How to Call Someone Without Caller ID: Your Guide to Anonymous Calling

Ever wished you could make a call and keep your number private? Maybe you need to contact a sensitive client anonymously, or you’re checking in on a service without influencing their response based on who you are. Whatever the reason, the ability to block your caller ID can be incredibly useful in specific situations. While caller ID provides transparency and helps us screen unwanted calls, there are legitimate and ethical scenarios where concealing your number is the best approach.

In a world increasingly concerned with privacy, understanding how to control your personal information is paramount. Knowing how to make a call without revealing your number empowers you to protect yourself and maintain control over your communications. This is especially important when dealing with unfamiliar contacts, conducting market research, or safeguarding your personal information from potential misuse. There are several methods you can use, and this guide will break down the most common and reliable options available to you.

What are the most common methods for blocking caller ID?

How do I block my number when making a call?

The most common and widely supported method to block your number on a per-call basis is to dial *67 before entering the phone number you wish to call. This prefix effectively hides your Caller ID from the recipient, displaying “Private Number,” “Blocked,” or similar on their phone.

Beyond using *67, some phones offer a setting to block your Caller ID for all outgoing calls. This setting can usually be found within the phone’s call settings menu, often labeled as “Caller ID,” “Show My Number,” or something similar. Locating the exact setting may vary depending on your phone’s make and model. If your phone provides this option, you can toggle it to prevent your number from being displayed on any call until you disable the feature. It’s important to note that even with Caller ID blocking enabled, your number might still be visible in certain situations. Emergency services (like 911) and some businesses or individuals who use call tracing services can often override blocked Caller ID. These measures are in place for safety and security reasons. Additionally, some mobile carriers may offer specific plans or services that affect Caller ID display, so consulting with your provider for the most accurate information is always a good idea.

What code do I dial to hide my caller ID?

To block your number from appearing on the recipient’s caller ID on a per-call basis in the US and Canada, dial *67 before the phone number you wish to call. This prefix effectively hides your number for that specific outgoing call only.

To clarify, *67 must be dialed each time you want to block your caller ID. After dialing *67, immediately enter the ten-digit phone number you are calling (area code + number). The recipient will typically see “Private Number,” “Blocked Number,” or “Unknown Caller” on their caller ID display instead of your phone number. Keep in mind that *67 doesn’t work in all situations. Emergency services (like 911) will still receive your number regardless of whether you have blocked it. Additionally, individuals who use services to unmask blocked numbers may still be able to see your number. If you need more consistent caller ID blocking, you can contact your phone service provider to request permanent caller ID blocking, which may involve an additional fee. This ensures your number is always blocked unless you specifically unblock it.

Will *67 always block my number?

Yes, dialing *67 before a phone number will generally block your caller ID on a per-call basis, preventing the recipient from seeing your number on their caller ID display. However, there are a few exceptions where your number might still be visible.

While *67 is a widely recognized and effective method for blocking your number, it’s important to understand its limitations. Certain services, like emergency services (911), may be able to override the blocking feature for safety reasons. Additionally, if you’re calling a toll-free number, the called party may be able to bypass the block to identify the origin of the call and potentially return the call later. Furthermore, some phone systems or call-screening services might not fully recognize or respect the *67 code, particularly with older technology or certain VoIP setups. While these instances are becoming less common, they do exist. To ensure complete privacy, especially if you are calling someone frequently, you may want to consider contacting your phone service provider to permanently block your number at the network level, though this will block your number from being displayed on *all* calls.

Are there apps to make anonymous calls?

Yes, several apps allow you to make anonymous calls by masking or hiding your caller ID. These apps typically work by routing your call through their servers, which replace your actual phone number with a generic number or block it altogether.

