You’re about to make a call, but you don't want the person on the other end to have your personal cell digits. Maybe it's a Craigslist seller. Perhaps it’s a doctor’s office that keeps spamming your voicemail. Or maybe you're just private. Whatever the reason, you're likely asking: what is the code to block your number?
The short answer is *67.
It’s been around since the days of landlines and chunky corded phones. But here’s the thing—technology has moved on, and simply punching in a three-digit prefix doesn’t always guarantee you're invisible anymore. In 2026, privacy is a moving target. If you rely on old-school tricks without understanding how VoIP, Toll-Free numbers, and "trap" apps work, you might be handing out your identity on a silver platter.
How the *67 Code Actually Functions
Basically, when you dial *67 followed by the full phone number, you’re triggering a command in the Vertical Service Code (VSC) system. This tells your service provider—be it Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile—to strip your Caller ID information from the packet being sent to the receiving carrier.
The person on the other end won’t see "Wireless Caller" or your name. Instead, their screen will usually flash "Private," "Restricted," or "Anonymous."
It’s free. It works on both landlines and smartphones. It’s a per-call solution. This means if you hang up and call back without the code, your number is back in the spotlight.
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Why It Fails with 800 Numbers
Don't try to hide from a debt collector or a major corporation using this trick. It won't work. When you call a Toll-Free number (800, 888, 877, 866), the person paying for the call uses a system called Automatic Number Identification (ANI).
ANI is different from Caller ID. Since the business is paying for the incoming call, they have a legal right to know where the call is coming from for billing purposes. They see your number regardless of your privacy settings. Honestly, it's a bit of a loophole that catches people off guard.
Is There a Global Way to Stay Hidden?
If you find yourself typing what is the code to block your number every single time you make a call, you’re wasting time. You can actually set your phone to be "permanently" anonymous.
On an iPhone, you head into Settings, then Phone, and toggle off Show My Caller ID. Android users usually find this under the Phone App Settings -> Supplementary Services.
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But wait. There’s a catch.
Many people—including myself—have "Silence Unknown Callers" turned on. If your number is blocked, your call goes straight to my voicemail. I won’t even see your phone light up. If you're trying to reach someone who is wary of telemarketers, being "Private" is the fastest way to get ignored.
The Problem with TrapCall and Unmasking Apps
Privacy is an arms race. While you’re trying to hide, the person you’re calling might be using an app like TrapCall. These services work by "unmasking" blocked numbers.
They do this by redirecting your blocked call to a toll-free number they own (remember the ANI loophole?), identifying you, and then sending the call back to the user with your real number revealed. It’s sneaky. It’s effective. And it’s why *67 isn't a foolproof shield anymore.
Using Secondary Numbers for Real Privacy
If you're serious about not being tracked, a code isn't enough. You need a "burner" or a secondary layer.
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- Google Voice: It’s free and gives you a legitimate second number that forwards to your main phone.
- Burner or Hushed: These are paid apps that generate temporary numbers for short-term use.
- VoIP Services: Using an internet-based caller allows you to set your outgoing ID to almost anything, though this is often used by scammers, so use it ethically.
Most people use these for online dating or selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace. It’s way safer than relying on a legacy code that can be bypassed by a $5-a-month subscription service.
What About Blocking Someone Who is Calling You?
Sometimes the intent behind searching for what is the code to block your number is actually the opposite—you want to stop a specific number from reaching you.
The code for that used to be *60, but it's largely obsolete on mobile. Modern smartphones have "Block this Caller" built directly into the recent calls list. Once you hit that, their calls and texts are dead on arrival.
Moving Beyond the Code
Privacy in 2026 isn't just about what digits appear on a screen. It's about data footprints. Carriers still keep logs of every "private" call you make. If there's a legal reason or a subpoena involved, that *67 won't hide a thing from the authorities.
The best approach? Use a secondary number for the public and keep your primary number for family and friends. It’s the only way to ensure your digital life stays segmented.
Actionable Steps for Better Privacy
- Test your settings: Call a friend using *67 to see exactly how your carrier displays your ID. Every carrier handles the "Anonymous" label slightly differently.
- Check for "No Caller ID" blocking: If you find people aren't picking up, check if you accidentally left your "Show My Caller ID" toggle off in your phone settings.
- Get a Google Voice number: If you're frequently calling strangers for business or errands, stop using codes and start using a dedicated secondary line.
- Beware of Toll-Free numbers: Never assume you are anonymous when calling a business line; they likely have your number recorded before the first ring.
- Update your block list: Regularly go through your blocked contacts on your phone to ensure you haven't accidentally silenced someone important.