Block your number on a single call or all calls

You can hide your phone number from the person you're calling in two ways: block it for just that one call, or block it for every call you make. The method depends on your phone type and what your carrier allows. Most phones let you hide your number on individual calls by dialing a code before the number. If you want to hide it permanently, you can usually change a setting in your phone's call settings or contact your carrier to request it network-wide.

The person receiving your call will see "Private," "Blocked," "Unknown," or no number at all instead of your actual number. Some carriers and phone types handle this differently, so the exact display varies. The important thing to know upfront: blocking your number does not prevent the call from going through, and it does not hide your identity from law enforcement or your carrier if they need to trace the call.

Key Takeaways

  • Dial *67 before the phone number on most landlines and older cell phones to block your number for that single call only.
  • iPhone users can turn on "Show My Caller ID" toggle in Settings > Phone to hide their number on all outgoing calls.
  • Android users should open Settings > Apps > Phone > Permissions or look for "Caller ID" settings, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • Your carrier may block your number network-wide if you contact them, but some carriers charge a monthly fee for this service.
  • Blocking your number does not prevent emergency services from seeing your real number if you call 911.

Block your number on iPhone for all calls

On iPhone, you can hide your number from every call you make by turning off the "Show My Caller ID" setting. Open Settings, then tap Phone. Scroll down until you see "Show My Caller ID" and toggle it off. Once it's off, your number will be hidden on all outgoing calls unless you turn it back on.

This setting works on all iPhone models running iOS 13 or newer. If you don't see the option, your carrier may not support it, or you may need to update your phone. The setting applies to regular calls only — it does not hide your number on FaceTime calls or other apps.

Block your number on Android for all calls

Android phones vary by manufacturer, so the exact path to hide your number depends on which brand you have. On most Samsung phones, open Settings, tap Apps, then Phone. Look for a menu option like "More settings" or "Call settings," then find "Additional settings" and tap "Caller ID." Choose "Hide number" or "Private number."

On Google Pixel phones and other Android models, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu at the top, then Settings. Look for "Caller ID" or "Show my caller ID" and turn it off. If you cannot find the setting on your phone, contact your carrier — they may need to enable it on their end, or your phone plan may not support it.

Block your number for a single call using *67

The fastest way to hide your number on just one call is to dial *67 before the phone number. For example, if you're calling 555-123-4567, you would dial *67-555-123-4567. Press call, and the recipient will see a blocked or private number instead of yours.

This method works on most landlines and many cell phones, though some carriers have stopped supporting it. If *67 doesn't work, try #31# instead — a few carriers use that code. If neither code works, your carrier may not support per-call blocking, and you would need to use your phone's settings or contact your carrier instead.

Request permanent blocking from your carrier

If you want your number hidden on all calls and your phone's settings don't have the option, you can contact your carrier and ask them to block your number network-wide. Call your carrier's customer service number (usually on your bill or their website) and explain that you want your caller ID blocked. They will either enable it for free or tell you if there's a monthly fee.

Some carriers charge $2 to $5 per month for this service, while others offer it at no cost. The carrier will explore the block to your account, so it works on any phone you use with that number. If you change your mind later, you can call them back and ask them to turn it back on.

What happens when you block your number

When you call someone with your number blocked, they see "Private," "Blocked," "Unknown," or "No Caller ID" on their phone instead of your actual number. Some phones and apps may reject calls from blocked numbers automatically, so the person may not even know you called. If they do answer, they won't know who you are unless you tell them.

Blocking your number does not prevent your carrier or law enforcement from identifying you if needed. Your carrier keeps a record of every call you make, and if someone reports the call to police, law enforcement can subpoena your carrier for your information. Blocking is meant for privacy in everyday situations, not for hiding your identity from authorities.

When blocking your number might not work

Some businesses and government offices reject calls from blocked numbers automatically. Banks, hospitals, and government agencies often have systems that won't accept private calls, so if you're calling to check on an account or appointment, you may need to unblock your number first. The call straightforward won't go through, or it will go to a voicemail that tells you to call back with your number visible.

Some people also have their phones set to reject unknown callers, so your call might go straight to voicemail. If the person you're calling has that setting on, they won't even know you tried to reach them. If you need to reach someone and your blocked call doesn't go through, try calling again with your number visible, or send them a text or email first to let them know you'll be calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will blocking my number work if I call 911?

No. Emergency services always see your real number, even if you have blocking turned on. This is a legal requirement so that 911 can locate you and call you back if the call drops. Your number cannot be hidden from emergency services under any circumstances.

Can I block my number on FaceTime or WhatsApp?

No. Blocking your number through your phone settings or carrier only affects regular phone calls. Apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other messaging services use your account information, not your phone number, so blocking your caller ID has no effect on them. Those apps have their own privacy settings if you want to control who can contact you.

What if someone calls me back after I blocked my number?

They will call back to the number they see on their phone. If you blocked your number, they see "Private" or "Blocked," so they can't call you back directly. If you want them to be able to reach you, you need to unblock your number or give them your number another way, like by text or email.

Does *67 work on all phones?

*67 works on most landlines and many cell phones, but not all carriers support it anymore. If you dial *67 and the call goes through normally with your number showing, your carrier has disabled the feature. Try #31# instead, or use your phone's settings to block your number instead.

Can I block my number permanently without paying my carrier?

It depends on your carrier. Some carriers offer permanent blocking at no cost if you request it, while others charge a monthly fee. The fastest way to find out is to call your carrier's customer service and ask. If they charge a fee and you don't want to pay it, you can use *67 before each call or turn off "Show My Caller ID" in your phone settings instead.