How to Call From a Private Number

Calling with a private number, also known as caller ID blocking, allows you to make calls without revealing your phone number to the recipient. There are a few different ways to make private calls, depending on your phone type and carrier. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to call with a private number on both mobile phones and landlines.

What is a Private Number

A private number refers to blocking or hiding the caller ID when making phone calls. Here are some key things to know about private numbers:

  • It prevents the recipient from seeing the caller’s phone number on their caller ID display. The call will show up as “Private”, “Blocked”, or “Anonymous”.
  • Private calling allows the caller to remain anonymous and control who has direct access to their phone number.
  • It is done by disabling the transmission of caller ID information when connecting the call through the carrier network.
  • On smartphones, users can easily enable blocking caller ID on a per call or permanent basis through settings.
  • Landlines require dialing star codes or contacting the provider to block caller ID.
  • Private numbers are not 100% anonymous as carriers still have logs of the blocked originating number.
  • It is legal in most regions, with a few exceptions. Should not be used for unlawful purposes.
  • Can be useful for privacy, limiting interruptions, separating work and personal lines, and avoiding harassment.

So in summary, a private number blocks the caller’s ID information to give them more control over their privacy and anonymity while making calls. The recipient only sees a vague “Private” or “Blocked” instead of the actual number.

Is it Possible to Call with a Private Number

Yes, it is possible to call with a private number and block your caller ID from being shown to the recipient. Here are a few ways to make calls privately:

  1. On smartphones like iPhones and Androids, you can disable caller ID presentation in the phone’s settings or dial a prefix like *67 before the number.
  2. On landlines, dialing *67 or *82 before a call will block or unblock your number for that call only. You can also contact the provider to permanently block it.
  3. Using call blocking apps or VoIP services like Skype allows you to easily make outgoing calls where your number is hidden.
  4. Carriers can disable caller ID presentation from your account number on request, preventing your number from displaying.
  5. Anonymous call rejection services send blocked IDs straight to voicemail.
  6. Anonymity services provide masked numbers for private calling for a fee.
  7. Forwarding calls through private call services hides the originating number.

So yes, through simple settings adjustments, dialing prefixes, apps, or utilizing call blocking services, anyone can make calls from a private or hidden number if they wish to keep their identity anonymous. The recipient will only see “Private” or “Blocked” instead of your actual number.

Why Call with a Private Number

There are several reasons you may want to block your caller ID when making calls:

  1. Privacy: The main reason is privacy. By calling privately, you prevent the recipient from seeing your personal phone number. This gives you more control over who has access to your number.
  2. Avoid Screening: Some people screen incoming calls and won’t answer numbers they don’t recognize. Calling privately allows your call to get through rather than be ignored.
  3. Separate Personal and Professional: If you use your personal phone for business, calling privately prevents clients or customers from contacting you on your personal number.
  4. Limit Interruptions: Blocking your number is a great way to avoid getting return calls. This limits interruptions if you just need to relay information quickly.
  5. Safety: In some cases, blocking caller ID can be used to avoid potential harassment or stalking situations. It gives an added layer of protection.

How to Call From a Private Number: Easy Methods

Here are some easy methods to call from a private number:

On iPhone:

  • Tap *67 before dialing the number to make that call private. Or go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and turn it off to always call privately.

On Android:

  • Dial *67 plus the number to hide your caller ID for that call. Or go to Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID and disable it.

On landlines:

  • Dial *67 or *82 before making calls to block or unblock your number as needed.
  • Contact your landline provider to have them permanently block your caller ID.

Using apps:

  • Download caller ID apps like WhosCall or Truecaller to easily make private calls.
  • Make calls through VoIP apps like Skype or WhatsApp and disable showing your number.

With carriers:

  • Ask your mobile carrier to block caller ID presentation for your account.
  • Use anonymous call rejection services from carriers.

With services:

  • Get a temporary masked number from anonymity providers like Privatel.
  • Forward calls through private calling services.

The easiest options are using free built-in iPhone/Android blocking features, landline star codes, VoIP apps, or contacting your carrier. Just be sure to follow laws in your region.

