Privacy is a bit of a joke these days. You sign up for a grocery app, and suddenly three "local" insurance agents are blowing up your phone before lunch. It’s annoying. It feels invasive. So, when you’re the one making the call—maybe to a landlord you don't trust, a random Marketplace seller, or a doctor's office that keeps losing your files—you probably find yourself asking: how do you block your number when calling someone so they don't have your direct line forever?
The truth is, hiding your caller ID isn't just for prank calls or shady business. It's basic digital hygiene.
If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember *67. It was the "magic" code. Honestly, it’s kind of wild that it still works in 2026, but the tech behind our phone systems is stickier than people realize. Whether you’re on the latest iPhone, a rugged Android, or even a weirdly persistent landline, you have options. But they aren't all created equal. Some are temporary "one-shot" fixes, while others are "set it and forget it" deep-dives into your settings menu.
The Classic Star Code Method
Let’s start with the easiest way. No menus. No downloads.
If you want to know how do you block your number when calling someone for just a single, specific phone call, you use *67. You just pull up your keypad, type *67, and then immediately type the full phone number you're trying to reach. On the other end, the person will see "Private," "Restricted," or "Anonymous."
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It’s a surgical strike.
The downside? If that person has "Anonymous Call Rejection" enabled—a common feature on many landlines and some VOIP services—your call won't even ring. It’ll just hit a wall. Also, keep in mind that this doesn't work for toll-free numbers (800 or 888) or emergency services like 911. Those systems are designed to bypass blocking so they can find you if you're in trouble.
Digging Into Your iPhone Settings
Apple makes this fairly straightforward, but they hide it under a few layers. It's not in the "Privacy" section where you might expect it. Instead, you have to go into the "Phone" app settings.
Go to Settings, scroll down to Phone, and look for Show My Caller ID.
Switch that toggle to off.
Now, every single call you make will be masked. This is great if you're a private investigator or just someone who hates being reached back, but it’s a massive pain if you forget it’s on. Imagine trying to call your mom and she ignores you three times because she thinks you're a telemarketer from overseas. That happens more than you'd think.
One nuance here: not every carrier supports this toggle. If you see the option but it’s grayed out, or if it’s missing entirely, your carrier (looking at you, certain prepaid MVNOs) has locked it down. In that case, you're stuck using the *67 method or calling the carrier directly to request a permanent block on your line.
The Android Way (It Varies)
Android is a bit of a mess because Samsung, Google, and OnePlus all like to move the furniture around.
Generally, you open the Phone app, hit the three dots in the corner (the meatball menu), and go to Settings. From there, look for Supplementary services or More settings. You’re looking for Show my caller ID.
Tap it. Choose "Hide number."
Samsung Galaxy users usually find this under "Supplementary services," while Pixel users might find it under "Calls" then "Additional settings." If you can't find it, just use the search bar at the top of your main Settings app and type "Caller ID." It’ll usually jump you right there.
Asking Your Carrier for the "Nuclear" Option
Sometimes you want the block to be permanent at the network level.
If you’re wondering how do you block your number when calling someone on every single outgoing call without ever thinking about it again, call your provider. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer "Permanent Caller ID Blocking."
It’s usually free.
Once it’s active, your number is "Private" by default. If you actually want someone to see your number for a specific call—like calling your bank where they need to verify your ID—you can usually "unblock" it for that one call by dialing *82 before the number. It’s the reverse of the *67 trick.
Why Some People Might Still See Your Number
Here is the part people get wrong. You think you’re invisible, but you’re not always.
If you use a third-party app like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram to make a call, the *67 code does absolutely nothing. Those apps use data, not the traditional cellular voice network. Your identity in those apps is tied to your account, not your SIM card's caller ID broadcast.
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Then there’s TrapCall.
TrapCall is a service (and an app) that people pay for specifically to unmask blocked numbers. If you call someone who uses TrapCall, they can force your "Private" number to show up on their screen. It works by redirecting the incoming call to a toll-free number they own—and as we mentioned earlier, you can't block your ID when calling toll-free numbers. It’s a clever, albeit slightly creepy, workaround.
Using a Secondary "Burner" Number
Honestly, if you find yourself constantly trying to figure out how do you block your number when calling someone, you might just need a second number.
Services like Google Voice are still the gold standard for this. You get a real, working phone number that forwards to your cell. When you call out through the Google Voice app, the recipient sees your Google number, not your personal one.
It’s a layer of insulation.
You can also look at apps like Burner or Hushed. These are great for temporary situations, like selling a car on Craigslist. You pay a few bucks, get a number for a week, and then let it expire. No more worrying about *67 or toggling settings in your iPhone menu.
The Ethical (and Practical) Side of Hiding Your ID
There’s a reason people don’t pick up "Private" calls.
We live in an era of unprecedented spam. According to data from various telecom security firms, nearly 40% of all calls in the US are considered "unwanted." When you hide your number, you look like one of those calls.
If you're calling a business, they might not even let the call through to a human. If you're calling a friend, you're probably getting sent straight to voicemail.
The best practice? If you must block your number, be prepared to leave a voicemail immediately explaining who you are. Or, better yet, send a text first (if you’re using a secondary number like Google Voice) to let them know a call is coming from a restricted line.
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Taking Action Today
If you need to hide your identity right now, here is exactly what you should do:
- For a one-time call: Use *67 followed by the number. It’s fast and requires zero setup.
- For a temporary period of privacy: Go into your phone's Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID (on iPhone) and toggle it off. Just remember to turn it back on so your friends don't start ignoring you.
- For long-term security: Sign up for a Google Voice number. It’s the most professional way to keep your private life private while still remaining reachable.
- Check your carrier's app: Many modern carrier apps (like the My Verizon or T-Mobile app) have "Privacy" sections where you can manage these features without having to talk to a customer service representative.
Hiding your number isn't about being "shady." It’s about controlling who has access to your pocket 24/7. Use these tools to draw a line between your public life and your private phone.