Maybe you’re calling a local business that keeps spamming you after one inquiry. Or perhaps you’re trying to reach a relative you’ve got a "complicated" relationship with and you really don't want them having your direct line for a 3 a.m. callback. Whatever the vibe is, figuring out how to block my number while calling is one of those basic digital self-defense moves everyone needs.
It's actually pretty easy. Most people think you need a burner phone or some high-level hacker software, but honestly, it’s usually just a few taps in your settings or a quick prefix before you dial.
Privacy shouldn't be a luxury. In an era where data brokers sell your phone number for the price of a gumball, keeping your caller ID under wraps is just smart. But there's a catch—and it's a big one. If you block your number, many people won't pick up. I wouldn't. Most people just assume "No Caller ID" is a telemarketer or a scammer trying to sell them a fake car warranty.
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The Fast Way: Using the *67 Prefix
If you just need a one-time fix, use the vertical service code. In the US and Canada, that's *67.
You just open your keypad, type *67, and then the full phone number. The person on the other end sees "Private," "Blocked," or "Restricted" on their screen. It's free. It works on landlines too. Interestingly, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) keeps these codes standardized, so you don't have to worry about it changing every Tuesday.
Wait, are you in the UK? Use 141. Ireland? Same thing. If you're in Australia, it's 1831.
The cool thing about this method is it's temporary. You aren't changing your life; you're just changing that one call. Once you hang up, your next call is back to being public unless you type the code again. It's the "incognito mode" of the telephony world.
Does it work for texts?
No.
Don't try it.
If you send a text starting with *67, it either won't send or the recipient will see the code as part of your message, which makes you look a bit silly. Texting is a completely different protocol (SMS/MMS), and blocking your ID there usually requires a third-party app like Burner or Hushed.
How to Block My Number While Calling on iPhone and Android Permanently
If you’re doing a lot of calls and you're tired of typing codes, you can just flip a switch in your phone's soul.
For the iPhone Crowd
Apple makes it fairly straightforward, though they hide it deep.
Go to Settings. Scroll down—past the apps, past the battery—until you find Phone. Tap that. Look for Show My Caller ID. Toggle it off.
Boom. Done. Every call you make from that point forward will be anonymous.
A word of warning: Some carriers, especially smaller MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), actually disable this toggle. If the button is greyed out or just isn't there, your carrier is the one holding the keys. You'll have to call them or use the *67 method.
The Android Path
Android is trickier because every manufacturer—Samsung, Google, OnePlus—likes to move the furniture around.
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Generally, you open the Phone app, tap the three dots (the "hamburger" or meatball menu) in the corner, and hit Settings. From there, look for Supplementary services or Calling accounts. Inside there, you should see Show my caller ID.
You usually get three options:
- Network default
- Hide number
- Show number
Pick "Hide number." If you're on a Google Pixel, the path is often: Phone App > Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID. It's a journey.
Why "No Caller ID" Calls Get Ignored
We have to talk about the social cost.
According to various reports from the FCC, Americans received billions of robocalls last year. This has conditioned us to treat any unidentified call as a threat. If you're calling a doctor's office or a government agency, they might have "Anonymous Call Rejection" enabled.
This is a service where their phone system automatically hangs up on any caller who has their ID blocked. You won't even get to leave a voicemail. The system will just play a recording saying, "The party you are calling does not accept unidentified calls."
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If you find yourself getting blocked by these systems, you can temporarily unblock your number for that specific call by dialing *82 before the number. It's the antidote to *67.
Is This 100% Private? Not Exactly
Here's the nuance most "how-to" guides skip. You aren't invisible to the authorities or the phone company.
When you block your caller ID, you are only hiding it from the recipient. The carrier still knows exactly who you are. If you call 911, they see your number and your location, regardless of your settings. This is due to the Enhanced 911 (E911) mandates.
Also, if you call a toll-free number (1-800, 1-888, etc.), the person on the other end can often still see your number. They pay for the call, so they have a right to know who is calling through a system called Automatic Number Identification (ANI). It's a loophole that's been around for decades.
Real-World Scenarios for Anonymity
- Marketplace Sellers: You're selling a couch on Craigslist and don't want the buyer to have your personal cell forever.
- Journalism: Reporters often hide their numbers when reaching out to sensitive sources.
- Business owners: Using your personal cell to call a client but wanting to keep a professional boundary.
Third-Party Apps: The "Pro" Move
If the built-in settings feel too clunky, there are apps designed specifically for this.
Burner and Hushed are the big players here. They don't just "hide" your number; they give you a second, real phone number. When you call through these apps, the recipient sees a legitimate-looking number, which means they are much more likely to actually pick up.
It’s a "disposable" identity. You can keep the number for a week, use it for your Craigslist deal, and then "burn" it. It costs a few bucks, but if you're serious about privacy, it's a better experience than being a "Private Caller."
Google Voice is another option. It's free and gives you a permanent second number. You can set Google Voice to show your Voice number on caller ID, keeping your actual SIM card number a secret.
What to Do If You Can't Hide Your Number
Sometimes, technology fails. Or your carrier is stubborn.
If you've tried the settings and the codes and you're still showing up on people's screens, it’s time to look at your carrier's website. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all have "Privacy Features" in their account Dashboards.
For instance, on a Verizon account, you can often go into the "Manage blocks" section and set a permanent Caller ID block at the account level. This is more "permanent" than the phone setting because it happens at the switch, not the device.
Actionable Next Steps for Better Privacy
Don't just read this and forget. If you care about your digital footprint, do these three things right now:
- Test your current setup. Call a friend or your own landline after dialing *67. See exactly what the screen says. Does it say "Restricted" or "Private"? It's good to know the label.
- Check your phone settings. Navigate to the "Show My Caller ID" menu mentioned above. If the toggle is missing, you know you’re reliant on prefix codes.
- Audit your "Auto-fill" info. Sometimes your phone number is blocked on the call, but your name still appears because the recipient has your email address saved in their contacts, and their phone is "helpfully" linking the two via Siri or Google Assistant suggestions.
Blocking your number is a tool, not a magic cloak. Use it when you need a layer of separation, but remember that in the world of 2026, a "Hidden" number is often a "Silent" number because nobody answers. Balance your need for privacy with the reality of how people use their phones today.