How to Make Private Calls on a Mobile Phone

The process of calling privately on a mobile phone will vary slightly depending on the device type (iPhone or Android) and the carrier. Here are the general steps:

On an iPhone

To make a private call on an iPhone:

  1. Open the Phone app and select the phone icon to make a call as normal.
  2. Before entering the recipient’s number, tap * at the bottom left corner.
  3. Enter the phone number you want to call then tap the blue call button.
  4. Your number will now show up as “No Caller ID” or “Private” on the recipient’s phone.
  5. To disable, simply open the Phone app again and tap the * icon before making your next call.

On an Android Phone

The process is very similar on Android devices:

  1. Open the Phone app and key in the number you want to call.
  2. Tap the menu button (3 vertical dots at top right).
  3. Select “Settings” then toggle “Caller ID” off.
  4. Tap the back arrow and your caller ID will now be hidden when you call.
  5. To disable, go back to Settings and toggle “Caller ID” on again before making your next call.

Carrier Settings

Most carriers allow you to call privately on mobile phones as standard. However, some may require you to log in online and enable caller ID blocking for your account. Check with your provider if the steps above don’t work.

How to Call Privately from a Landline

Calling with a private number from a landline phone is a bit more complex than mobile phones. Here are the typical steps:

Method 1: Dial Star Codes

Many landline carriers allow you to dial star codes before making a call to block your number, such as:

  • *67 – Block number for one call
  • *82 – Unblock number for one call

So you would dial *67 followed by the number you want to call. Check with your phone provider to confirm the specific codes to use.

Method 2: Use Anonymity Services

There are special services that allow you to call anonymously from any phone for a fee, such as Privatel or BlockTheCall. You dial their service number, enter a PIN, then dial the number you want to call – your caller ID will show up as private.

Method 3: Via Web Browser

Some providers allow you to make anonymous calls directly from a web browser using your landline number. You can hide your caller ID by enabling a special setting before placing the call.

Check your landline carrier’s website for details on calling privately from a browser if the options above don’t work. Most phone companies provide some method to block caller ID from a landline.

Are Private Calls Completely Anonymous

While calling privately does prevent your phone number from appearing on the recipient’s caller ID display, it does not make your call 100% anonymous. Here are some limitations to be aware of:

  • Number May Appear in Logs – While your number doesn’t show up on caller ID, it is still included in phone carrier logs. Authorities or phone companies can access this data if needed.
  • Doesn’t Work for 911 – Emergency services will always receive your caller ID information and exact location when dialing 911, even if you block your number.
  • Can Still Be Identified – Call recipients may be able to identify you from your voice if they know it. Or use alternate methods like *69 call return if available from their carrier.
  • Blocking May Arouse Suspicion – Recipients often find blocked numbers suspicious and may not answer the call.

So while calling privately prevents your phone number from being directly displayed, other methods could still potentially identify you if needed. Keep this in mind when calling with a blocked number.

Are Private Call Services Legal

In most countries, calling privately from your own phone is perfectly legal. However, there are a few places that restrict caller ID blocking:

  • UAE – Blocking caller ID is illegal in the United Arab Emirates without very specific authorization.
  • Singapore – Caller ID blocking is prohibited on outgoing local calls. International calls may be exempt.
  • Egypt – It is technically illegal to place anonymous calls.
  • Australia – Telemarketers are required to display caller ID by law.

Check your local laws and regulations if you are uncertain about the legality of calling with a private number. In general, it’s legal for personal use in most regions.

How to Unblock a Private Number

If you receive a call from a private number, there are a couple of options available to possibly identify the caller:

  1. Use Auto Redial – Services like *69 will call the number back automatically so you can ask who is calling. This only works on some landlines.
  2. View Phone Records – Your phone company can retrieve the blocked number from your call records. You usually have to file a formal request.
  3. Use a Trap Number – There are services that will reveal private numbers but the process is complex.
  4. Notify Authorities – If you are receiving threatening private calls, notify the police so they can subpoena the caller ID records.

However, many private numbers will remain completely anonymous. There is no foolproof way to identify a caller who has blocked their ID if they do not wish to be identified.

How to ID a Private Number

If you get a call from a private number, you have a few options to identify it:

  • Use return call services (like *69 but availability varies)
  • Request number from phone records through carrier
  • Use specialty trap number services (complex process)
  • Notify police if receiving threats so they can subpoena records

But many private numbers remain completely anonymous if caller wishes.

