Have you ever wanted to make a call without revealing your number to the recipient? Whether you’re trying to play a prank, avoid telemarketers, or simply keep your privacy intact, there are several ways to call someone without showing your number.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods to help you choose the one that works best for you.
What is Caller ID
Caller ID is a service that displays the phone number of the person calling you on your phone’s screen. This allows you to see who’s calling before you answer the phone. It also helps you avoid unwanted calls from telemarketers, scammers, and other unwanted callers.
How to Keep Your Phone Number Hidden When Calling Someone
In today’s world, privacy is a top concern for many individuals. Whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, there may be times when you want to call someone without showing your phone number. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to achieve this. In this article, we’ll go over four ways you can call someone without revealing your phone number.
Method 1: Blocking Caller ID on Your Carrier’s Network
One of the easiest ways to hide your phone number is by blocking your caller ID on your carrier’s network. This method works by using a simple setting on your phone that can be turned on or off as needed. However, the process of blocking your caller ID may differ depending on your carrier. Here’s how to do it on some of the most popular carriers:
- AT&T: Dial *82 before the phone number you want to call.
- Verizon: Dial *67 before the phone number you want to call.
- T-Mobile: Dial #31# before the phone number you want to call.
The main advantage of using this method is that it is simple and doesn’t require any additional tools or services. However, there are some disadvantages to consider as well. For example, some carriers may charge a fee for using this service, and not all carriers offer it. Additionally, there may be some situations where your caller ID is not fully blocked and your number may still be visible to the person you’re calling.
Method 2: Using *67 Dialing Code
Another simple way to hide your phone number is by using the *67 dialing code. This method works by temporarily disabling your caller ID for a single call. To use this method, simply dial *67 before the phone number you want to call. For example, if you want to call 123-456-7890, you would dial *671234567890.
The main advantage of using this method is that it is quick and easy, and you don’t need to have any special tools or services. However, there are some disadvantages to consider as well. For example, this method only works in the United States, and it may not be available on all carrier networks. Additionally, some carriers may charge a fee for using this service.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Call Masking Service
If you need a more reliable way to hide your phone number, you can use a third-party call masking service. These services work by routing your call through a different number, which is displayed as the caller ID to the person you’re calling. There are several popular call masking services available, including Hushed, Burner, and SpoofCard.
The main advantage of using a call masking service is that it is a reliable way to hide your phone number, and it works regardless of your carrier or location. However, there are some disadvantages to consider as well. For example, these services usually require a monthly subscription fee, and there may be restrictions on the number of calls you can make or the length of time you can use the service.
Method 4: Using a Burner Phone App
If you need a temporary phone number for a short period of time, you can use a burner phone app. These apps work by providing you with a temporary phone number that can be used for a limited time, usually ranging from a few days to a few weeks. There are several popular burner phone apps available, including Hushed, Burner, and TextNow.
The main advantage of using a burner phone app is that it provides you with a temporary phone number that can be used for a limited time, which is useful for short-term privacy needs. However, there are some disadvantages to consider as well. For example, these apps may require a monthly subscription fee, and there may be restrictions on the number of calls or texts you can make. Additionally, since these numbers are temporary, they may not be suitable for long-term use.
Alternative Ways to Call Someone without Showing Your Number
Although you might want your recipient to know your phone number, hiding your number might end up being used for the wrong purposes. As a result, it is essential to conceal your identity when making calls. The good news is that you can readily do this within a few minutes. This is through enabling a particular feature on your phone and dialing a specific code.
However, there are numerous ways of hiding your identity when making calls. Some of the best ways to do this include:
1. Block Your Number on Individual Calls
As we speak, you can now block your number when making an individual call by just dialing *67, followed by the number you intend to call. Whether you normally use a cell phone or a landline to make calls, you can be sure that this strategy will work perfectly well for you.
If you want to remain anonymous when using a landline, you should not dial *67, followed by the recipient’s phone number straight. Instead, you should be patient after dialing *67. Once you dial this code, you will hear another dial tone. After that, you can now dial the phone number of the recipient.
The good news is that this process will hide your number and make it appear on the other end as either blocked or private. Generally, your caller ID will be hidden. Remember that this method is only applicable for individual calls. If you forget to dial *67 before dialing the recipient’s number, your identity will not be masked again.
Therefore, you should always remember to dial *67 then followed by the recipient’s number, and your identity will be concealed.
