Maybe you're following up on a job application and don't want to seem pushy. Perhaps you're calling about a Craigslist listing and want to keep your privacy. Or maybe you just need to make a quick call without sharing your personal number.
Learning how to block your number is one of those useful life skills everyone should know. Whether you want to hide your number for one call or block it permanently, there are simple ways to keep your phone number private. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to do it.
In this guide, we'll walk through every method to block your phone number, from the classic *67 trick to permanent settings on your smartphone. We'll also cover when it's appropriate to hide caller ID and when you might want to think twice.
How Does Number Blocking Actually Work?
When you block your number, you're essentially telling your phone carrier not to transmit your caller ID information. Instead of showing your actual phone number, the person you're calling will see something like "Unknown," "Private Number," "Blocked," or "No Caller ID" on their screen.
This happens at the carrier level, which means it works regardless of what type of phone the other person has. Your number isn't technically "blocked" in the sense of being prevented from calling – it's just hidden from view.
Think of it like sending a letter without a return address. The letter still gets delivered, but the recipient doesn't know who sent it.
How to Block Your Number for One Call
Sometimes you only need to hide your number for a single call. This is perfect when you want privacy without changing your permanent settings.
Using *67 (Most Common Method)
The easiest way to block your number when calling is using the *67 code. Here's how:
- Open your phone app like you normally would
- *Dial 67 before the phone number
- Enter the complete phone number (including area code)
- Press call
For example, if you want to call (555) 123-4567 privately, you'd dial: *67-555-123-4567
This per-call blocking code works on most carriers in the United States, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and smaller providers. It works on smartphones, landlines, and even old flip phones.
Alternative Codes by Carrier
Some carriers use different codes:
- Most US carriers: *67
- Some landline providers: #31# (dial before the number)
- International: Codes vary by country
The *67 method is temporary – your next call will show your number normally unless you dial *67 again.
How to Block Your Number Permanently
If you frequently want to hide caller ID, setting up permanent blocking might be more convenient. You can do this through your phone settings or by contacting your carrier.
Block Your Number on iPhone
To hide your number permanently on iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone
- Select "Show My Caller ID"
- Toggle the switch off
Once disabled, all your outgoing calls will appear as "No Caller ID" to recipients. You can turn this back on anytime by following the same steps.
Block Your Number on Android
Android steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but generally:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu (usually top-right corner)
- Select Settings
- Look for "Caller ID" or "Additional Settings"
- Choose "Hide Number" or similar option
On Samsung devices, you might find this under "More Settings" → "Show My Caller ID." On Google Pixel phones, it's often under "Calls" → "Additional Settings" → "Caller ID."
Block Your Number on Landline
For landline phones, you'll typically need to contact your phone company:
- Call your landline provider's customer service
- Request "Caller ID blocking" or "privacy service"
- They may charge a monthly fee (usually $2-5)
- The service activates within 24-48 hours
Some landline providers offer per-call blocking (*67) for free while charging for permanent blocking.
Through Your Carrier
All major carriers offer caller ID blocking services:
- Verizon: Call 611 or manage online through My Verizon
- AT&T: Call 611 or use myAT&T account
- T-Mobile: Call 611 or use T-Mobile app
- Sprint: Call customer service at *2
Most carriers provide this service free, though some may charge a small monthly fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you block your number?
When you block your number, the recipient sees "Unknown," "Private," "Blocked," or "No Caller ID" instead of your phone number. They can still answer and talk to you normally – they just don't see who's calling. Your call goes through exactly the same way; only the caller ID information is hidden.
Can you block your number for just one call?
Yes! Using *67 before dialing any number blocks your caller ID for that specific call only. Your next call will show your number normally. This is perfect when you need temporary privacy without changing your permanent settings.
