Privacy is getting harder to find. Honestly, every time you dial a new business or a random person from a marketplace, you’re essentially handing over a digital key to your life. Your phone number is linked to your bank, your social media, and probably your food delivery apps. That is a lot of data for a stranger to have just because you wanted to ask if a couch was still for sale. Knowing how to call without showing number isn't just for pranksters or private investigators anymore; it’s basic digital hygiene for the average person.
Most people think a simple prefix code is the end-all-be-all. It isn’t. While the classic *67 still exists, the landscape of telecommunications has shifted toward VOIP and "Stir/Shaken" authentication protocols that make spoofing or hiding much more complex than it was five years ago.
The classic prefix: Does *67 still work?
You’ve probably heard of this one. It's the "old reliable" of the phone world. In the United States and Canada, dialing *67 before the phone number tells the carrier to strip your Caller ID information before the call lands on the recipient's screen.
It's free. It’s fast. But it's limited.
When you use this method, the person on the other end sees "Private Number," "Restricted," or "Unknown." Here is the catch: many people simply do not answer restricted calls. In fact, many modern smartphones have a setting turned on by default that automatically silences or rejects any call that doesn't provide a Caller ID. If you’re trying to reach a doctor's office or a government agency, *67 might get you sent straight to voicemail purgatory.
Different regions use different codes. In the UK and Ireland, you’re looking at 141. In Australia, it is #31#. If you're traveling, these change. It's kinda annoying to keep track of, but if you're in a pinch and need to make a one-off call without revealing your identity, this is the quickest path. Just don't expect a high answer rate.
Hard-coding your privacy in settings
If you find yourself constantly wanting to stay off the radar, you can actually bake this into your phone's operating system. You don't have to type a code every single time.
On an iPhone, you’ll want to head into Settings, then Phone, and find "Show My Caller ID." Toggle that off. Boom. Done. Android users have it a bit tougher because every manufacturer—Samsung, Google, Xiaomi—hides this menu in a different spot. Usually, you open the Phone app, hit the three dots for "Settings," and look under "Supplementary Services" or "Calling Accounts."
The problem? You’ll forget you did it. You will call your mom, she won't recognize the "Private Number," and she won't pick up. Then you’ll spend ten minutes wondering why nobody likes you. It’s better to use this only if you are on a dedicated work phone where you never want the number known.
Why "No Caller ID" is failing in 2026
The industry has changed. Carriers are under massive pressure to stop robocalls and spam. This led to the implementation of the STIR/SHAKEN framework. Basically, carriers now "sign" calls with a digital certificate to prove the call is coming from where it says it’s coming from.
When you hide your number, you're essentially sending an unsigned call. To a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, an unsigned call looks suspicious. They might not block it outright, but they might flag it as "Potential Spam" even if you're just a normal person trying to protect your privacy. This is a massive nuance people miss. When you learn how to call without showing number, you are also learning how to make your call look like a telemarketer's.
The "Burner" approach: Better than hiding
Sometimes, "Private Number" isn't the goal. The goal is to show a number, just not your number. This is where secondary number apps come in.
Apps like Burner, Hushed, or even Google Voice provide a "proxy" number. You call through the app, and the person sees a real, 10-digit phone number with a local area code. They are much more likely to answer. If they call back, the app routes it to your real phone.
- Google Voice: It's free (mostly) and tied to your Google account. It gives you a permanent second line.
- Hushed: Better for temporary needs. You can buy a number for a week, use it to sell a car, and then "burn" it so it never rings again.
- Skype: Old school, but you can buy a "Skype Number" that shows up as a landline.
This is arguably the most "human" way to handle the situation. It bypasses the "Silence Unknown Callers" filters while keeping your personal cell number tucked away safely. It's the professional way to handle things if you're a freelancer or someone dealing with clients you don't entirely trust yet.
Can you hide from toll-free numbers?
No. This is a hard truth.
If you call an 800, 888, or 877 number, *67 will not save you. Toll-free numbers use a system called Automatic Number Identification (ANI). Since the owner of the 800-number is paying for the call, they have a legal right to know who is calling them. Your carrier will hand over your number to their billing system regardless of your privacy settings.
The same applies to emergency services. Do not try to hide your number from 911. They have specialized systems that override all privacy flags for obvious safety reasons. If you call an emergency line, they see your location and your digits instantly.
How to call without showing number on landlines
People still use landlines? Surprisingly, yes. Especially in office environments.
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If you are using a VOIP desk phone (like a Cisco or Polycom system), *67 might not work. These systems often require an "access code" to reach an outside line first, like dialing 9. In these cases, you might need to dial 9, then *67, then the number. Or, the system might be configured to always show the main company directory number. If you are trying to hide your specific extension, you usually have to talk to your IT department—and they probably won't help you unless you have a very good reason.
The legality and ethics of "Ghost" calling
Let's be real for a second. Hiding your number is legal in most jurisdictions as long as you aren't doing it to harass, defraud, or threaten someone. The Truth in Caller ID Act in the U.S. specifically targets people who spoof numbers with "intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain anything of value."
If you're just trying to avoid being put on a marketing list after calling a car dealership, you're fine. If you're using it to bypass a block or stalk someone, you're entering "legal trouble" territory. Digital footprints are almost impossible to erase completely; even if the recipient sees "Private Number," your carrier still has a log of the connection. If a crime is reported, a subpoena will reveal your identity in seconds.
Practical Next Steps
If you need to make a call right now without showing your number, here is exactly what you should do based on your specific situation:
- For a quick, one-time call: Dial *67 followed by the full number. If it doesn't go through or gets rejected, the person likely has "Anonymous Call Rejection" enabled.
- For a professional or long-term solution: Download an app like Hushed or set up a Google Voice account. Use the "outbound" calling feature within that app. This gives you a real identity that isn't your identity.
- For permanent privacy on a work phone: Go into your Phone app settings and disable "Show My Caller ID," but be prepared for a lot of your calls to go straight to voicemail.
- If you are calling a business: Assume they can see your number even if you hide it. If privacy is paramount, use a VOIP service or a public payphone (if you can even find one in 2026).
The most effective way to stay private isn't hiding; it's using a secondary layer. Use a proxy number. It keeps the lines of communication open without leaving your personal data exposed on someone else’s recent calls list.