Do you receive calls from unfamiliar numbers and want to know who is behind them? The service “Who called” from Yandex helps identify subscribers, even if they are not saved in your phone book. Unlike paid analogues like GetContact or Truecaller, the solution from Yandex is integrated into the company's ecosystem and works free of charge for Android users. But how to configure it correctly so as not to miss an important call and not encounter errors?

In this article you will find up-to-date methods of activating the service through the app Yandex, browser and even voice assistant Alice - taking into account the latest interface updates. We'll look at why number detection sometimes doesn't work, how to add manual verification for questionable contacts, and what security settings are worth checking. No hidden fees or complex manipulations: only proven methods for Android 10–14.

What is “Who called” from Yandex and how it works

Service “Who called”** is part of the ecosystem Yandex, which analyzes incoming calls and compares numbers with the company database. Unlike classic caller IDs, here we use:

  • 🔍 Organization database: numbers of banks, delivery services, government agencies and companies with official data.
  • 📊 Anonymous user reviews: if the number is marked as “scammer” or “spam” by others subscribers, you will see a warning.
  • 🤖 AI Alice: the assistant can announce the name of the caller or organization directly during the call (if the voice notification function is enabled).

Important: the service does not require access to your contacts (unlike Truecaller), but for accurate operation it needs permissions to reading call log i display on top of other applications. These permissions are requested only once upon first launch.

According to Yandex, the service database is updated daily and contains more than 50 million numbers (at the time of the last official report). However, the effectiveness depends on the region: in Moscow and St. Petersburg, coverage reaches 90%, and in small cities it can drop to 60–70%.

📊 Have you already used caller ID from Yandex?
Yes, regularly
I tried it, but didn’t like it
No, I only found out now
I prefer other services

Preparing a smartphone: what permissions are needed

Before setting up the service, make sure that your Androidsmartphone meets the minimum requirements:

RequirementMinimum version/valueHow to check
Android version8.0 OreoSettings → About phone → Android version
Free space100 MBSettings → Storage
Internet connection3G/4G/5G or Wi-FiNotification panel
Yandex applicationVersion 23.0+Google Play → Yandex → Update

If your smartphone runs on Android 7.0 or older, the service may not be supported. In this case, try alternative methods (we'll talk about them in the section about bypassing restrictions).

Now let's look at permissions, without which “Who called” will not work:

  1. Call log —needed for analyzing incoming calls.
  2. Display on top of other applications —to show notifications about the caller.
  3. Access to microphone (optional)—if you want to use voice prompts from Alice.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from Oppo) the permission to display on top of other applications may be reset after reboot. Check it manually in Settings → Applications → Yandex → Advanced → Display on top of other applications.

Step-by-step setup via the Yandex application

The most reliable way to activate the service is through the official application Yandex. Follow the instructions:

  1. Open the application Yandex (if it is not there, download it from Google Play). In the search bar, enter Who called and select the appropriate section.

  2. Press the button "Enable" and confirm the permissions (see list above). If there is no button, update the application or check the region in your account settings (the service is available only for Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia).

  3. After activation, go to Settings → Calls and configure:

    • 🔔 Call notifications — enables pop-up windows with the name of the caller.
    • 🗣️ Voice hints — Alice will voice information (microphone required).
    • 📋 Call log —saves the history of specific numbers.

If after turning on the service does not work, try:

☑️ What to do if “Who called” does not identify numbers

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with Android 12+ additional permission may be required Exact location for the correct operation of geo-dependent functions (for example, determining local services). It can be disabled after setting it up in Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Yandex → Location.

Alternative activation methods

If the standard method did not work, try these options:

1. Via a browser (for older versions of Android)

Go to https://yandex.ru/calls in a mobile browser (Chrome, Yandex.Browser). The system will offer:

  • 📥 Install the application Yandex (if it does not exist).
  • 🔄 Redirect you to the “Calls” section inside the application.
  • ⚙️ Manually copy the number for verification (if automatic detection does not work).

2. Through Alice (voice assistant)

Activate Alice with the command Okay, Yandex and say:

Enable incoming call detection

or


Setting who called

The assistant will offer to open the desired section or enable the function automatically (if you already have the application installed Yandex with the latest updates).

3. For Yandex.Mail users

If you have mail on @yandex.ru, the service can automatically pull up call data from linked accounts. To do this:

  1. Open Yandex.Mail in the browser.
  2. Go to Settings → Security → Related services.
  3. Activate the option "Synchronization of contacts and calls"**.
💡

If you often call support services (banks, delivery), add their numbers to Favorite contacts in the Yandex application. The service will show their names with priority even if the Internet connection is poor.

