reddit Truecaller 

On Reddit, the response to Truecaller is generally positive, especially in discussions around mobile safety and scam protection. Many users share how the app has helped them identify and block spam or scam calls, saving them from falling into fraudulent traps. Subreddits related to tech, smartphones, and privacy often feature threads where users recommend Truecaller as a reliable caller ID and spam detection tool.

Redditors appreciate the community-driven aspect of the app, where users flag spam numbers, contributing to a shared database that benefits everyone. Some mention that Truecaller has become their go-to tool for avoiding fake calls from telemarketers, job scams, and phishing attempts. The ability to see caller names before picking up, especially in regions with high spam call rates, is frequently praised.

Overall, Reddit users see Truecaller as a trustworthy and practical app that plays a vital role in protecting against rising mobile-based fraud and scam calls.

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How does the Truecaller app work?  

The Truecaller app is designed to identify unknown numbers, block spam calls, and enhance your phone communication experience. But how does Truecaller work exactly? When a user creates a profile on Truecaller, the app collects certain data like name and phone number. Additionally, Truecaller gathers publicly available business listings to identify commercial callers.

What makes Truecaller powerful is its community-based spam detection system. If multiple users mark a number as spam, Truecaller flags it across the platform, protecting other users from scams, fraud, and telemarketing calls. This crowdsourced approach helps the app remain accurate and up-to-date.

It’s also important to clarify a common concern. Truecaller does not upload your contact list to its servers. The only exception is when users access the enhanced search feature via the web platform (not the app), which may require uploading data for better results.

With millions of global users, Truecaller works as both a caller ID and a spam filter, offering a smarter, safer way to manage calls and messages. Its blend of technology, user input, and ethical privacy practices makes it one of the most trusted mobile apps in its category.

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How does Truecaller make money?

Many users wonder, how does Truecaller make money if the app is free to use? Truecaller follows a transparent monetization model and earns revenue through three main channels: in-app advertisements, premium subscriptions, and verified business listings.

Firstly, the free version of the Truecaller app displays ads, which is a major revenue stream. These in-app advertisements are shown to millions of users globally, generating consistent income.

Secondly, Truecaller offers a premium subscription that provides features like an ad-free experience, who viewed your profile, and advanced spam protection. Many users opt for this upgrade to enjoy enhanced functionality and privacy.

The third and increasingly popular source of revenue is from businesses. Truecaller charges brands and enterprises to create verified business profiles, which help establish credibility with customers. Over 1,000 businesses in India and many from 32 other countries have already signed up for this service.

Importantly, Truecaller does not sell user data to make money. Their business model is centered on user trust, ethical data handling, and added-value services, making it both effective and privacy-conscious. This balanced approach ensures Truecaller stays profitable while respecting user privacy.

What does Truecaller do?

Truecaller is a mobile app that helps users identify unknown callers, block spam calls and messages, and stay protected from phone scams. When someone calls you from an unknown number, Truecaller shows their name, location (if available), and whether the number has been reported as spam by other users.

The app uses a crowdsourced database and community reporting system to flag suspicious calls. If many people mark a number as spam, Truecaller will label it accordingly for others. This helps users avoid telemarketers, fraudsters, and robocalls.

In addition to caller ID and spam protection, Truecaller also offers messaging, call recording (in some regions), and a premium subscription with added features like who viewed your profile and an ad-free experience.

Truecaller is available on both Android and iOS devices and is trusted by millions worldwide. It’s a smart communication tool designed to make your mobile experience safer, smarter, and more efficient.

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How to use Truecaller safely?

1. Download Truecaller only from official sources.

To ensure you’re using the authentic and updated version of Truecaller, always download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid APKs from third-party websites, as they could be tampered with and pose security risks.

2. Adjust Privacy Settings

When you create your Truecaller profile, you’re asked to grant several permissions. To stay safe:

Review what permissions you’re allowing, especially access to contacts, messages, and call logs.

Go to Settings > Privacy Center within the app and turn off options like “Allow others to see when I’m available” if you prefer more privacy.

Set your profile visibility to private to restrict who can look you up.

3. Be Cautious with Enhanced Search on the Web

Truecaller offers an Enhanced Search feature on its website, which allows users to search for phone numbers not listed in their contacts. This feature uploads your contact list to enhance search results. If you’re privacy-conscious, avoid using this feature, especially from the web version.

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4. Use Spam Blocking Smartly

One of Truecaller’s best features is automatic spam call detection and blocking. However, always double-check numbers marked as spam—sometimes legitimate calls get flagged incorrectly. You can customize this by:

Visit Settings > Block > Block top spammers or Block numbers not in contacts.

Manually marking numbers as safe or unsafe to help improve accuracy.

5. Avoid Over-Sharing Your Profile

When setting up your profile, Truecaller allows you to include your full name, email, social links, and even a profile picture. While helpful, adding too much personal info can compromise your privacy. Stick to minimal details that help people identify you, but don’t expose sensitive information.

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6. Don’t Rely Solely on Truecaller

While Truecaller is highly effective, it’s still a user-driven app, and not all spam or scam numbers are listed instantly. Combine its use with basic phone safety:

Don’t answer unknown international numbers.

Avoid sharing OTPs, account numbers, or personal data over calls, even if they seem genuine.

7. Regularly Update the App

Ensure that you’re using the latest version of Truecaller, as updates often include security patches, bug fixes, and feature improvements. Outdated apps can be vulnerable to security issues.

8. Consider Truecaller Premium with Caution

If you’re upgrading to Premium, understand the features and billing terms. Some users have faced auto-renewal issues, so read the terms carefully and manage your subscription via Play Store or App Store settings.

FAQs About Is Truecaller Safe