3 Ways to Block Your Number and Hide Caller ID on iPhone & Android Devices

Caller ID Blocking Principle

Blocking your caller ID can be an effective method to maintain your privacy while making phone calls. This section will discuss the principle behind caller ID blocking and provide three ways to achieve this on iPhone and Android devices.

Caller ID blocking is a feature that allows you to hide your phone number from the recipient’s device when you make a call. This can be useful when you prefer to keep your number private or when conducting sensitive transactions. There are multiple ways to block your caller ID, but the general principle remains: prevent your phone number from being displayed on the recipient’s device.

*Method 1: Dial 67 before the number you want to call

The simplest way to block your number is by adding *67 before the phone number you want to call. This method works for both iPhone and Android devices. For example, if you want to call the number 555-123-4567, dial *675551234567 to block your caller ID for that call.

Method 2: Change device settings

Another way to block your caller ID is by adjusting the settings on your device:

• On your iPhone:

  1. Launch the Settings app and tap on the Phone option
  2. Tap “Show My Caller ID” and then toggle it off

• On your Android device:

  1. Launch the Phone app and tap the More options icon (the three dots) > Settings
  2. Find the “Supplementary services” option in the list and tap on it
  3. Select “Show caller ID” and choose the “Hide number” option

Please note that this method may not work on all Android devices as the steps may vary depending on the phone’s make and model.

Method 3: Use your carrier’s services

Some carriers offer the ability to block your caller ID on their network. You can contact your carrier’s customer service department to inquire about this feature and request assistance activating it on your account.

Blocking Caller ID on an iPhone

Setting Up iPhone for Anonymous Calls

To block your number and hide your caller ID on an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Scroll down and select Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle off the switch next to Show My Caller ID.

Your iPhone won’t display your phone number on all future outgoing calls.

Using *67 for Individual Call Blocking on iPhone

If you want to block your number for a single call, you can use the *67 prefix before dialing the recipient’s number. Enter *67, followed by the phone number you want to call. Your number will appear as “No Caller ID” or “Private” for this call.

For example, if you want to call 555-123-4567, dial *67 555-123-4567.

Activating ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ Feature on iPhone

Another option to avoid unwanted calls from unknown numbers is the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature. Although this doesn’t block your number when making outgoing calls, it helps you manage incoming calls from unknown numbers.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Scroll down and select Silence Unknown Callers.
4. Toggle on the switch next to Silence Unknown Callers.

This feature will silence calls from numbers not saved in your Contacts, recent calls list, or Siri suggestions, sending them straight to voicemail.

Blocking Caller ID on Android

This section will teach you how to block your number and hide your caller ID on your Android phone. This can come in handy when you want to make a call without revealing your identity. We’ll review two methods for blocking your number on Android devices: using Android’s built-in caller ID hiding feature and utilizing the *67 code for single call blocking.

Taking Advantage of Android’s Caller ID Hiding Feature

Before making a call, you can adjust your Android phone’s settings to block your caller ID. Here’s how:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Tap the three-dot menu or gear icon at the top right corner to access the settings.
3. Find and select Caller ID and spam or Additional settings in the settings menu.
4. Tap on Caller ID and choose Hide number.

Now, whenever you make a call, your number will appear as “Private” or “No Caller ID” to the recipient.

Utilizing *67 for Single Call Blocking on Android

If you want to block your caller ID for a single call, you can use the *67 code before dialing the phone number you want to call. This feature works on most Android devices regardless of the carrier.

To use the *67 code, follow these steps:

1. Open your phone app on your Android device.
2. Dial *67 before entering the phone number you wish to call (e.g., *67-123-456-7890).
3. Press the call button to initiate the call.

Your number will now appear as “Private” or “No Caller ID” for that specific call. This method is perfect for situations where you want a temporary solution to hide your caller ID. Remember, this must be done for each call you want to keep your number hidden.

Exploring Third-Party Caller ID Blocking Apps

Various third-party apps available for iPhone and Android can help you block your number and hide your caller ID. These apps have additional features like call recording and forwarding to enhance your calling experience.

Truecaller is a popular app for both platforms. It allows you not only to block your own number but also to identify and block spam calls. It has a vast database of numbers that helps it identify callers. You can enable the call-blocking feature in the app’s settings to block your number.

Another option is Hiya. This app offers call blocking and caller ID features for both iPhone and Android devices. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and block your number. To do so, access the call-blocking settings and enable the appropriate options.

For Android users, Should I Answer? is a viable choice. This app specializes in blocking calls, including hiding your caller ID when making calls. To use this feature, go to the app settings and activate the caller ID blocking option.

Importance of Privacy and Ethical Considerations

Privacy is crucial in today’s digitally interconnected world. As a smartphone user, you should know the importance of keeping your personal information, including your phone number, safe from abuse and misuse. When you hide your Caller ID, you help prevent your phone number from falling into the wrong hands, ensuring a stronger sense of security.

Ethical considerations play a vital role in your decision to use call-blocking features. While blocking your number can be a practical solution for shielding your identity during legitimate calls, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential consequences. Misusing these features could lead to unwanted suspicion and mistrust amongst others. Always ensure that your reasons for blocking your number are justifiable and within the scope of ethical and legal boundaries.