Why the service does not work: common errors

If, after setting up, “Who called” does not identify numbers or produces errors, check these points:

ProblemPossible causeSolution
Does not show the caller's nameNo Internet or weak signalConnect to Wi-Fi or check your mobile phones data
The application crashes when making a callConflict with another caller ID (Truecaller, GetContact)Delete or disable third-party services
Call history is not savedPermission to access the log is disabledGo to Settings → Applications → Yandex → Permissions
Alice does not voice callsMicrophone or voice prompts are disabledEnable in Settings → Calls → Voice prompts

Pay special attention to energy saving modes. On smartphones, background activity of the application may be blocked. To fix: Samsung, Huawei And Xiaomi background application activity Yandex may be blocked. To fix:

  1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.
  2. Find the application Yandex and select "No restrictions"**.
  3. Restart the device.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Realme and Oppo when the mode is activated Deep optimization the service stops working. Disable this option in the battery settings.

How to manually check a number through Yandex

If automatic detection did not work, you can check numbers manually:

  1. Open application Yandex and enter the phone number in the search bar (for example, +79123456789).
  2. If the number is in the database, you will see:
    • 🏢 Organization name (for corporate numbers).
    • ⭐ Rating and reviews from other users (if the number is marked as spam).
    • 📍 Region of registration of the number.
  • To add your review, click "Report a call"** and select a category (Spam, Fraudster, Delivery etc.).

    • For convenience, you can save Yandex widget to the main screen:

    • Press an empty space on the desktop.
    • Select Widgets → Yandex → Search with a button.
    • Now you can quickly check numbers without opening the application.
    How to find out who called from a hidden number?

    Unfortunately, the Yandex service does not detect numbers with hidden identification (for example, with a prefix 67). However, you can:

    1. Ask the telecom operator to disclose the number (for a fee, through support).

    2. Use the AntiAon service from MTS/Beeline (if it is available in your region).

    3. Install an answering application that will record the voice of the caller (for example, Call Recorder).

    Security and privacy: what you need to know

    Many users are worried that services like “Who called” collect personal data. Let's look at how Yandex works with your information:

    • 🔒 Phone numbers: the service analyzes only incoming calls and does not transmit your outgoing calls.
    • 📱 Contact: access to the phone book is not required (unlike Truecaller).
    • 🌍 Location: used only to determine regional numbers (for example, taxi or pizzeria).

    To limit data collection:

    1. Open Settings → Privacy in the application Yandex.
    2. Disable the option "Personalization by calls"** (this will not affect the operation of the detector, but will limit the analysis of your activity).
    3. In the section History clear data on past calls (button "Clear"**).

    If you want to completely remove your information from the Yandex database (for example, if your number was marked as spam by mistake), send a request via the feedback form:

    https://yandex.ru/support/common/feedback.html

    In the subject indicate "Removing data from the "Who Called" service** and attach a screenshot of the number.

    💡

    Yandex does not sell call data to third parties, but anonymous user flags (for example, “spam” or “scammer”) can be used to improve the service. If this bothers you, disable the function. “Report calls” in the settings.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting

    Is it possible to use “Who called” without the Yandex application?

    No, the service only works through the official application. However, you can check numbers manually on the website yandex.ru/calls (without automatic. definitions during a call).

    Why does the service not detect all numbers?

    The Yandex database contains mainly corporate and user-tagged numbers. Personal numbers of individuals (not from your phone book) are rarely identified. Also, the service does not work with:

    • 📞 Virtual numbers (Skype, WhatsApp).
    • 🔢 Numbers with prefixes 67 (hidden).
    • 🌐 International numbers (except CIS).
    How to disable “Who called” if it interferes?

    Go to Settings → Calls in the application Yandex and deactivate the option "Detecting incoming calls"**Also remove permissions for call log and display on top of other applications in the Android settings.

    Does the service work on iPhone?

    Officially - no. However, you can check numbers manually through the browser (website yandex.ru/calls) or use alternative applications from the App Store (for example, Truecaller).

    Is it possible to transfer call history to a new phone?

    Yes, if you are logged in to one account Yandex. The history is synchronized automatically the first time you launch the application on new device. To speed up the process, check:

    • 🔄 Data synchronization in Settings → Accounts → Yandex.
    • 📶 Internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi).