Block your number by dialing *67 before the phone number, or use your phone's built-in settings to hide your caller ID for all calls

The fastest way to hide your number on a single call is to dial *67 before the phone number you are calling. This works on most landlines and mobile phones in the United States. When the person answers, they will see "Private," "Blocked," or "Unknown" instead of your number. The block applies only to that one call — your next call will show your number again unless you dial *67 again.

If you want to block your number on every call you make, you can turn off caller ID in your phone's settings. The steps differ depending on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or a landline, and the option may not be available from all carriers. Some carriers charge a small monthly fee for this service, while others include it free.

Key Takeaways

  • Dialing *67 before a phone number blocks your caller ID for that single call only.
  • You can permanently hide your number through your phone's settings, though availability and cost depend on your carrier.
  • Some calls cannot be blocked — emergency services, toll-free numbers, and collect calls may see your number regardless of *67.
  • The person you call may not answer if they screen unknown numbers, so blocking your ID can prevent them from picking up.
  • Blocking your number is legal, but using it to harass, threaten, or defraud someone is not.

How *67 works on different phone types

On a traditional landline or most mobile phones, dial *67 when ready before the phone number. For example, to call 555-123-4567 with your number blocked, you would dial *67-555-123-4567. Wait for the dial tone to finish, then enter the number. The block takes effect when the call connects.

On some older phone systems or certain carriers, you may need to dial 1-67 instead of *67, or the code may be different. If *67 does not work, contact your carrier to ask what code they use for blocking caller ID.

If you are calling from outside the United States, *67 may not work. Canada uses *67, but other countries have different codes or may not support caller ID blocking at all. Check with your carrier before traveling if you need this feature.

Hiding your number permanently through phone settings

On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Phone, then Show My Caller ID. Toggle the switch off. Your number will be hidden on all outgoing calls. To turn it back on, return to the same menu and toggle the switch on.

On an Android phone, the location varies by manufacturer and Android version. Generally, open the Phone app, tap the three-line menu (hamburger icon), go to Settings, then Call Settings, then Additional Settings, then Caller ID. Select "Hide Number" or "Private Number." Some Android phones may have this option under a different name, such as "Show My Phone Number" — toggle it off to hide your number.

On a landline, contact your phone company. Most offer a service called "Caller ID Blocking" or "Anonymous Call Rejection" that you can enable through your account. Some charge $3 to $5 per month; others include it free. You can usually turn it on or off by dialing a code like *67 for a single call, or by logging into your account online.

What calls cannot be blocked

Emergency calls to 911 will show your number even if you dial *67. This is a safety requirement — emergency dispatchers need to know where you are calling from in case the call is disconnected.

Calls to toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866 prefixes) may show your number to the business receiving the call, even if you use *67. Many toll-free services are set up to capture caller ID information automatically. If you call a bank, retailer, or government agency on a toll-free line, assume they can see your number.

Collect calls and calls made through a relay service will display the relay service's number or a generic identifier instead of your personal number, but the receiving party may still be able to request your information.

Why someone might not answer a blocked call

Many people do not answer calls from unknown or blocked numbers because they worry about spam, scams, or unwanted sales calls. If you are calling someone you know and blocking your number, they may not recognize the call and let it go to voicemail.

If the person you are calling has their phone set to reject unknown callers, a blocked call may not ring through at all — it may go straight to voicemail or be rejected silently. If you need them to answer, consider calling from an unblocked number or sending a text message first to let them know you will be calling.

Legal and safety considerations

Blocking your caller ID is legal in the United States. You have the right to keep your number private when you call someone. However, using a blocked number to harass, threaten, or defraud someone is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

If you are blocking your number because you are afraid of someone, that is a legitimate safety reason. If you are blocking your number to avoid being identified while making threats or committing fraud, that is a crime. Law enforcement can subpoena phone records and trace blocked calls if a crime has been reported.

Some workplaces and government agencies have policies against employees blocking their caller ID when calling on behalf of the organization. If you work in customer service, healthcare, or government, check your employer's rules before blocking your number on work calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone find out my number if I block it with *67?

Not through the phone call itself — they will see only "Private" or "Blocked." However, if they have your number from another source (a previous call, a text message, a contact list), they will recognize it is you. Law enforcement can trace blocked calls if a crime has been reported, but a private person cannot.

Does *67 work on cell phones and landlines?

Yes, *67 works on most cell phones and landlines in the United States. Some carriers or older phone systems may use a different code. If *67 does not work, call your carrier's customer service to ask what code they use for blocking caller ID.

What happens if I block my number and the person calls me back?

They cannot call you back to the blocked number because they never saw your number. If you want them to reach you, you will need to give them your actual phone number in a text message, email, or voicemail after you hang up.

Will blocking my number prevent spam calls from reaching me?

No. Blocking your own caller ID only hides your number when you call someone else. To stop spam calls from reaching you, use your phone's built-in call screening, read a call-blocking app, or contact your carrier about spam-filtering services.

Can my employer see that I blocked my number on a work call?

Your employer may be able to see it in call logs if they monitor outgoing calls from company phones. If you are calling from a personal phone on your own time, your employer cannot see your caller ID settings. Check your workplace policy before blocking your number on calls related to your job.