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

Privacy concerns are more relevant than ever in today’s interconnected world. Sharing your phone number with strangers, businesses, or untrusted entities can lead to spam calls, scams, or even privacy breaches. Blocking your caller ID is an essential tool to maintain control over your personal information. This article explores the nuances of three effective ways to hide your phone number when making calls, diving deeper into how these methods work, their limitations, and practical scenarios where they prove invaluable.

---

Why Should You Hide Your Number?

When you make a call, your phone number is shared with the recipient by default. While this is convenient for personal and business communications, it can expose you to privacy risks. Situations like contacting a classified ad seller, reaching out to an unverified business, or even making an anonymous inquiry necessitate keeping your number private. Hiding your number masks your identity, displaying “Private,” “No Caller ID,” or “Unknown Caller” on the recipient’s screen.

However, blocking your number comes with its own challenges. Many people ignore calls from unknown numbers, and some organizations (like emergency services or toll-free numbers) can still see your details. Balancing anonymity and practicality requires understanding the best approach for each situation.

---

Method 1: Using *67 for Per-Call Privacy

The simplest method to block your number is by dialing *67 before the recipient’s phone number. This technique works on both Android and iPhone devices and provides a quick, one-off solution for hiding your caller ID. Here’s how to maximize its effectiveness:

Detailed Steps:

1. Prepare the Number: Note the phone number you want to call. If the contact is saved in your phone, you’ll need to either memorize it or copy and paste it into the dialer manually.
2. Add *67: Enter *67 before the number (e.g., *67 555-555-5555).
3. Make the Call: Dial the full sequence to initiate the call. The recipient will see “Blocked,” “No Caller ID,” or a similar message instead of your actual phone number.

Regional Variations:

• In the UK and Ireland, use 141 instead of *67. For example, dialing 141 020-1234-5678 achieves the same effect as *67 in the US and Canada.

Benefits of *67:

• Free and Universal: The method works across most carriers and devices without any setup.
• Bypasses Call Blocks: If someone has blocked your number, using *67 might let the call go through, as it hides your identity.

Drawbacks:

• Per-Call Requirement: You must dial *67 before every call you want to block, which can be inconvenient for frequent use.
• Ignored Calls: Many recipients decline calls from private numbers, especially if they suspect spam or telemarketing.

Practical Use Cases:

This method is ideal for occasional anonymous calls, such as reaching out to a classified ad poster, verifying customer service numbers, or calling an unfamiliar business.

---

Method 2: Changing Caller ID Settings on Your Device

If you regularly make calls where privacy is important, adjusting your phone’s settings to block your caller ID permanently is a more convenient option. Unlike *67, this method doesn’t require manual intervention for each call, offering a seamless experience.

How to Hide Caller ID on an iPhone:

1. Access Settings: Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Phone Settings: Scroll down and select Phone.
3. Disable Caller ID: Tap Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. This will block your number for all outgoing calls.

How to Hide Caller ID on an Android Device:

Due to variations in Android devices and operating systems, hiding your caller ID might differ depending on your phone manufacturer and carrier. Here are the two most common approaches:

1. Via Supplementary Services:

• Open the Phone app and tap the Menu icon (usually three dots in the top-right corner).
• Navigate to Settings > Supplementary Services or Calls > Additional Settings.
• Select Show Caller ID and choose Hide Number.

1. Using Calling Accounts:

• Open the Phone app and go to Menu > Settings > Calling Accounts.
• Select your carrier and navigate to Additional Settings.
• Tap Caller ID and choose Hide Number.

Temporarily Unblock Your Number:

If your caller ID is blocked by default, you can still reveal your number for individual calls by dialing *82 before the phone number. This is particularly useful when you want the recipient to have the option of calling you back.

Benefits of Adjusting Device Settings:

• Permanent Setup: Once configured, you don’t need to repeat the process for every call.
• Customizable: You can switch back and forth between showing or hiding your number as needed.

Limitations:

• Carrier Restrictions: Some carriers disable this option, requiring you to block your number directly through their services (explained in Method 3).
• Visibility Exceptions: Emergency services, toll-free numbers, and certain organizations can still see your caller ID.

Practical Applications:

This method suits individuals who make frequent private calls, such as professionals contacting clients, journalists protecting sources, or anyone seeking consistent privacy.

---

Method 3: Blocking Caller ID Through Your Carrier

If your device doesn’t support caller ID blocking, or if you want a comprehensive solution that applies universally, you can block your number through your cell carrier. This method ensures that your caller ID is hidden for all calls, regardless of your phone settings.

How to Block Your Caller ID With Major Carriers:

1. AT&T and T-Mobile:

• Check if your phone’s settings allow caller ID blocking (refer to Method 2). If not, contact customer support by dialing 611 from your smartphone.
• Request the representative to enable caller ID blocking on your account. This will apply to all outgoing calls.

1. Verizon:

• Using the Verizon Website:
  • Log in to your Verizon account and go to the Blocks page.
  • Navigate to Block Services and enable Caller ID Blocking under the Additional Services section.
• Using the My Verizon App:
  • Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Log in, open the menu, and select Plans & Devices.
  • Choose your phone and enable Block Specific Services > Caller ID Blocking.