How to Call Someone with Private Number

Here are the methods to call someone with a private number:

  1. On iPhone – Tap the * icon before entering the number to block your caller ID for that call.
  2. On Android – Go to Settings > Call > Additional settings > Caller ID and toggle it off to hide your number.
  3. On landline – Dial *67 before the number to block your caller ID for that call only. Or contact your phone carrier to enable permanent blocking.
  4. Use a call blocking app like WhosCall or TrueCaller to mask your number when calling.
  5. Sign up for a call masking service like Privatel that allows you to call anonymously for a fee.
  6. Enable caller ID blocking on your mobile account if your carrier provides this option. Check your account settings.
  7. Make calls through a VoIP service like Skype which gives you options to hide your caller ID.
  8. Activate anonymous call rejection on the recipient’s phone to send your blocked calls to voicemail automatically.
  9. Use *82 or disable your caller ID blocking before calling emergency services like 911.

The easiest and most accessible option is using the native blocking features on mobile devices or dialing star codes on landlines to hide your number one call at a time. Be aware that your number may still show up in call logs.

How to Call with Private Number on iPhone

Here are the methods to call with a private number on an iPhone:

  1. Tap the * icon before entering the phone number – this will block your caller ID for that individual call only.
  2. Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. This will block your number for all calls until you disable it.
  3. Install a call blocking app like WhosCall and use it to make calls. It will hide your caller ID automatically.
  4. Contact your cell phone carrier and ask them to permanently block your number from being shown when calling people.
  5. Make calls through a VoIP service like Skype or WhatsApp which allow you to hide your caller ID.
  6. Set up anonymous call rejection on the recipient’s iPhone. This will send blocked calls directly to voicemail.
  7. Disable caller ID blocking before making any emergency calls by tapping * again before dialing 911.
  8. Use a call masking service like Privatel to get a temporary phone number to call from anonymously.

The simplest option is to tap the star icon each time you want to block your number for a specific call. Just note that even when calling privately, your number may still appear in phone carrier logs. Use responsibly and ethically.

How to Call with Private Number on Android

Here are the methods to call with a private number on an Android phone:

  1. Go to Settings > Call > Additional settings > Caller ID and toggle it off. This will hide your number for all calls.
  2. Tap *67 before dialing a number to block your caller ID for that call only.
  3. Install a call blocking app like TrueCaller or WhosCall and use it to make calls anonymously.
  4. Contact your phone carrier to permanently block your caller ID from being displayed when calling.
  5. Make calls through VoIP apps like Skype or Google Voice which give you the option to hide your number.
  6. Use anonymous call rejection on the recipient’s phone to bypass blocked IDs straight to voicemail.
  7. Disable caller ID blocking in your settings or dial *82 before calling emergency services like 911.
  8. Sign up for a call masking service that provides a temporary number to call from privately.
  9. On some carriers, you can log in online and toggle your caller ID settings for your mobile account.

The easiest way is to toggle your caller ID off in the call settings. Remember that even when hidden, your number may still appear in call logs. Use private calling responsibly.

How to Call with Private Number on MTN

Here are the ways to call with a private number on the MTN network:

  1. Dial *31# before entering the number you want to call. This will hide your caller ID for that call only.
  2. Text “HIDE” to 141 to permanently enable caller ID blocking on your MTN number. Text “SHOW” to 141 to disable it.
  3. Install the MTN Callertunez app which allows you to easily switch caller ID blocking on or off before making calls.
  4. Use a third party call blocking app like Truecaller or WhosCall to hide your number when calling.
  5. Make calls through VoIP services like WhatsApp or Skype which give you options to disable caller ID display.
  6. Contact MTN customer support to request permanently blocking your number from being shown when you call people.
  7. Activate anonymous call rejection on the recipient’s phone to block private or hidden numbers.
  8. Disable any caller ID blocking before making emergency calls by dialing 310# to unhide your number.
  9. Consider a call masking service to get a temporary number to call from anonymously.

The easiest options are using the USSD blocking codes or MTN’s Callertunez app to control caller ID on a per-call basis. Note that your number may still appear in call logs when blocked.

