Block your number before each call, or set it as your default

You can hide your phone number in two ways: block it for a single call, or turn it off permanently in your phone settings. The single-call method works on any phone — you dial a code before the number. The permanent method is faster if you never want your number to show, but some situations (calling 911, banks, customer service lines) may require your number to be visible, so check with your carrier first.

Both methods are free. Your carrier controls whether the option is available on your account, and most carriers allow it. The person you call will see "Unknown," "Private," "Blocked," or no number at all — the exact label depends on their phone and carrier.

Key Takeaways

  • Dial *67 before the phone number on most carriers to block your number for that call only.
  • Turn off caller ID permanently in your phone's settings or through your carrier's website, but verify this won't break calls to emergency services or your bank.
  • Some carriers charge a small monthly fee for permanent blocking, while the per-call method is always free.
  • The person you call may not answer if they screen unknown numbers, so blocking your number can prevent them from picking up.
  • Blocking your number does not prevent the recipient from calling you back or seeing your number if you text them instead.

Block your number for a single call with *67

On most carriers in the United States, dial *67 before the phone number, then press call. Your number will not display to the person who answers. This works on landlines and mobile phones, and it costs nothing.

The steps are: pick up your phone, dial *67, then dial the full phone number (including area code), then press the call button. If the call fails, try again — some numbers block calls from hidden numbers, and some carriers do not support *67 in all situations.

On some carriers outside the United States, the code is different. In the United Kingdom, dial 141. In Canada, dial *67 the same way. If *67 does not work on your carrier, contact them to ask what code to use.

Turn off caller ID in your phone settings

If you want your number hidden for all calls, you can disable caller ID in your phone's settings. The exact steps depend on whether you have an iPhone or Android phone.

On iPhone: Open Settings, tap Phone, scroll down to "Show My Caller ID," and turn the toggle off. Your number will be hidden on all outgoing calls. To turn it back on, return to the same setting and toggle it on again.

On Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-line menu (or settings icon), select Settings, then Call Settings, then Additional Settings, then Caller ID. Choose "Hide Number." The exact path varies by phone model and Android version, so if you cannot find it, search "hide caller ID" in your phone's settings search bar.

Before you turn this off permanently, call your bank, your doctor's office, or another service you use regularly and ask whether they can receive calls from hidden numbers. Some automated systems reject them. If they do, you may need to turn caller ID back on for those calls, or use *67 instead.

Hide your number through your carrier's website or app

Most carriers let you manage caller ID through their website or mobile app. This is the same as changing it in your phone settings, but some people find it easier to do on a computer.

Log into your carrier's account online. Look for a section called "Phone Settings," "Call Settings," "Caller ID," or "Privacy." The option may be labeled "Block Caller ID," "Hide My Number," or "Anonymous Calling." Turn it on or off depending on what you want. Changes usually take effect when ready, but some carriers take a few minutes.

If you cannot find the option online, call your carrier's customer service number (on the back of your bill or on their website). Ask them to disable caller ID on your account. They can do it over the phone in under a minute.

Know when blocking your number might cause problems

Some people and systems will not answer calls from hidden numbers. If you call a business and they see "Unknown" or "Private," they may let it go to voicemail or decline the call. If you need them to pick up, you may have to turn your number back on.

Emergency services (911 in the United States) may not respond to calls from blocked numbers, or they may have trouble locating you. If you have permanently disabled caller ID, turn it back on before calling 911. If you use *67 for a single call, do not use it when calling 911.

Banks, credit card companies, and some government offices may reject calls from blocked numbers for security reasons. Before you disable caller ID permanently, call these places and ask whether they can receive calls from hidden numbers. If they cannot, you will need to turn your number back on for those calls.

Text messages will still show your number even if you block it for calls. If you want to contact someone without revealing your number, calling with *67 or a blocked number is more effective than texting.

What the person you call will see

When you block your number, the person who answers will see one of these on their phone: "Unknown," "Private," "Blocked," "No Caller ID," or straightforward no number at all. The exact label depends on their phone model, carrier, and country. They will not see your actual number.

If they have a smartphone, they may see a notification that the call is from an unknown number. Some phones let them answer or decline from that notification. Older phones or landlines will just ring without showing any information.

If the person calls you back after you hang up, they cannot reach you through the call history — they would need to know your number separately. If you text them later, your number will show in the text message, so they will know it was you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does blocking my number cost money?

Using *67 for individual calls is always free. Permanently disabling caller ID through your phone settings is free on most carriers, but a few carriers charge $2 to $5 per month for "anonymous calling" service. Check your carrier's website or call them to confirm whether there is a fee before you enable it.

Can someone trace my number if I block it?

No. When you block your number with *67 or through your settings, the recipient cannot see it or trace it. Law enforcement and emergency services have separate tools to identify callers in emergencies, but a regular person cannot find your number from a blocked call.

Will blocking my number work on all phones?

*67 works on most carriers in the United States, but some carriers do not support it, and some phone systems reject calls from blocked numbers. If *67 does not work, try disabling caller ID in your phone settings instead. If that does not work either, contact your carrier to ask what options are available on your account.

What if I block my number and the person does not answer?

Many people do not answer calls from unknown or private numbers because they assume it is spam. If you need them to pick up, you may have to call back with your number visible, or send them a text or email first to let them know you will be calling from a blocked number.

Can I block my number for texts?

No. Text messages always show your phone number to the recipient — there is no code or setting to hide it. If you need to contact someone without revealing your number, a phone call with *67 or a blocked number is your only option.