2. Block Your Number on All Outgoing Calls
Apart from blocking your number when making individual calls, you can now block your number on all outgoing calls and still hide your identity. Whether you normally use an Android device or an iOS device, it is possible to block your number by just doing a few changes to your phone’s settings. Thereafter, your recipient will not know who is calling as your caller ID will appear private.
If you are using an iPhone device to make calls, you should first go to the ‘Settings’ section and then tap ‘Phone’. Thereafter, tap on ‘Show My Caller ID’ and then turn it off. For Android users, you should go to the ‘Phone App’ and then open the ‘Menu’ section. Here, you will see the ‘Settings’ section.
Click it and then go to the ‘Call settings’. Here, you will see ‘Additional settings’ among other options. Click it and then select Caller ID. Thereafter, select ‘Hide number’. This way, your number will be hidden on all outgoing calls. Depending on the nature of your Android device, the wording might be different. However, the process is basically the same.
3. Block your Number Through the help of your Carrier
Different users normally use different mobile devices for communication. Sometimes, the process of hiding your caller ID might not be as straightforward as mentioned above. Other times, it is too much hassle to keep on blocking your number for every call you make.
In fact, this process might be time-consuming for the elderly. If you find yourself in this situation, the best thing is to contact your wireless carrier. Once you contact the customer care team, you should tell them that you want to remain anonymous whenever you want to make calls. The representative will make this possible for all the calls you make forthwith. Generally, this service is free of charge, and within a few minutes, you will remain anonymous for all your outgoing calls.
4. Use the Burner App
By using the burner app, you will save yourself the agony of having to dial certain codes in order to remain anonymous when making calls. However, when using this app, you need to have a good internet connection.
The good news is that there is a burner app for both Android and iOS devices. Here, you will have the luxury to route your calls to your other number directly. This means that you do not need to hide your phone number whatsoever. Note that you are allowed to try this app within 7 days for free. After that, you will be paying $5 for every line you use with this app. Although it comes with a cost, it is worth it.
5. Use Google Voice
If you live within the US, you can use Google Voice to make calls and still remain anonymous. For you to use Google Voice, you need a smartphone or a laptop with a good internet connection. You also need an active Google account and Google Voice app which is free for both Android and iOS devices. For all the outgoing calls made with this app, you can be sure that your Google Voice number will pop up instead of your actual phone number.
How to Unblock Your Number on Individual Calls
Sometimes, you might have issues whenever you want to call someone with your caller ID hidden. If this happens, chances are the recipient on the other end has prevented anonymous callers from reaching him or her. In this case, the only response you might get on your phone is that the other party you are trying to reach does not accept private calls. Therefore, the only way to reach your desired recipient is to unblock your phone number on all outgoing calls.
To do this, you just need to dial *82 before your recipient’s phone number and then make a call. This way, your number will reflect on the recipient’s phone. For landline users, you need to wait few moments after dialing *82. Once you hear a dial tone, you can now proceed and dial your recipient’s phone number. This way, you will be able to reach your desired recipient hassle-free.
How to Block Your Caller ID on a Smartphone
If you’re using a smartphone, there are several ways to block your caller ID:
- Use a third-party app: There are several apps available for both iOS and Android that allow you to block your caller ID. Some popular options include Mr. Number, Call Blocker, and Truecaller.
- Use the settings on your phone: Depending on your phone’s operating system, you may be able to turn off Caller ID in the settings menu. For example, on an iPhone, you can go to “Settings” > “Phone” > “Show My Caller ID” and toggle the switch to the off position.
How to Call Someone Without a Caller ID on a Landline
If you’re using a landline, there are a few options for calling someone without a Caller ID:
- Use a payphone: Payphones do not transmit Caller ID information, so you can use one to make a call without revealing your number.
- Use a calling card: Many calling cards allow you to make calls without revealing your number. Simply follow the instructions on the card to make a call.
How to Call Someone Without a Caller ID on a VoIP Line
If you’re using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) line, such as Skype or Google Voice, you can call someone without revealing your number by using the following steps:
- Log into your VoIP account.
- Go to the settings menu and turn off Caller ID.
- Make your call as usual.
How to Call Someone Without a Caller ID on a Cell Phone
If you’re using a cell phone, you can call someone without revealing your number by using the following steps:
- Dial *67 before the number you want to call. This will block your caller ID for that call only.
- Dial #31# before the number you want to call. This will also block your caller ID for that call only.