Many apps offer features beyond simple caller ID masking. Some provide temporary or disposable phone numbers, which can be used for situations where you don’t want to give out your personal number, like online dating or selling items online. These numbers can often be changed or discarded after use, providing an extra layer of privacy. Some apps also include call recording, voicemail, and texting features tied to the temporary number. It’s important to be aware that while these apps offer anonymity, they are not foolproof. Law enforcement agencies can often trace calls made through these services with a warrant or subpoena, particularly if the calls are used for illegal activities. Additionally, some apps might require you to create an account and provide some personal information, which could potentially be linked back to you. Always review the app’s privacy policy and terms of service before using it to understand how your data is handled and the level of anonymity it truly provides.

How can I unblock my number after dialing *67?

To unblock your number immediately after dialing *67, you typically need to dial *82 before making your next call. This action overrides the previous caller ID blocking and allows your number to be displayed to the recipient of that specific call.

When you dial *67, you’re instructing your phone network to suppress your caller ID information for that specific outgoing call. This feature is convenient when you want to maintain privacy or call someone without revealing your number. However, if you change your mind and want your number to appear on the recipient’s caller ID for your subsequent call, dialing *82 will reverse the effect of *67. The *82 code instructs the phone network to unblock your number, allowing it to be transmitted. It’s important to note that this applies on a call-by-call basis. If you want to block your number again after unblocking it with *82, you will need to dial *67 before making your next call. Also, some phone systems or services might have slightly different codes or methods for blocking and unblocking caller ID. In rare cases, emergency services (like 911) can override caller ID blocking for safety reasons.

Does blocking my number work on all phones?

Generally, blocking your number works on the vast majority of phones, both landlines and mobile devices, because it leverages network-level features rather than relying on specific phone hardware or software. However, there are some limited situations and exceptions depending on the recipient’s phone setup, carrier, and any call-blocking services they may subscribe to.

While blocking your number (also known as caller ID blocking or private number) is usually effective, certain circumstances can prevent it from working universally. For example, some businesses or individuals may use call-screening services or apps that are designed to reveal blocked numbers. These services may achieve this by requiring callers with blocked numbers to identify themselves before the call is connected or by using more advanced techniques to attempt to unmask the number. Government agencies and emergency services are also often capable of overriding caller ID blocks in specific situations, such as for public safety reasons or during investigations. Furthermore, older landline systems or very basic mobile phones may not consistently support caller ID blocking due to technological limitations, although this is becoming increasingly rare. Also, in some countries, specific rules or regulations may apply which impact the effectiveness of caller ID blocking. Overall, while caller ID blocking offers a high degree of privacy protection when calling, it’s not a foolproof guarantee that your number will never be revealed in all possible circumstances. Here are common methods used to block your caller ID:

• *67 (North America): Dial *67 before the phone number you wish to call. For example, *67-1-555-123-4567.
• #31# (GSM networks worldwide): Similar to *67, dial #31# before the phone number.
• Phone settings: Most modern smartphones have a setting to block your caller ID for all outgoing calls. This is usually found in the phone app’s settings, under “Caller ID,” “Show My Caller ID,” or similar options.

Is it illegal to hide my caller ID?

In most jurisdictions, it is not generally illegal to hide your caller ID for personal calls. However, there are specific situations and contexts where blocking your caller ID is prohibited or frowned upon, such as when making calls to emergency services, law enforcement, or entities where identification is required for legitimate purposes.

Hiding your caller ID is typically accomplished using specific prefixes or settings on your phone. In the United States, for example, you can dial *67 before the phone number to block your number on a per-call basis. Most mobile phones also have settings that allow you to block your caller ID by default. While using these methods for privacy is usually legal, it’s important to consider the ethical implications. Repeatedly making anonymous calls that harass or annoy someone could be considered harassment, which *is* often illegal. Furthermore, businesses or individuals who make calls for sales or marketing purposes are often required to display their caller ID, and hiding it could be a violation of telemarketing regulations. It’s best to check local and national laws and regulations regarding caller ID spoofing and blocking to ensure compliance. For example, the Truth in Caller ID Act in the U.S. prohibits transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain anything of value.

And that’s it! You now have a few ways to make a call without revealing your number. Hope this helped clear things up! Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a tech tip or two!