You don’t always want people to know your phone number. It has become private information that we don’t normally share with everyone. Many of us keep a different number to give to people we don’t quite trust or to give to companies. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent your number from showing up in the caller ID when you call someone.
The process is quite simple, but you need to know how to do it. There is no easy way to do this, and options in the settings are usually very well hidden (or not present). Let’s show you how to hide your number to make sure no one bothers you after that.
Read more: The ten best privacy apps for Android
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Block your number from displaying on Caller ID by adding *67 before the phone number you are trying to call. For example: *67-123-456-7890.
SKIP TO IMPORTANT SECTIONS
Hide your number with a dialing code
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
The easiest and most universal way to hide your number when calling someone is to use the *67 code. This works with almost any smartphone and almost all carriers support it. It even works with landlines.
you have to call *67 for the number you want to call. For example, you would *67-123-456-7890.
Also: The best dialer apps
Block your number in settings
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
The problem with using the dialing code to hide your number is that you have to remember to do it every time you want to hide your number. Those who want a set-it-and-forget-it approach can also play around with the settings. However, using this method has its drawbacks. Not all smartphones and dialers allow you to block your number. In addition, the carrier must allow this.
How To Block Your Number From iOS Settings
- Open the Settings app.
- Enter Phone.
- Tap Show my caller ID.
- Switch off Show my caller ID.
How to block your number from Android settings
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu button.
- Touch Settings.
- Enter To call to action.
- Select Additional Settings.
- If your service provider allows it, you can press the Caller ID choice.
- Select Hide number.
Talk to your service provider
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Some carriers and phone service providers offer the option to block your number from network-level caller IDs. This means that your phone number will be hidden from any call, regardless of your phone, as long as you keep the feature turned on. Of course, you should check with your carrier or service provider to see if they offer this service. In addition, it may be a position that requires an additional fee.
Can I text from a hidden number?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
There is no official way to send text messages from a hidden number using only your own texting service. That said, it is possible to hide your number while texting as you don’t mind using a third party service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not, but it can, depending on the method you use. For example, sometimes carriers charge to hide your number at the network level. Some third-party services and apps also charge for premium features. The use of a dialing code or the settings should not incur additional costs.
Not really, but you can use other services that assign you random numbers, effectively masking your phone number.
Sometimes yes. You can dial *69 to call the last phone number you called, even if it is private. That said, the person will not know the number. In addition, carriers can impose restrictions on this, such as time limits. Some also block this feature altogether. Sometimes service providers may list private numbers in call logs, so you may be lucky enough to check those.
We have a quick guide to blocking numbers here, but the process of blocking someone else’s number is usually simple. All you need to do is find that number in your contacts or recent calls/texts and look for the “block” option.