How to Change an Extension Name and Caller ID in EMAK’s Portal

When someone changes desk or a name needs updating, the extension’s display name and caller ID can be updated from the EMAK phone portal. If the extension is on a physical phone, you also have to push the change down to the device with a re-provision.

Before You Start

• You need administrator-level access to the EMAK phone portal — regular users cannot change other extensions’ names.
• If the new owner of the extension has a different email, have it ready so you can update voicemail and missed-call notification addresses at the same time.

Step 1: Update the Extension

From the portal, navigate to Extensions → Extensions.

Click the extension you want to edit. Update the following fields:

• Effective Caller ID Name — what shows on the called party’s display when this extension makes outbound calls.
• Directory First & Last Name — used by the dial-by-name directory (*411).
• Description — internal label for administrators.

If the extension was previously associated with an email address for voicemail or missed-call notifications, also update the address in the Voicemail Mail To and Missed Call fields so notifications go to the right person.

Step 2: Push the Change to the Physical Phone

If the extension is registered on a physical desk phone, the device’s local display name will not update until the phone is re-provisioned. Skip this step if the extension is only used by softphones.

From the extension page, click the MAC address of the associated phone:

You will land on the device’s configuration page. Update the Display Name field, then click Provision to push the new configuration to the phone.

The phone will reload its configuration within a minute or two and show the new name on its screen.

Related Tasks

• To edit BLF or speed-dial keys on the same phone, see add BLF and speed-dial keys.
• To reset the extension’s portal password, see reset portal password.

Extension Rename FAQ

Why didn’t my caller ID change for outbound calls?

Outbound caller ID can be set at multiple layers (extension, account, carrier). The Effective Caller ID Name on the extension controls internal calls and the displayed name on cooperating networks, but external carriers may override it with the registered caller-name for the line. If callers still see the old name, contact EMAK Telecom support to update the registered CNAM.

The desk phone still shows the old name after I clicked Provision.

Allow a minute or two for the phone to fetch its new configuration. If it still shows the old name, reboot the phone (unplug for 5 seconds, plug back in). If it persists, see Yealink factory reset or contact support.

Do I have to update voicemail and missed-call email addresses too?

Only if the extension is changing hands. If the same person is keeping the extension and just switching their displayed name, the email fields can stay as-is.

Can I rename multiple extensions at once?

The portal edits extensions individually. For bulk changes (e.g., a company rename or large reorganization), contact EMAK Telecom support — bulk operations are available on request.

What’s the difference between Effective Caller ID Name and Directory First/Last Name?

Effective Caller ID Name is the free-text display name shown on outbound calls. Directory First/Last Name is what the dial-by-name directory (*411) searches against, so it should match how the user is normally addressed. They are usually the same, but having them separate lets you distinguish “Sales Department” (caller ID) from “Sales, Department” (dial-by-name).