Once upon a time, it took multiple devices, software, and/or programs to accomplish what a lot of us can now do with just our smartphones.
You no longer need photo editing software to remove the background of a photo, a book to identify a plant, or to dial *67 to make a call with your number blocked. All of this can be done on that little device tucked in your pocket.
Many of these built-in features are also super easy to use (much easier than flipping through a book to get lucky) and can be activated with just a few taps.
Watch this video to see how to block your number when making a phone call.
How to block your number when calling someone
The next time you want to make a call without your number showing up, just activate the feature on your smartphone.
To hide your number on an iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down to Phone
- Tap Show My Caller ID
- Toggle the feature off
To hide your number on an Android:
- Go to the Phone app
- Tap on Settings
- Tap Calling Accounts
- Tap on your SIM card (or, if you have multiple, the SIM of the number you want to hide)
- Tap Advanced Settings
- Tap Caller ID
- Select Hide number
If you don't see the option in the menu, it likely means your carrier does not support the feature.
Other ways to block your number
The classic option of dialing *67 before the number you’re calling still works. This only blocks the call you’re making at that moment, not any future calls.
There are also a number of burner apps you can use to contact people without providing your actual number. Some of these apps require payment, but others, like Google Voice, are free.
To hide your number on Google Voice:
- Open the Google Voice app
- Click on the Menu
- Go to Settings
- Go to Calls
- Toggle on Anonymous caller ID
Hiding your number conceals it from everyone, including friends, family, and coworkers who have your number saved on their device, so there is a chance the call might go unanswered.
There is also a chance the call will be sent directly to voicemail if the recipient uses a spam-blocking service.
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FAQs
Some mobile devices may alternatively offer or require a menu selection to override Caller ID blocking per call. To correctly unblock a number, listen for a dial tone, dial *82, and listen for the momentary flashing dial tone which confirms the override.
What does *82 do on a cell phone? ›
Some mobile devices may alternatively offer or require a menu selection to override Caller ID blocking per call. To correctly unblock a number, listen for a dial tone, dial *82, and listen for the momentary flashing dial tone which confirms the override.
Does *67 really block your number? ›
You have the option to block Caller ID either temporarily or permanently. To block your number from being displayed temporarily for a specific call: Enter *67. Enter the number you wish to call (including area code).
What to use instead of *67? ›
Use Default Settings on iOS or Android
- Open the 'Settings' app.
- Select 'Phone'
- Tap 'Show My Caller ID'
- Toggle off Show My Caller ID.
Does *67 still work in 2024? Yes *67 still works on landlines and cell phones. Regardless of the device you use, whether iPhones or Android, dialing star 67 before a number hide your phone number during calls. However, its capabilities are for phone calls only, not text messages.
What does * 77 do on your phone? ›
*77 to activate Anonymous Call Block or dial 1177 on rotary or pulse-dialing phones, listen for a recording or confirmation tone. *87 to deactivate Anonymous Call Block or dial 1187 on rotary or pulse-dialing phones, listen for a recording or confirmation tone.
What does *57 do on your phone? ›
Call trace allows you to dial the code *57 to trace the phone number of a call that was received. This service is used to trace harassing calls which warrant law enforcement or legal action. If you do not intend to take legal action, then an alternative is to use Call Return with *69.
Is there a way to block no Caller ID? ›
One way to block No Caller ID calls on Android is by utilizing the nifty feature called "Block Unknown/Private Numbers." This handy option can be found in most Android phones' call settings.
Why doesn't *69 work anymore? ›
If *69 does not work:
You may have your touch tone phone set to pulse. Your phone must be set to touch tone for Last Call Return to work. Not hearing any beeps when dialing out is a sign that it might be set to pulse. Switching between touch tone and pulse depends on the model of your phone.
When you block a number can they still call you on no Caller ID? ›
When you block a number, can they still call you with no caller ID? Blocking a number usually stops that specific number from reaching you, but if they call with no caller ID, it might still get through unless you block unknown callers.
When No Caller ID appears during incoming calls, that means the caller has deliberately blocked their information. A No Caller ID call can be legit—it may be from an organization or person who simply wants to keep their contact information private.
What does dialing *#31 do? ›
How to block or unblock my mobile phone number when making an outgoing call. To block your mobile phone number on a per-call basis, dial #31# before each phone number you call. To permanently block your number use your Call Settings menu.
How do I make my number private? ›
Use *67 to hide your number
To hide your phone number on the Caller ID of the person you're calling, you just dial *67 before you tap in the phone number. Then, on the person's Caller ID, they will see “blocked,” “anonymous” or “private call” where your number and name would have been.
Does *67 actually work? ›
The classic option of dialing *67 before the number you're calling still works. This only blocks the call you're making at that moment, not any future calls.
Can someone still see your number if you use * 67? ›
This works even if the other person already has your number in their phone. Instead of displaying your number, the recipient sees a message like "Restricted," "Blocked" or "Private number." *67 does not work when you call toll-free numbers or emergency numbers.
Why does * 67 not work sometimes? ›
Why might *67 not work when calling toll-free or emergency numbers? For emergency services,it's because *67 blocks Caller ID; it does not block ANI. Emergency services rely on ANI, which cannot be spoofed, unlike Call ID.
What does * 73 do when you dial it? ›
Call forwarding is activated when someone answers at the forwarded number. To deactivate call forwarding, dial *73. Listen for two beeps, then hang up. Answer all your incoming calls, even when you're already on the line.
What does * 72 do on your phone? ›
The basics of Verizon's Call Forwarding service (also known as Immediate Call Forwarding) are straightforward: From your mobile phone, dial *72 plus the phone number you want to forward calls to.
What does * 66 do to your phone? ›
Auto Redial is a service that dials a number that is busy for up to 30 minutes and alerts you with a distinctive ring when the line is no longer busy. To activate Auto Redial, press *66 (1166 from a rotary phone). To deactivate Auto Redial, press *86 (1186 from a rotary phone).
What does * 69 do on a cell phone? ›
*69, a code widely available in North America, allows you to redial the last incoming call that you missed. The service is provided by most telephone service providers and operates by storing the caller's phone number, allowing you to quickly connect back to them.
