How to Block Your Number & Block Caller ID: Privacy Seekers

What is Caller ID Blocking?

Caller ID Blocking is a feature that allows you to hide your phone number when making calls, thereby protecting your privacy. When you enable this function, the recipient of your call will see a message such as “Private,” “Unknown,” or “Blocked” instead of your actual phone number on their Caller ID. This can be useful when you may not want the person you are calling to have access to your phone number or to avoid unwanted callbacks.

To block your number on a single call, dial *67 before the desired phone number. This temporary solution works for most carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Once you hang up, your next call will display your number as usual unless you dial *67 again.

If you wish to block your Caller ID by default, options are available on your smartphone. On an iPhone, navigate to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, and toggle the switch off. Android users can go to Phone app > Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID, and select “Hide number.”

Please note that Caller ID blocking may not work on all calls, such as when dialing toll-free or emergency numbers. Additionally, recipients with Anonymous Call Rejection enabled will not receive calls from blocked numbers.

Types of Blocking Methods

There are several ways to block your phone number and hide your Caller ID when making calls. Here, we will detail a few commonly used methods for both iPhone and Android devices.

1. Using Service Codes: Before dialing the number you want to call, enter *67. This service code temporarily disables the Caller ID for a single call, preventing the recipient from seeing your number (e.g., *67-xxx-xxx-xxxx). Remember that some phone carriers might require a different code, so check with your provider if *67 doesn’t work.

2. Permanent Blocking through Carrier Settings: If you wish to block your Caller ID for all outgoing calls, you can set up permanent blocking through your phone carrier. Contact your service provider or check their website/support documentation for instructions on enabling this feature. Note that you can still unblock your number for individual calls by dialing *82 before the number you want to call.

3. Device Settings (iPhone): On an iPhone, you can block your number through the device settings. Navigate to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, and toggle off the switch. This setting will hide your number for all outgoing calls, but it may not work when calling certain numbers or regions.

4. Device Settings (Android): For Android devices, the process may vary slightly based on the phone model and manufacturer. Generally, head to the Phone app > Menu > Settings > Call settings > Additional settings > Caller ID, and select ‘Hide number.’ Like the iPhone method, this will block your number for all calls and may not work in every situation.

Remember always to use caller ID blocking responsibly and respect the privacy of others. If you are contacting someone new or if privacy is important in a specific situation, blocking your number can be a useful tool. However, some people may hesitate to answer calls from unknown numbers, so keep this in mind while using these methods.

How to Block Your Number on Individual Calls

In this section, we will discuss how to block your number when making individual calls from an iPhone and an Android device. This can be useful to protect your privacy or make anonymous calls.

On iPhone

To block your Caller ID on individual calls from an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. In the keypad tab, enter *67 before typing the phone number you want to call (e.g., *67 123-456-7890).
3. Press the green phone icon to make the call.

Your number will appear as “Private” or “Unknown” to the person you’re calling. Please note that this method may not work with some carriers or devices.

On Android

Blocking your number on individual calls from an Android device requires the following steps:

1. Launch the Phone app on your Android phone.
2. Type *67 before the phone number you want to call (e.g., *67 123-456-7890).
3. Tap the green phone icon to make the call.

Like iPhones, your number will appear as “Private” or “Unknown” to the recipient. Remember that this method might not work with all carriers or devices.

How to Permanently Block Your Number?

Using Phone Settings

On your iPhone:

1. Go to the Settings app
2. Scroll down and tap on the Phone
3. Tap on Show My Caller ID
4. Toggle the switch to Off

On your Android device:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Tap on the Menu icon (three dots or lines)
3. Select Settings or Call settings
4. Press Additional settings
5. Press Caller ID
6. Select Hide number

Please note that these methods may vary for different Android phone manufacturers.

Through Service Provider

You can also contact your mobile carrier to block your number permanently. Most carriers allow you to request this through their customer service, either by phone, through their website, or via a chat service. Remember that they may charge a fee for permanently blocking your caller ID.

• AT&T: Contact customer service at 611 from your mobile phone or visit the AT&T website for more information.
• Verizon: Dial 611 from your Verizon device or visit the Verizon website for further assistance.
• T-Mobile: Contact T-Mobile customer support at 611 from your T-Mobile phone, or find more support options on the T-Mobile website.
• Sprint: Call Sprint at 611 from your Sprint phone or visit the Sprint website for support and guidance.

Special Considerations When Blocking Caller ID

In this section, we’ll discuss special considerations you should be aware of when blocking your number and Caller ID. Please take note of the following sub-sections:

Emergency Calls

When you dial emergency services (e.g., 911 in the US), your Caller ID blocking will not work. Emergency service providers need to see your phone number to provide quick assistance. This is an essential feature, as it allows emergency responders to locate and assist you if you cannot communicate.

Toll-Free Numbers

In some cases, blocking your number and Caller ID may not be effective when calling toll-free numbers (like 1-800 numbers). These numbers are set up to receive as much information as possible from the caller, including the phone number. Blocking your Caller ID might cause your call to be rejected or an automated message prompting you to unblock your number to complete the call.

Remember, each situation can be different regarding blocking your Caller ID. Be aware of these special considerations and use your best judgment when deciding whether to block your number.

Troubleshooting Caller ID Blocking Issues

If you’re experiencing issues with caller ID blocking, here are a few common solutions to help you resolve them:

1. Verify the code: Ensure you use the correct code to block your number. For most carriers in the United States, you can dial *67 before the number you want to call. This will temporarily block your caller ID for that specific call. However, codes may vary depending on your location and carrier, so double-check the appropriate code for your region.
2. Check phone settings: Your phone might have settings that affect caller ID blocking. For Android, open the Phone app, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose “Settings.” Select “Calling Accounts,” then choose “More Features” under your SIM card’s section. Finally, select “Caller ID and Call Waiting” to adjust your settings. For iPhone, go to “Settings,” tap on “Phone,” and find “Show My Caller ID” under the “Calls” section. Ensure this option is turned off.
3. Contact your carrier: If you have confirmed the correct blocking code and checked your phone settings but are still experiencing issues, your carrier might be the cause. Some carriers may require specific account settings or additional steps to enable caller ID blocking. Contact your carrier’s customer support to verify if there are any restrictions or limitations on your account.
4. Use a third-party app: If all else fails, consider using a third-party call-blocking app for your smartphone. Many apps offer advanced features such as custom caller ID blocking and call recording. Remember that they might have different privacy policies, so choose a reputable app and review its permissions carefully.

Remember that troubleshooting steps might differ for various devices and carriers. Refer to your phone’s manual or carrier’s website for further information or assistance.

Last Updated : 06 November, 2023