Block your number on individual calls or set it as your default

You can hide your phone number from the person you're calling in two ways: block it for a single call, or set your phone to block it on every call you make. The method depends on your phone type and what your carrier allows.

On most phones, you dial a code before the number to block your caller ID for that one call. On others, you change a setting in your phone's call settings so every outgoing call hides your number. Some carriers also let you manage this through their website or app. Which option works for you depends on whether you have a landline, a mobile phone, and which carrier you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Dial *67 before the phone number on most US landlines and mobile phones to block your number for a single call.
  • On iPhones, go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off to hide your number on all calls.
  • On Android phones, open the Phone app, tap More or the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Calls, and turn off Show Caller ID.
  • Some carriers charge a monthly fee for a permanent block, while the per-call code *67 is free on most networks.
  • The person you call may still see your number if they have caller ID blocking detection, or if you call a business with advanced phone systems.

Using *67 to block your number on a single call

The simplest way to hide your number for one call is to dial *67 before you enter the phone number. This works on most landlines and mobile phones in the United States, regardless of carrier. When you dial *67, the recipient's phone will show "Private Number," "Blocked," or "Unknown" instead of your actual number.

The process is straightforward: pick up your phone, dial *67, then when ready dial the full phone number you want to reach (including the area code). Press call as you normally would. The block applies only to that single call. The next time you call someone without dialing *67 first, your number will show normally.

This method is free on most carriers. Some carriers may charge a small fee per blocked call, though this is uncommon. Check with your carrier if you plan to use *67 frequently and want to confirm there are no charges.

Hiding your number on all calls from an iPhone

If you want every call you make from your iPhone to hide your number, go to Settings, then tap Phone. Look for the option called "Show My Caller ID" and toggle it off. Once you turn this off, your number will be blocked on every outgoing call until you turn it back on.

This setting affects only your iPhone — if you also use other devices to make calls, you'll need to adjust the setting on each one separately. If you later want to show your number again, return to the same menu and toggle "Show My Caller ID" back on.

Hiding your number on all calls from an Android phone

On Android phones, the process varies slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer and your carrier, but the general path is similar. Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu (or "More"), then go to Settings. Look for "Calls" or "Call Settings," then find the option for "Show Caller ID" or "Caller ID" and turn it off.

Some Android phones may label this setting differently — you might see "Hide Number," "Block Caller ID," or "Anonymous Call Rejection." If you can't find the setting in your Phone app, check your carrier's website or app, as some carriers manage this setting through their own platform rather than through the phone's built-in settings.

Managing caller ID blocking through your carrier

Many carriers offer a service called "Caller ID Blocking" or "Anonymous Call" that you can turn on or off through your account. You can usually manage this through your carrier's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Some carriers charge a monthly fee for this service (typically $3 to $5 per month), while others include it free with your plan.

To find out whether your carrier offers this service and what it costs, visit your carrier's website or call their customer service number. If you use a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a regional carrier, search their site for "caller ID blocking" or "anonymous call service" to find the right page for your account.

When your blocked number might still be visible

In some situations, your blocked number may still be visible to the person you're calling. Businesses with advanced phone systems — like hospitals, banks, or government offices — sometimes have technology that can detect blocked numbers and display them anyway. Emergency services (911) can always see your number, even if you've blocked it, because they need it to send help to your location.

If the person you're calling has subscribed to a caller ID service that detects blocked calls, they may see a message indicating that you've blocked your number, even though they won't see the actual number itself. Some people also use apps or services that attempt to reveal blocked numbers, though these are not always reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does *67 work on all phone carriers?

*67 works on most major US carriers including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and many regional carriers. However, some carriers or phone systems may not support it. If *67 doesn't work for you, contact your carrier to ask whether they support per-call blocking and what code to use instead.

Can I block my number when calling internationally?

*67 typically works only for calls within the United States. For international calls, the process varies by country and carrier. Contact your carrier before making an international call if you want to block your number, as they can tell you whether it's possible and what steps to take.

Will the person I call know I blocked my number?

They will see that the call is from a blocked or private number, but they won't know it's you specifically unless you tell them. If they have caller ID detection services, they may see a message indicating the number is blocked, but they still won't see your actual number.

What's the difference between *67 and a permanent carrier block?

*67 blocks your number for a single call and is free on most carriers. A permanent carrier block hides your number on every call you make and may cost a monthly fee. Choose *67 if you only occasionally want to block your number, and choose a permanent block if you want to hide your number on most or all calls.

If I block my number, can the person still call me back?

No. When you block your number, the person cannot see it and therefore cannot call you back using the number. If they want to reach you, you would need to provide your number to them directly or call them again.