What blocking your number means and why you might do it

Blocking your number means hiding your phone number from the person you are calling. When you block it, their phone shows "Unknown," "Private," or "Blocked" instead of your digits. The call still goes through — they can answer it — but they cannot see who is calling them.

People block their numbers for different reasons. You might not want a business to have your personal number. You might be calling someone you do not know well and prefer privacy. You might be testing whether someone will answer calls from unknown numbers. Whatever your reason, the method depends on what kind of phone you have and whether you want to block your number for one call or all calls.

Key Takeaways

  • On most phones, you can block your number for a single call by dialing *67 before the number, or by using your phone's built-in settings to hide your number permanently.
  • iPhones and Android phones have different paths to the same result — iPhone uses Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, while Android varies by carrier and manufacturer.
  • Some carriers charge a small fee for permanent number blocking, while the *67 method is free on most networks but does not work on all calls, including 911 and toll-free numbers.
  • The person you call may still see your number if they use a service that unblocks private calls, though this is less common than it once was.

Using *67 to block your number on a single call

The simplest way to block your number for one call is to dial *67 before the phone number. On most carriers in the United States, this works on both landlines and cell phones. You dial it like this: *67, then the area code and number, then press call.

This method is free and requires no setup. It works on most calls to other people's phones. However, it does not work on calls to 911, toll-free numbers (those starting with 800, 888, 877, or 866), or directory information. If you call a business that has invested in unblocking technology, they may still see your number, though this is uncommon now.

If you forget to dial *67 before you call, you cannot go back and block the number after the call has already connected. You have to hang up and call again with *67 at the start.

Blocking your number permanently on iPhone

On iPhone, you can hide your number from all outgoing calls by going to Settings, then Phone, then Show My Caller ID. Toggle that setting off, and your number will be blocked on every call you make until you turn it back on.

This setting is the same whether you have an older iPhone or the newest model. It takes effect when ready — you do not need to restart your phone. If you turn it off and then change your mind, you can turn it back on the same way.

Keep in mind that some calls may still show your number even with this setting off. Calls to emergency services, banks, and some government offices sometimes override the block. If you are calling a number that absolutely must not see your caller ID, test it with a friend first to make sure the block is working.

Blocking your number permanently on Android

On Android, the path to blocking your number depends on which carrier you use and which phone manufacturer made your device. The most common route is Settings, then Call Settings or Phone Settings, then Caller ID or Show Caller ID. Look for an option to hide or block your number, and toggle it off.

If you cannot find this setting, open your phone's dialer app and look for a menu (usually three dots in the corner). Some Android phones put the caller ID setting there instead. If you still cannot locate it, search your phone's Settings for "caller ID" or "show my number" — the search function will take you directly to the right page.

Some carriers, including Verizon and AT&T, offer a service called "Anonymous Call Rejection" that lets you block your number on a per-call basis through a code similar to *67. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service to learn which method your specific plan supports.

What happens when you block your number

When you call with your number blocked, the person on the other end sees "Unknown," "Private," "Blocked," or "No Caller ID" on their phone screen. They can still answer the call and talk to you normally. The block only hides your identity — it does not prevent the call from going through or change how the conversation works.

Some phones have settings that automatically reject calls from unknown numbers or send them to voicemail. If the person you are calling has that setting turned on, your call may go to voicemail even though you reached their phone. This is not because they rejected you — it is an automatic filter on their end.

If you leave a voicemail, the person will hear your voice but not your number. They can call you back only if you tell them your number in the message or if they have other ways to contact you.

When blocking your number does not work

Blocking your number does not work on emergency calls. If you dial 911, your number will show up no matter what settings you have turned on. This is by law — emergency services need to know where the call is coming from.

Toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866) often do not accept blocked calls. If you try to call a business using a toll-free line with your number blocked, the call may not go through, or you may hear a message asking you to unblock your number before continuing.

Some businesses and government agencies use technology that unblocks private numbers. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens. If you call a bank, insurance company, or government office, they may see your number even if you have blocked it. If privacy is important for that call, ask the organization first whether they can see blocked numbers.

Carrier-specific options and fees

Most carriers offer free number blocking through the methods above. However, some carriers charge a monthly fee — usually between $2 and $5 — for a service that blocks your number on all calls. Before you pay, check whether your phone's built-in settings already do this for free.

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most smaller carriers support the *67 method at no cost. If you want permanent blocking, check your carrier's website or call customer service to learn whether it is included in your plan or costs extra. Some carriers bundle it with other privacy features.

If you use a VoIP service like Google Voice or Skype instead of a traditional phone line, blocking options vary. Google Voice lets you block your number in settings. Skype has similar controls. Check the help section of whichever service you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone trace my number if I block it?

No, not through normal means. When your number is blocked, the person cannot see it on their phone. However, if you call repeatedly or leave voicemails, they may be able to figure out who you are through context or by asking others. Law enforcement can trace blocked calls if they have a court order, but ordinary people cannot.

Will blocking my number work on text messages?

No. Blocking your number with *67 or phone settings only hides your number on voice calls. Text messages always show your number to the recipient. If you want to send an anonymous text, you would need to use a separate service like an anonymous texting app, which is a different tool entirely.

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

They cannot call you back because they do not have your number. If you want them to reach you, you will need to tell them your number in the voicemail or in a follow-up message. Blocking your number is one-way — it hides your identity from them, but it does not let you hide from them if they already know who you are.

Does blocking my number cost anything?

Using *67 is free on most carriers. Turning on permanent number blocking through your phone settings is also free. Some carriers offer a paid service for additional privacy features, but basic number blocking does not require a subscription or fee.

Can I block my number on a conference call or group call?

Yes, the same methods work. If you dial *67 before a conference call number, your number will be blocked for all participants. If you have permanent blocking turned on, it applies to all calls you make, including group calls.