How to Find Out Who Called you with Private Number

Here are some methods to try to find out who called you from a private number:

  1. Use a reverse phone lookup service or app like TrueCaller that can identify some blocked numbers based on crowd-sourced data.
  2. Dial *69 immediately after receiving the call to do an automatic callback to the blocked number on some landlines.
  3. Contact your phone carrier and request the blocked number be revealed through a formal phone records request.
  4. Install a trap call service that can unmask blocked calls as they come in. But these services can be complex to set up.
  5. If receiving harassment calls, notify the police so they can subpoena the phone company for records to reveal the blocked caller’s identity.
  6. Ask contacts if they recently called you from a private number so you can eliminate them as suspects.
  7. Check your voicemail message details as sometimes a blocked number’s details can be captured there.
  8. Try using offline context clues like the time, caller’s voice, discussion topics etc. to narrow down who it might be.
  9. Return the call and confront the private caller directly and request they identify themselves.

However, if the caller does not wish to be identified, there are limited options to find out who is behind a private number that has been purposefully masked.

How to Know Who Call me with Private Number

Here are some methods to try to find out who called you from a private number:

  • Use reverse phone lookup services or apps like TrueCaller – they maintain databases of blocked numbers
  • Dial *69 on a landline after receiving the call to call back the blocked number automatically
  • Contact your phone carrier to formally request they reveal the private number from your call records
  • Install a “trap call” service that can unmask blocked numbers (complex to set up)
  • For harassment calls, notify police to subpoena caller ID records from the phone company
  • Ask your contacts if they called recently from a private number to eliminate suspects
  • Check voicemail message details – sometimes private numbers get captured there
  • Use context clues like time of call, voice, discussion topic to guess who it might be
  • Return call and directly ask the private caller to identify themselves

However, if the caller is determined to remain anonymous, there are limited options to uncover a purposefully masked private number. But a combination of the methods above may help reveal who is calling in some cases.

How to Make a Call with a Private Number

Here are some common methods to make calls with a private number:

On a mobile phone:

  • On iPhone, tap *67 before the number to block your caller ID for that call.
  • On Android, go to settings and toggle off “Caller ID” or “Show my number” before placing the call.
  • Use a call blocking app like WhosCall or TrueCaller to mask your number.
  • Enable caller ID blocking via your mobile carrier account settings or contacting customer service.

On a landline:

  • Dial *67 or disable caller ID through your phone provider to hide your number.
  • Use an anonymity service like Privatel to get an anonymous number to call from.
  • Make calls through VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp and disable showing your number.
  • Sign up for a number masking service that provides a temporary private number.
  • Forward calls through a service that blocks your number before routing the call.

General tips:

  • Disable blocking for emergency calls to 911.
  • Check legality of caller ID blocking in your country.
  • Be ethical and respect others’ privacy as well.

How to Call Back a Private Number

Here are some methods to try calling back a private number:

  1. On mobile phones, tap your call log immediately after the call and select callback option (if offered).
  2. Dial *69 immediately after receiving the private call on landlines with auto-redial service.
  3. Use a “trap call” service or app that can capture and unmask blocked numbers so you can call back.
  4. Contact your phone carrier and request they look up the private number in your call records so you can return call.
  5. Download a reverse phone lookup app that maintains databases of some private numbers for callback.
  6. Set up anonymous call rejection on your phone to auto-send private calls to voicemail, prompting callback.
  7. Ask your phone carrier to trace the number next time they call so you can call back afterwards.
  8. Let unknown private calls go to voicemail and see if caller is willing to leave identifying callback info.
  9. Report harassing private calls to authorities who can legally compel revealing the source number.
  10. Politely ask the caller to identify themselves or call back without blocking their number.

However, if the caller purposefully hid their number, they likely don’t want to be contacted back directly. There are limited options available in these cases.

How to Call Back a Private Number on Android

Here are some ways to try calling back a private number on an Android phone:

  1. Open your call log immediately after the private call and look for a “Call Back” or “Return Call” option.
  2. Download a reverse phone lookup app like TrueCaller or WhosCall that can identify some blocked numbers.
  3. Enable anonymous call rejection in your phone settings to auto send private calls to voicemail, allowing you to return call.
  4. Use a call recording app to capture private caller’s voice, then see if you recognize it.
  5. Install a trap call service app like TrapCall that can unmask blocked numbers so you can call back.
  6. Dial *69 on Android phones with auto-redial capability right after the blocked call.
  7. Contact your carrier to trace the private number or look it up in your call records.
  8. Let unknown blocked calls go to voicemail and ask caller to leave callback information.
  9. Report threatening private calls to police who can legally obtain the blocked number.
  10. Politely request the caller to identify themselves or call back unblocked.