- Use a third-party app: There are several apps available for both iOS and Android that allow you to block your caller ID. Some popular options include Mr. Number, Call Blocker, and Truecaller.
How to Know if Someone is Blocking your Number
Has your phone number been blocked in the recent past? Chances are that you are not alone. Well, such things are prevalent in modern-day life. Perhaps, this could be because you are not on good terms with your recipients. Other times, he or she might be avoiding you due to one reason or another. The good news is that you can now determine if someone has blocked your phone number or not. Some of these ways include:
1. Text Messages are Not Delivered at all
We all send text messages to people to inform them about one or two things. Sometimes, the message does not get delivered immediately. However, over time, the message gets delivered. If your message was not delivered immediately, chances are that the recipient has not powered up his device. However, if the message remains undelivered for a couple of days, chances are that your phone number has been blocked.
In fact, you will not see the notification ‘delivered’. Instead, you will just see a blank space below the text message you sent.
2. Your Phone Calls are Directed to Voicemail
You might have tried to reach out to your desired recipient, and the phone call went right to voicemail. Other times, the phone might right once, and then it goes to voicemail. If such happens, then your phone number might have been blocked. You can try to mask your identity and see if your phone number has been blocked or not. Here, you can dial *67 and then the recipient’s phone number.
If your calls go through this time around, then your number might have been blocked by the recipient. However, if the call does not go through or goes to voicemail, chances are that the recipient has switched off his or her phone and might power it up later. You can keep trying severally and see if you will be able to reach your recipient.
3. Try to Call from Another Phone
If you are not able to reach the desired recipient’ using your mobile phone, you can consider asking your friend to give you his or her phone. Thereafter, you can try and see if calls made using a different phone will go through. If the call goes through and is even answered, then your recipient might have blocked your phone number. This method is actually one of the easiest ways to determine if you have been blocked or not.
If by any chance you can reach the recipient using your friend’s phone and he hangs up, upon hearing your voice, then your phone number was blocked. Ideally, he should offer an explanation as to why you cannot reach him using your device. If no explanation is given, then your phone number must have been blocked.
In Conclusion
There are several ways you can call someone without revealing your phone number. Whether you want to block your caller ID on your carrier’s network, use the *67 dialing code, a third-party call masking service, or a burner phone app, there is a method that will work for your needs. However, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method before making a decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can hide your number on all calls or just certain ones, depending on the method you choose. For example, if you use the *67 dialing code, you’ll need to dial it before each call to hide your number. If you use a third-party call masking service or a burner phone app, you can hide your number on all calls made from that service or app.
Yes, you can hide your number on a call without using a third-party service by blocking your caller ID on your carrier’s network or using the *67 dialing code.
The ability to hide your number when calling internationally will depend on the method you choose. For example, if you use the *67 dialing code, it will only work in the United States. If you use a third-party call masking service or a burner phone app, they may offer international calling options, but it’s important to check with the specific service or app for more information.
If the person you are calling has their own caller ID blocking in place, your number may still be hidden. However, this will depend on the specific methods used by both parties.
Yes, many of the methods discussed in this article can be used for hiding your number when texting as well. For example, a third-party call masking service or burner phone app may also offer text messaging options.
To hide your number when calling, you can use the *67 dialing code, block your caller ID on your carrier’s network, use a third-party call masking service, or use a burner phone app. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Yes, you can make anonymous calls by hiding your phone number as described in the previous answer.
To block your caller ID on all calls, you can follow the steps for your specific carrier as described in the article. For example, AT&T users can dial *82 before the phone number they want to call, while Verizon users can dial *67.
Yes, you can block your caller ID on a per-call basis by dialing *67 or #31# before the number you want to call.
You’ll need to contact your service provider and ask them to turn off the Caller ID feature on your line. This is typically a free service, and you can have it turned off or on as needed.
Yes, you can block your caller ID on a smartphone by using a third-party app or by using the settings on your phone.
You can unblock your Caller ID by dialing *82 or by turning it back on in your phone’s settings.
Yes, you can call someone without a Caller ID on a VoIP line by turning off Caller ID in the settings menu and making your call as usual.
Yes, you can call someone without showing your number on a landline by dialing *67 before the phone number.
No, the recipient will not know that your number is blocked. However, they may see “Unknown Caller” or “Private Number” on their caller ID.
Yes, you can unblock your number by dialing *82 before the phone number you want to call.