How to unblock your number
If you've permanently blocked your number and want to show it again:
- iPhone: Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → Toggle ON
- Android: Phone app → Settings → Caller ID → Show Number
- Landline: Call your provider to remove the blocking service
- *For 67 calls: Simply don't dial *67 before the number
Is it legal to block your number?
Blocking your number is completely legal in the United States. It's a privacy feature provided by phone carriers. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Emergency calls: Your number automatically shows to 911 operators
- Toll-free numbers: Some may reject blocked calls
- Business lines: Some companies block calls from private numbers
Using caller ID blocking for legitimate purposes is your right. Just don't use it for harassment or illegal activities.
What does "No Caller ID" mean?
"No Caller ID" means the caller has blocked their phone number from appearing on your screen. This happens when someone uses *67 or has permanent caller ID blocking enabled. The call is legitimate – you just can't see who's calling before you answer.
Will my number still show up for emergency services?
Yes, your phone number always appears to emergency services, even when blocked. When you call 911, dispatchers can see your number and location regardless of your caller ID settings. This is a safety feature built into the phone system.
Can you block your number when texting?
Unfortunately, you cannot hide your phone number when sending text messages. SMS and MMS messages always include sender information. If you need to send anonymous texts, you'd need to use third-party apps or services, though these aren't always reliable or secure.
How do you know if your number is blocked?
If someone has blocked your specific number from calling them (different from hiding caller ID), you might notice:
- Calls go straight to voicemail
- You hear a busy signal immediately
- You get a message saying the call cannot be completed
- Texts aren't delivered or don't show "delivered" status
However, these signs can also indicate other issues like a dead phone battery or network problems.
Pro Tips and Limitations for Blocking Your Number
Where Number Blocking Won't Work
While blocking your number works in most situations, there are some limitations:
- Toll-free numbers (800, 888, etc.): Many businesses automatically reject blocked calls
- Government agencies: Some block private numbers for security reasons
- Banks and financial institutions: Often require caller ID for verification
- Some automated systems: May hang up on blocked calls
Professional Considerations You Should Take Into Account
Think carefully about when to hide your number:
Good times to block:
- Personal calls from work phones
- One-time inquiries about services or products
- Calling someone you don't know well
- Following up on classified ads or online listings
Think twice about blocking when:
- Calling for job interviews or business opportunities
- Contacting customer service (they may not accept your call)
- Making appointments with doctors or professionals
- Calling family or friends (they might not answer unknown numbers)
- Be prepared to identify yourself when someone answers
- Don't take it personally if people don't answer blocked calls
- Consider leaving a voicemail explaining who you are
- Use blocking sparingly for professional calls
Quick Check: Is Someone Blocking Your Calls?
If you suspect someone has blocked your number from reaching them (not the same as hiding caller ID), here are signs to look for:
- Your calls immediately go to voicemail
- You hear an automated message saying the number is not in service
- The phone rings once then disconnects
- Your text messages show as "delivered" but never "read"
Keep in mind that blocked phones, network issues, or changed numbers can cause similar symptoms.
Final Thoughts: Privacy, Respect, and Common Sense
Learning how to block your number is a valuable skill for protecting your privacy. Whether you need to hide caller ID for one call using *67 or set up permanent blocking on your iPhone or Android, the process is straightforward and completely legal.
The key is using this feature responsibly. Block your phone number when you need privacy, but remember that many people won't answer calls from unknown numbers. Sometimes it's better to let your number show, especially for important business calls or when trying to reach someone who's expecting your call.
Privacy tools like caller ID blocking exist to give you control over your personal information. Use them wisely, respect others' preferences about anonymous calls, and always be prepared to identify yourself when someone does answer.
Remember, hiding your number doesn't make you completely anonymous – phone companies and law enforcement can still track calls when necessary. It simply gives you control over everyday privacy and helps you manage how and when you share your phone number with others.
Now you know every practical way to block your number. Whether you choose temporary blocking with *67 or permanent settings through your phone or carrier, you have the tools to keep your number private when it matters most.