But if the caller intentionally hid their number, they likely don’t wish to be called back directly. There are limited options in these cases.

How to Call Back a Private Number on iPhone

Here are some methods to try calling back a private number on an iPhone:

  1. Open your call log right after receiving the call and look for a “Call Back” button if available.
  2. Download a reverse phone lookup app like WhosCall that maintains databases of some blocked numbers.
  3. Set up anonymous call rejection in Settings to auto send private calls to voicemail for callback.
  4. Use a call recording app to try capturing the caller’s voice to see if you recognize it.
  5. Install a trap call service like TrapCall to unmask blocked numbers for callback.
  6. Contact your carrier and request they look up the private number in your call records.
  7. Let unknown private calls go to voicemail and ask the caller to leave their number.
  8. Report harassing blocked calls to authorities who can legally obtain the revealing number.
  9. Ask the private caller to call back unblocked or identify themselves.

However, if the caller intentionally hid their number, they likely do not want to be called back directly. The options are limited in these cases unless you can convince them to call back unblocked.

How to Unmask Private Number

Here are some methods you can try to unmask or identify a private number:

  • Use a reverse phone lookup service or app like TrueCaller that maintains databases of some blocked numbers.
  • Dial *69 on a landline right after receiving the call to automatically call the number back ( availability varies by carrier).
  • Contact your phone carrier and request they look up the private number in your call records, for a fee.
  • Install a “trap call” service that captures blocked numbers as they come in and reveals them.
  • For harassment calls, file a police report so they can subpoena your carrier’s records to identify the blocked number.
  • Let unknown private numbers go to voicemail and see if the caller is willing to leave a callback number.
  • Ask contacts if they called recently from a private number to eliminate suspects.
  • Analyze the context of the call for clues about who the caller might be based on voice, topic etc.
  • Return the call and politely ask the private caller to identify themselves or call back unblocked.
  • Block the number through your phone settings so future calls go straight to voicemail.

However, if the caller does not wish to be identified, there are limited options for uncovering a purposefully masked private number.

How to Check a Private Number That Called You

Here are some steps you can try to check or identify a private number that called you:

  1. Open your phone’s call log immediately after receiving the call from a private number. See if any identifying details were captured like the date, time and duration of call.
  2. Dial *69 on a landline right after getting the call to activate auto redialing and call the number back (availability of this service varies by carrier).
  3. Use a reverse phone lookup website or app like TrueCaller that maintains databases of some blocked and private numbers that users have reported. Enter the private number and see if any details come up.
  4. Contact your phone carrier and ask them to check the private number against your call records for a small fee. Submit a formal request.
  5. Download a call recording app and try to record the voice during the call. See if the voice sounds familiar.
  6. Let unknown private numbers go to voicemail and listen closely to any identifying details left in the voice message.
  7. File a police report if you are receiving threatening calls so law enforcement can subpoena your call records.
  8. Set up anonymous call rejection so future private calls are sent to voicemail automatically, prompting callback.

However, if the caller is determined to stay anonymous, there are limited options to uncover a purposefully masked private number. A combination of the above steps may help provide clues to the caller’s identity in some cases.

How to Make a Private Call

Here are detailed step-by-step guides for making private calls:

Making a Private Call on iPhone:

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Select the keypad icon
  3. Before entering a number, tap * in the bottom left corner
  4. Enter the desired phone number
  5. Tap the blue Call button
  6. Your number will now display as “Private” or “No Caller ID”
  7. To disable, open Phone app and tap * again before next call

Making a Private Call on Android:

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Tap the 3-dot menu button
  3. Select Settings > Call > Additional settings
  4. Toggle off “Caller ID”
  5. Return to call screen
  6. Enter desired number
  7. Your caller ID will be hidden
  8. Enable caller ID in Settings to disable

Making a Private Call on Landlines:

  1. Identify blocking codes for your carrier (usually *67 to enable, *82 to disable)
  2. Pick up landline phone receiver
  3. Dial *67
  4. Dial phone number you want to call
  5. Your caller ID will be blocked for this call only
  6. To disable, dial *82 before making next call

Or contact your landline provider to permanently block caller ID display when calling.

