You can block your number on a single call or set it as your default

When you call someone, your phone number normally shows up on their caller ID. You can hide it for one call by dialing a code before the number, or you can set your phone to block your number on every call you make. The method depends on your phone type and your carrier.

On most phones, dialing *67 before the number blocks your caller ID for that single call. If you want your number hidden on all outgoing calls, you can change the setting in your phone's call settings or contact your carrier to request permanent blocking. Some carriers charge a small monthly fee for this service, while others include it free.

Key Takeaways

  • Dialing *67 before any phone number hides your caller ID for that single call on most carriers.
  • If *67 does not work, try #31# instead, which is the code used by some carriers and countries.
  • You can set your phone to block your number on all calls through Settings on Android or iPhone, though the exact steps differ by phone model.
  • Some carriers offer a permanent blocking service you can request, though a few charge a monthly fee while others include it free.
  • Blocking your number does not prevent the person from calling you back or seeing your number if you call again without the code.

Using *67 for a single blocked call

The simplest way to hide your number on one call is to dial *67 when ready before the phone number. On most carriers in the United States and Canada, this tells the network not to send your caller ID to the person you are calling. They will see "Unknown" or "Private Number" instead of your name or number.

The steps are straightforward: open your phone's dialer, type *67, then type the full phone number including the area code, then press call. The person receives the call normally and can answer it, but they cannot see who called. If they do not answer, your call will go to voicemail like any other call.

This works on landlines and most mobile carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers. However, some carriers or phone systems do not honor the *67 code. If it does not work, try #31# instead, which is the alternate code used by some carriers and is standard in many countries outside North America.

Setting your phone to block your number on all calls

If you want your number hidden every time you call, you can change your phone's settings instead of typing a code each time. The process is different on Android and iPhone, and the exact location of the setting varies by phone model and carrier.

On iPhone: Open Settings, tap Phone, then look for "Show My Caller ID" or "Caller ID" and toggle it off. If you do not see this option, your carrier may not support it through the phone settings, and you will need to contact them directly. Some carriers hide this setting behind a carrier-specific app instead.

On Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-line menu (hamburger icon), go to Settings, then look for "Supplementary Services," "Caller ID," or "Show My Number." The exact name and location depend on your phone model and carrier. Toggle the setting to hide your number. If you cannot find it, check your carrier's website or app for instructions specific to your phone model.

Contacting your carrier to block your number permanently

If the phone settings do not have a blocking option, or if you want to make sure the setting sticks across all calls, you can contact your carrier directly and request that they block your caller ID on your account. This is a service request, not a setting you change yourself.

Call your carrier's customer service number (usually on your bill or their website) and ask to enable "Caller ID Blocking" or "Anonymous Calling." Some carriers include this service free, while others charge a small monthly fee, typically between $1 and $3. Ask about the cost before you confirm the request. The change usually takes effect within one business day.

If you change your mind later, you can call back and ask them to turn it off. There is no penalty for removing the service.

What happens when you block your number

When your number is blocked, the person you call sees "Unknown," "Private Number," "Blocked," or "No Caller ID" instead of your name or number. They can still answer the call, and the conversation works normally. They can still hear you and speak to you.

However, blocking your number does not prevent them from calling you back or from knowing who you are if you tell them. If they have your number saved in their contacts and you call without blocking, they will see your name. If you call again without using *67 or without the permanent block active, they will see your number the second time.

Some people set their phones to reject calls from blocked numbers, so blocking your caller ID might increase the chance they do not answer. If the call is important and they do not pick up, you may need to call back without blocking so they know it is you.

When blocking your number does not work

In some situations, your number will show up even if you use *67 or have blocking enabled. Emergency calls to 911 always transmit your real number to dispatchers, regardless of any blocking setting. This is a legal requirement so emergency services can locate you.

Some businesses and government offices also have systems that override caller ID blocking to see the real number. Banks, hospitals, and law enforcement can sometimes request unblocking from the carrier. If you are calling a business and they tell you they cannot see your number, they may have a system that requires it.

If *67 does not work on a particular call, it usually means the carrier or the receiving system does not support the code. Try calling back without blocking, or contact your carrier to confirm that blocking is active on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does *67 work on all phones and carriers?

*67 works on most carriers in the United States and Canada, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. However, some carriers, phone systems, or international calls may not support it. If it does not work, try #31# instead. Landlines and mobile phones both support the code on most networks.

Can someone find out my number if I block it?

Not through the call itself. They will see "Unknown" or "Private Number" on their caller ID. However, if they have other ways to contact you or if you tell them your number, they will know who called. Blocking only hides your number from their caller ID display.

Will blocking my number prevent someone from calling me back?

No. If they want to call you back, they can use the call return feature on their phone (usually *69), which may show your number depending on your carrier. Blocking your caller ID only hides your number when you call them, not when they call you.

Does my carrier charge for blocking my number?

Most carriers include caller ID blocking free, but some charge $1 to $3 per month. Ask your carrier about the cost before you request it. You can also use *67 on individual calls at no charge, which is free on all carriers.

What if I block my number and they still do not answer?

Some people set their phones to reject calls from blocked numbers because they assume blocked calls are spam. If an important call goes unanswered, try calling back without blocking so they see your number and know it is you.