How To Make A Private Number Effective Ways To Block Caller Id On Any Phone

There are times when calling anonymously isn’t about secrecy—it’s about privacy, safety, or avoiding unwanted callbacks. Whether you're contacting a business after hours, reaching out to someone you’d rather not share your number with, or protecting yourself from potential spam or harassment, hiding your caller ID can be a practical necessity. Fortunately, most phones—smartphones, landlines, and VoIP services—offer ways to conceal your number. The key is knowing which method works best for your device and situation.

This guide covers tested, real-world techniques to make your number private across platforms. From temporary one-call solutions to permanent settings, we break down the most effective approaches so you can choose what fits your needs.

Understanding Caller ID and Privacy

Caller ID displays your phone number (and sometimes your name) to the person receiving your call. This feature was introduced to help users screen calls, but it also means your personal information is shared with every outgoing call unless blocked. While many assume their number is hidden by default, that’s rarely the case—especially on mobile networks.

Blocking caller ID doesn’t mean you’re untraceable. Law enforcement and telecom providers can still identify callers, and some businesses or government agencies may automatically reject anonymous calls. But for everyday use, caller ID blocking gives you control over who sees your number.

“Caller ID blocking is a basic privacy tool, like locking your front door. It won’t stop determined intruders, but it keeps casual snoopers out.” — Marcus Lin, Telecommunications Security Analyst

Temporary Methods: Hide Your Number Per Call

If you only need to hide your number occasionally, temporary blocking is ideal. These methods work instantly and don’t require changing your phone settings.

On most carriers in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries, dialing a short code before the number suppresses your caller ID for that single call:

• *67 + [number]: The universal code for blocking your number on both landlines and mobile phones.
• Example: Dialing *67-555-123-4567 will hide your number from the recipient.

The recipient will typically see “Private Number,” “Blocked,” or “Unknown Caller” instead of your digits.

Tip: *67 works even if you’ve permanently enabled caller ID. Use it when you need flexibility without changing global settings.

Other regional codes exist:

• #31# – Used in many European countries (e.g., UK, Germany).
• 1161 – Japan’s temporary block code.

These codes must be dialed each time. They’re perfect for sensitive calls—like contacting a landlord, doctor, or customer service—without revealing your identity permanently.

Permanent Caller ID Blocking: Set It and Forget It

If you consistently want your number hidden, enabling permanent caller ID blocking through your phone or carrier is more efficient than using *67 every time.

On iPhone (iOS)

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Select Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle the switch to OFF.

Your number will now be hidden on all outgoing calls unless manually unblocked with *82 (see below).

On Android

The steps vary slightly depending on brand and OS version, but generally:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
3. Find Caller ID or Additional Settings.
4. Select Hide number or Don’t show my number.

Some Samsung models label this option as “View my caller ID” → “Hidden.”

Tip: After enabling permanent blocking, test it by calling your own voicemail or a trusted contact to confirm your number appears as \"Private.\"

Landline and VoIP Solutions

Traditional landlines often allow caller ID blocking through the same *67 method. However, many landline users prefer setting a permanent block via their provider.

To disable caller ID on a landline:

• Contact your phone company (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, Comcast) and request “permanent caller ID blocking.”
• Some providers offer online account tools to toggle this setting.

For VoIP services like Google Voice, Skype, or Ooma:

• Google Voice: Go to Settings > Calls > “Show my voice number” and disable it.
• Skype: Caller ID depends on your linked phone number; hiding it may require purchasing an anonymous number add-on.
• Ooma: Access your dashboard and enable “Anonymous Call Rejection” or adjust outbound ID settings.

Method	Device/Service	Persistence	Reversibility
*67 + number	Mobile, Landline	One-time	Instant (use *82)
Phone Settings (iOS/Android)	Smartphones	Permanent until changed	Toggle back in settings
Carrier Request	Landline, Mobile	Permanent	Contact provider
VoIP Dashboard	Google Voice, Skype	Varies	Adjust online

Unblocking Your Number When Needed

Sometimes you’ll want to reveal your number even if it’s usually hidden. For example, calling a family member or verifying your identity with a bank.

Use these codes to override permanent blocking:

• *82 – U.S. and Canada: Forces caller ID to be shown on a per-call basis.
• Dial *82 before the number: *82-555-123-4567 will display your number even if globally blocked.
• #31# – To unblock in Europe, simply omit it or check carrier-specific instructions.

This flexibility ensures you’re not locked out of situations where identification is necessary.

Real-World Example: Protecting Personal Safety

Consider Sarah, a social worker helping survivors of domestic abuse. She frequently contacts shelters, legal aid offices, and clients from her personal phone. Sharing her number risks exposure to abusers who might trace calls. By enabling permanent caller ID blocking on her smartphone, she maintains professional communication while safeguarding her location and identity. In emergencies, she uses *82 to verify her identity with trusted agencies. This balance of privacy and accessibility proves how strategic caller ID management supports both safety and functionality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming texting hides your number: SMS messages often display your full number unless sent via third-party apps (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp).
• Forgetting to re-enable ID when needed: If you keep caller ID off permanently, important calls (e.g., job interviews) may go unanswered.
• Using outdated codes: Some rural carriers no longer support *67; always test first.
• Trusting apps that claim to spoof numbers: Many violate FCC rules and can lead to legal trouble or scams.

“Legitimate caller ID blocking is about privacy, not deception. Spoofing a fake number is illegal under the Truth in Caller ID Act.” — FCC Consumer Guide

FAQ

Will *67 work on text messages?

No. *67 only affects voice calls. To hide your number when texting, use messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Telegram, which don’t expose your phone number to recipients outside your contact list.

Can I block caller ID internationally?

Yes, but methods vary. In the UK, dial 141 before a number. In Australia, use 1831. Always check local telecom regulations, as some countries restrict anonymous calling.

Do emergency services see my number if I block caller ID?

Yes. Even with caller ID blocked, emergency responders receive your location and number when you dial 911. This is mandated by law to ensure help can reach you.

Final Tips for Maximum Privacy

Tip: Combine caller ID blocking with a secondary phone number app (like Burner or Hushed) for complete anonymity in sensitive situations.

For ultimate control, consider using a virtual number app. These services provide temporary or disposable phone numbers that route calls to your real device—ideal for online sales, dating apps, or freelance work. Since the displayed number isn’t tied to your identity, you gain an extra layer of separation.

Take Control of Your Calling Identity

Hiding your caller ID is a simple yet powerful way to protect your privacy. Whether you use *67 for occasional discretion or set permanent blocking in your phone settings, you’re taking a proactive step toward digital self-defense. Remember, the goal isn’t to deceive—it’s to decide who gets access to your personal information. With the right tools and awareness, you can communicate freely without compromising your security.

🚀 Ready to take back your privacy? Try one method today—dial *67 before your next call or update your phone settings. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below.