Can I Make a Private Call from Any Phone

You can make a private call from most phones, but the specific methods vary:

From a mobile phone:

  • On iPhone, tap *67 before dialing to block caller ID for that call
  • On Android, disable caller ID in settings before placing call
  • Use call blocking apps to hide number
  • Contact carrier to block caller ID for your account

From a landline:

  • Dial *67 or other blocking codes your provider uses
  • Contact carrier to permanently block your caller ID
  • Use a call masking service to get a private number
  • Forward calls through a blocking service before routing

From any phone:

  • Use VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp and disable caller ID
  • Get a temporary masked number from anonymity providers

So although techniques differ, you can call privately from both mobile and landline phones in most cases by utilizing native blocking features or third party services. Contact your phone carrier if unsure of the options available.

Is it illegal to Make a Private Call

In most countries, making private calls from your own phone is legal. However, there are a few exceptions:

  • The United Arab Emirates bans blocking caller ID without authorization.
  • Singapore prohibits blocking caller ID for local calls. International calls may be allowed.
  • Egypt has laws against anonymous calling.
  • Australia requires telemarketers to display their caller ID.
  • The United States has no federal laws against call blocking, but some individual states restrict it.

There are also some other cases where private calling could be illegal:

  • If the intent is to harass, threaten, defraud or mislead someone.
  • For telemarketers cold-calling prospects.
  • For debt collectors contacting debtors in some regions.
  • For emergency service providers like police, firefighters, etc.

Making private calls is legal in most places if you are using it for personal reasons and not to commit any criminal activities. However, be sure to check the laws in your specific country and region to confirm it is permitted before blocking your caller ID. When in doubt, it’s best to avoid making private calls.

How to Trace a Private Number

Here are some methods you can try to trace or identify a private number:

  1. Use a reverse phone lookup service or app like TrueCaller that has crowd-sourced databases of some private numbers.
  2. Dial *69 on a landline immediately after receiving the blocked call to call the number back automatically (availability varies by carrier).
  3. Contact your phone carrier and formally request they look up the private number in your call records, usually for a fee.
  4. Install a “trap call” service app that can capture blocked numbers and reveal them as calls come in.
  5. For harassment situations, file a police report so law enforcement can subpoena your carrier’s records to identify the blocked number.
  6. Let unknown private numbers go to voicemail and see if the caller leaves any identifying callback number or info.
  7. Analyze the context of the call – time, discussion topics, voice etc. – for clues about who it may be.
  8. Call the number back and politely ask the private caller to identify themselves or call back unblocked.
  9. Block the number through your phone settings so future calls go straight to voicemail.

However, if the caller does not wish to be identified, there are limited options for uncovering a purposefully masked or blocked private number.

Can you Hide your Number by Default on Your Smartphone

Yes, it is possible to hide your number by default when making calls from your smartphone. Here are a few ways to do this:

For iPhones:

  • Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and turn it off. This will make all calls from your iPhone show as “Private” or “No Caller ID”.

For Android phones:

  • Go to Settings > Call > Additional settings > Caller ID and toggle it off. This will disable showing your number for all outgoing calls.
  • Alternatively, you can download a call blocking app like WhosCall or Truecaller. These apps allow you to hide your number by default whenever you make calls through them.

Other options:

  • Contact your mobile carrier and ask them to permanently block your caller ID from being displayed on outgoing calls.
  • Use a VoIP calling service like Skype or WhatsApp as your default phone app. You can hide your number through the settings in these apps.
  • Forward all your calls through a private calling service that will mask your number before routing the call.

Through your smartphone settings, call blocking apps, or contacting your carrier, you can easily set your phone to never display your number when making calls by default. Just be aware the number may still show up in call logs.

How do i Make my Phone Number Private

Here are some ways to make your phone number private when making calls:

On iPhone:

  • Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and turn it off. This will hide your number for all calls.

On Android:

  • Go to Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID, and turn it off. This will disable showing your number.
  • Download a call blocking app like Truecaller that will hide your number when making calls.

