How to Hide Phone Number When Calling: A Complete Guide

Ever feel like you need a little more control over your privacy when making a phone call? Maybe you’re calling a potential employer and prefer they not have your number right away, or perhaps you’re contacting someone through an online marketplace and want to maintain some anonymity. The truth is, there are plenty of legitimate reasons why you might want to hide your phone number when making a call. In today’s connected world, safeguarding your personal information is more important than ever. Hiding your number can protect you from unwanted calls, prevent your number from being logged in unknown databases, and give you a sense of security when reaching out to unfamiliar contacts.

Whether you’re a business professional, an individual navigating online transactions, or simply someone who values their privacy, understanding how to block your caller ID is a valuable skill. It’s a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your control over who has access to your personal information. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to hide your number before making a call, and we’re here to walk you through them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiding Your Number:

Is *67 the only way to hide my number?

No, *67 is not the only way to hide your phone number when calling. While *67 is a commonly known and used method for blocking caller ID on a per-call basis, other methods exist, including using a mobile app, utilizing features offered by your phone service provider, or changing settings directly on your smartphone.

Using *67 is simple but has limitations. It requires you to dial the code before each call you want to anonymize. This can be inconvenient if you frequently want to hide your number. Some phone service providers also offer the option to block your number by default, so that it is hidden for all outgoing calls. You would typically need to contact your provider to activate this feature, and you can often disable it temporarily if needed. Furthermore, many smartphones have built-in settings that allow you to control whether your caller ID is displayed. The exact location of this setting varies depending on the phone’s operating system (Android or iOS) and manufacturer, but it’s generally found within the phone app’s settings under options like “Caller ID,” “Show My Caller ID,” or similar. This setting offers a global on/off switch for your outgoing caller ID, providing another way to hide your number without dialing a code each time.

How do I hide my number on a smartphone?

You can hide your phone number when making calls on most smartphones using either a prefix code before the number or by changing a setting in your phone’s call settings. The prefix code, usually *67 in the US and Canada, hides your number on a per-call basis. Changing the setting in your phone’s call settings typically hides your number for all outgoing calls until you disable it.

Using the prefix code, such as *67, is simple. Just dial *67 followed by the phone number you wish to call. The recipient’s caller ID will display “Private Number,” “Blocked,” or something similar, instead of your phone number. This method is useful when you only need to hide your number occasionally. Keep in mind that this method doesn’t work for emergency calls (like 911 in the US), as your number will always be displayed to emergency services.

For a more permanent solution, you can typically adjust your phone’s settings to block caller ID. On iPhones, this is usually found under Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID. Toggle the switch to off. On Android devices, the location of this setting can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and Android version. Generally, you can find it within the Phone app’s settings, often under “Calling accounts” or “Caller ID.” Select the option to hide your number. Remember to disable this setting when you want your number to be displayed again.

Will hiding my number block return calls?

No, hiding your number when making a call will not block return calls to your phone. The recipient sees “Private Number,” “Unknown Number,” or something similar instead of your actual phone number. They simply won’t know your number to call you back directly using caller ID; however, if you leave a message with your number, they can still call you.

Hiding your caller ID primarily prevents the person you are calling from seeing your number. This provides a layer of privacy, especially when calling businesses or individuals you don’t want to have your number. It doesn’t affect your phone’s ability to receive incoming calls. Your phone will still ring as normal if someone attempts to call you. If you are concerned about blocking unwanted calls, hiding your number isn’t the solution. Instead, you would need to explore call blocking features on your phone, through your mobile carrier, or via third-party apps designed to block specific numbers or types of calls (e.g., spam calls). Hiding your caller ID is about controlling the information *you* transmit when *you* are making a call, not about controlling what calls you receive.

Can I permanently hide my number from appearing?

While there isn’t a single, universal setting to permanently hide your number for *every* outgoing call on most mobile devices or landlines, you can effectively achieve this for the majority of your calls through a combination of settings and service configurations.

The easiest method for frequent number hiding is to contact your mobile carrier or landline provider. Many providers offer a service (often free or for a small fee) that blocks your number by default on all outgoing calls. Once activated, you’ll need to dial a specific code (usually *82 in the US and Canada) before the number you are calling if you *want* your number to be displayed. This inverts the usual blocking method, making it easier to keep your number private. Some Voice over IP (VoIP) services also provide a similar global setting within their account management portal. Alternatively, some phone systems allow you to configure the Caller ID settings at the device level through built-in system settings. This method may involve adjusting settings within the phone’s interface or contacting the phone’s administrator to modify Caller ID delivery options for your extension. It’s also worth noting that regardless of your settings, your number may still be visible in certain situations, such as when calling emergency services (911 in the US) or toll-free numbers.

Does caller ID blocking cost extra?

Whether caller ID blocking costs extra depends on the method you use and your phone service provider. Temporary per-call blocking is generally free. However, permanent blocking, sometimes called “caller ID blocking per line,” might incur a monthly fee depending on your provider and plan. Contact your provider for specific pricing information.

Many phone companies offer per-call blocking free of charge as a standard feature. This usually involves dialing a short code, like *67 in North America, before the number you are calling. This temporarily hides your number for that single outgoing call. Since it utilizes existing infrastructure, it typically does not involve extra charges. On the other hand, some providers offer the option to block your caller ID permanently for all outgoing calls from your line. This service typically requires contacting your provider to activate, and they may charge a monthly fee for this feature. This fee covers the administrative costs of managing the permanent setting on your account. Check with your provider to determine if they offer this service and what the associated cost is.

Is it illegal to hide my caller ID?

Generally, it is not illegal to hide your caller ID when making phone calls. However, there are specific situations and contexts where hiding your caller ID can be illegal, particularly if it’s done with malicious intent or to defraud someone.

While hiding your caller ID, often referred to as “Caller ID Spoofing” or using “private numbers,” is usually legal, the key factor is the intent behind the action. For personal calls, maintaining privacy is often a valid reason. However, using a blocked or spoofed number to harass, defraud, cause harm, or misrepresent yourself for illegal activities is against the law. Laws like the Truth in Caller ID Act exist to prevent deceptive or harmful practices using caller ID manipulation. These laws typically target individuals or organizations who are trying to profit through deception or cause harm through harassment, such as in scams and telemarketing schemes. Furthermore, certain professions or regulated industries may have specific rules regarding displaying their phone number. For example, law enforcement agencies may need to follow protocols about disclosing their identity during official calls. It’s always best to be aware of your local laws and any industry-specific regulations that may apply to you. Always act responsibly and ethically, and avoid hiding your number if it could reasonably cause harm or distress to the recipient.

How do I unblock my number after hiding it?

The method to unblock your number after hiding it depends on how you initially blocked it. Typically, you used a prefix code or a setting in your phone’s dialer. To unblock, you generally need to use a different prefix code or revert the dialer setting.

If you used a prefix code like *67 to hide your number on a call-by-call basis, you usually don’t need to “unblock” anything permanently. Simply dial the number you wish to call *without* the *67 (or other prefix code) and your number will be displayed to the recipient. The prefix code only applies to the specific call made immediately after dialing it.

If you changed a setting within your phone’s operating system to block outgoing caller ID, you will need to reverse that setting. The exact location of this setting varies based on your phone’s operating system (Android or iOS) and manufacturer. On Android, you might find it in the Phone app settings, under “Calling accounts” or “Caller ID”. On iOS, look under Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID. Toggle the setting back to the “on” or “show” position to display your number again.

And that’s all there is to it! Hiding your number is easier than you might think, right? Hopefully, this guide has helped you become a bit more incognito. Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll come back for more tech tips and tricks soon!