Temporary Overrides:

Similar to the device settings method, you can override carrier-level blocking by dialing *82 before the number for specific calls.

Benefits of Carrier Blocking:

• Universal Coverage: Applies to all calls, regardless of device settings or dialer apps.
• No Manual Setup: Particularly useful if your phone lacks caller ID blocking options.

Limitations:

• Requires Carrier Assistance: Not as user-friendly as device-level settings.
• May Incur Charges: Some carriers might charge a fee for enabling caller ID blocking.

Practical Scenarios:

Carrier-level blocking is ideal for users with limited phone settings or those who need a reliable, always-on solution for hiding their number.

---

Limitations of Caller ID Blocking

While blocking your number can effectively protect your privacy in many situations, it’s important to understand its limitations. These constraints may affect your ability to remain anonymous or influence how your calls are received.

Organizations That Can Always See Your Caller ID

Even if you’ve enabled caller ID blocking, certain entities are exempt from these restrictions. These include:

• Emergency Services (e.g., 911): Your number will always be visible to emergency responders to ensure proper assistance and traceability.
• Toll-Free Numbers: Companies using toll-free lines (e.g., 800, 888, 877 numbers) have access to your phone number, even if you’ve blocked it.
• Government or Law Enforcement: In some cases, your number might still be visible to law enforcement or government organizations that require it for official purposes.

Third-Party Apps and Services

With advancements in technology, some third-party apps can bypass caller ID blocking. These apps can unmask blocked numbers using databases that cross-reference call logs with known data sources. While their legality varies by region, it’s crucial to be aware of their existence when relying on caller ID blocking for privacy.

Behavioral Challenges

Many people associate blocked numbers with telemarketers or spam calls. As a result:

• Calls May Be Ignored: If the recipient doesn’t recognize the caller, they might decline or ignore the call altogether.
• Trust Issues: Hiding your number might inadvertently make you appear untrustworthy, particularly in professional or personal contexts.

Reliance on Carrier Support

If your phone or carrier doesn’t natively support caller ID blocking, you’ll need to rely on your carrier’s assistance, which can be less convenient and may involve additional steps or charges.

---

Alternative Solutions: Using a Burner Number

For those who require a more robust solution to maintain privacy, using a burner number is an excellent alternative. This approach provides an extra layer of anonymity without the limitations associated with caller ID blocking.

What Is a Burner Number?

A burner number is a temporary or secondary phone number that you can use for specific purposes, such as:

• Online Marketplaces: Communicating with buyers or sellers on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
• Professional Use: Separating work-related calls from personal calls.
• Temporary Privacy: Sharing contact information without exposing your primary number.

Traditionally, a burner number required a second phone or SIM card, but modern technology has made it much simpler.

How to Get a Burner Number:

1. Download a Burner Number App:
   Apps like Burner, Google Voice, and Hushed allow you to generate and manage a secondary number directly from your smartphone. These apps often include features like call forwarding, voicemail, and customizable caller IDs.

• Burner: Popular for its ease of use and temporary number options.
• Google Voice: Offers a free secondary number with call forwarding and voicemail.
• Hushed: Ideal for international use and includes encrypted messaging options.

1. Sign Up for a Virtual Phone Service:
   Services like Grasshopper or Sideline cater to professionals who need a long-term secondary number. These platforms are designed for business use, offering advanced features like auto-replies and team extensions.
2. Purchase a Prepaid SIM Card:
   For ultimate anonymity, consider buying a prepaid SIM card. This method requires a second phone or a dual-SIM-compatible device but ensures complete separation from your primary number.

Advantages of a Burner Number:

• Enhanced Anonymity: Unlike caller ID blocking, a burner number provides a completely separate line for communication.
• Customizable Features: Many burner apps let you set call forwarding, record voicemails, or even send texts.
• Temporary or Long-Term Use: Choose between short-term numbers for specific tasks or long-term solutions for recurring privacy needs.

Drawbacks of Burner Numbers:

• Costs: Some apps and services charge subscription fees or require in-app purchases.
• Management Complexity: Juggling multiple numbers can be confusing without proper organization.

---

Which Option Should You Choose?

The best method for hiding your phone number depends on your specific needs:

• Occasional Privacy Needs: Use *67 for quick, one-off calls where anonymity is important.
• Frequent Privacy Requirements: Adjust your phone’s caller ID settings or contact your carrier for a more permanent solution.
• Enhanced Privacy: Opt for a burner number when caller ID blocking isn’t enough, or you need a reliable secondary line.

By understanding the pros and cons of each method, you can make informed decisions to safeguard your personal information while maintaining the functionality you need.

---

Conclusion

Blocking your phone number is a straightforward way to enhance your privacy in an age where personal information is increasingly vulnerable. Whether you use the simple *67 method for individual calls, adjust your phone’s settings for ongoing privacy, or invest in a burner number for more robust anonymity, each solution offers unique benefits.

However, it’s important to remember the limitations of caller ID blocking, including its inability to shield your number from certain organizations and advanced third-party tools. By combining these strategies with a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, you can protect your privacy effectively while staying connected.