For mobile phones:

  • Contact your carrier and ask them to permanently block your caller ID from being displayed on outgoing calls.
  • Set your caller ID to “Private” or “Anonymous” if your carrier allows it.
  • Use a VoIP app like Skype or Google Voice to make calls, and disable caller ID in the app settings.

For landlines:

  • Dial *67 before making a call to block your number for that call only.
  • Contact your landline provider to permanently block your number on all outgoing calls.
  • Forward your calls through a private call service.
  • Use anonymity services that let you call from a masked number for a fee.

So by using your phone settings, carrier options, or third party apps and services, you can keep your phone number hidden when making outgoing calls both on mobile and landlines. Just be aware it may still show up in call logs.

How to Make a Call Private by Hiding your Phone Number

Here are some methods to make a call private by hiding your phone number:

On iPhone:

  • Tap *67 before dialing the number to hide your caller ID for that call only.
  • Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and turn it off to always call privately.

On Android:

  • Open the phone app and dial *67 followed by the number to block your ID for that call.
  • Go to Settings > Calls > Additional Settings > Caller ID and disable it.

On mobile phones:

  • Contact your carrier to block caller ID for your account permanently.
  • Download a call blocking app like WhosCall to hide your number.
  • Make calls through a VoIP service like Skype and disable showing your number.

On landlines:

  • Dial *67 before making a call to block your number for that call.
  • Contact your landline provider to permanently block your caller ID.
  • Forward calls through a private call service.
  • Use a call masking anonymity service.

General tips:

  • Disable blocking for emergency calls like 911.
  • Check laws in your area regarding caller ID blocking.
  • Be ethical in your use of private calling.

Limitations of Private Calling

While your number won’t appear on caller ID, there are limitations:

  • Number may still show in carrier logs
  • Doesn’t work for 911 calls
  • Can potentially be identified by voice, return calls, etc.
  • May arouse suspicion if caller ID is blocked

So it’s not 100% anonymous, but does prevent your number from being directly displayed.

Conclusion

Calling with a private number gives you more control over who can access and contact you directly. It’s a useful privacy tool when used ethically and legally. Be aware of the limitations of caller ID blocking, and always follow local laws on such call masking services. With the steps outlined here, you can easily make private calls from both mobile devices and landlines.

Don’t Miss Out:

Summary of Main Points:

Here is a concise summary of the main points on how to call with a private number:

  • Caller ID blocking allows you to make calls without revealing your phone number.
  • Main reasons to use private calling include privacy, screening avoidance, separating personal/work lines, limiting interruptions, and safety.
  • On iPhones, tap * before dialing to block your number for that call. On Androids, toggle “Caller ID” off in Settings first.
  • Landlines require star code dialing or anonymity services to hide the caller ID. Check with your carrier.
  • Private calls can still potentially be identified through carrier logs, voice recognition, return calling services, etc.
  • Confirm the legality of caller ID blocking in your region before using private calling services.
  • Options to identify private callers include redial services, phone record requests, trap numbers, and subpoenas. But many remain completely anonymous.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most commonly asked FAQs about calling with a private number:

How do I make a private call on my iPhone?

On an iPhone, tap *67 before dialing the number to block your caller ID for that call only. Or go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and switch it off to always call privately.

Can I make anonymous calls from my Android phone?

Yes, go to Settings > Call > Additional settings > Caller ID and toggle it off to hide your number when making calls from an Android device.

Does blocking caller ID work for texts too?

No, blocking caller ID only works for voice calls. There is no way to send SMS/MMS messages anonymously from a private number.

Can I get in legal trouble for calling privately?

In most regions it’s legal, but some places prohibit anonymous calling. Check your local laws. Illegal harassment or fraud can still get you in trouble.

How do I block my number on a landline?

On a landline, dial *67 before the number to block your ID for that call. Or contact your phone carrier to permanently block your caller ID.

Can 911 or emergency services trace a private number?

Yes, 911 will always have access to your exact location and phone number, even when calling from a blocked line.

Is there any way to call 100% anonymously?

Not really from your own phone. Even when blocked, numbers can still be retrieved from call logs with a subpoena. Disposable burner phones come closest to 100% anonymous.