How to Block Your Phone Number From Showing on Caller ID

What disabling caller ID actually does

Disabling caller ID means your phone number will not appear on the recipient's phone when you call them — they will see "Unknown," "Private," or "Blocked" instead. This is different from blocking a number (which stops incoming calls from reaching you) or hiding your number from one specific person. When you disable caller ID, every call you make hides your number unless you turn the feature back on.

The method depends on your phone type and carrier. Some phones let you toggle this in settings; others require you to dial a code before each call. A few carriers let you manage it through their website or app. The feature exists because some people need privacy for legitimate reasons — domestic violence survivors, business owners using personal phones, or people who straightforward prefer not to be called back.

Key Takeaways

Disabling caller ID hides your number from everyone you call until you turn it back on, which is different from blocking a specific person's calls.
On most phones, you can hide your number per-call by dialing *67 before the number, or permanently through your phone's settings or carrier account.
Some carriers charge a monthly fee for permanent caller ID blocking, while the per-call method is usually free.
Certain calls — to emergency services, toll-free numbers, or government agencies — may not allow caller ID to be hidden, depending on your carrier and location.

How to hide your number on Android phones

On Android, the steps vary by manufacturer and carrier, but the general path is: open Settings, find Phone or Call Settings, then look for Supplementary Services, Additional Settings, or Caller ID. The exact menu name depends on whether you have a Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or another brand. Once you find the caller ID option, you will see choices like "Hide Number," "Show Number," or "Network Default."

If you cannot find it in settings, your carrier may control the feature. Call your carrier's customer service number (usually on your bill or their website) and ask them to disable caller ID on your account. Some carriers do this for free; others charge $1 to $3 per month. You can also hide your number on a single call by dialing *67 before the phone number, then pressing call — this works on most carriers without any setup.

How to hide your number on iPhones

iPhones do not have a built-in setting to disable caller ID permanently. Instead, you must either use the per-call method or contact your carrier. To hide your number on a single call, open the Phone app, dial *67, then the number you want to call, and press the green call button. The recipient will see your number blocked.

For permanent blocking on an iPhone, call your carrier's customer service line and ask them to disable caller ID on your account. They will do this on their end — there is no setting in iOS itself. Some carriers offer this free; others charge a monthly fee. If you use an iPhone with a carrier that offers a control app (like T-Mobile's T-Mobile app or Verizon's My Verizon app), you may be able to manage this through the app instead of calling.

The *67 method works on most carriers

Dialing *67 before a phone number is the fastest way to hide your number on a single call, and it works on most major carriers in the United States — AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and many regional carriers support it. You dial *67, then the full phone number (including area code), then press call. The recipient will see "Unknown," "Private," or "Blocked" instead of your number.

This method is free on most carriers and requires no setup. However, it does not work on every type of call. Calls to 911, toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866), and some government agencies may not allow the number to be hidden — the recipient may still see your number or the call may not go through. If you need to hide your number regularly, the per-call method becomes tedious, which is why some people choose permanent caller ID blocking through their carrier instead.

When caller ID blocking does not work

Emergency services (911) will always receive your real phone number, even if you try to hide it. This is a legal requirement — dispatchers need to know where the call is coming from. Toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866) often reject calls with hidden numbers or reveal your number to the recipient anyway, depending on the business's phone system. Government agencies, banks, and some customer service lines may also bypass caller ID blocking.

Additionally, if someone has already saved your number in their phone, they will see your name instead of "Unknown" — hiding your number does not erase your identity from their contacts. Some carriers also allow businesses and government agencies to request unblocking of your number through legal channels, though this is rare and usually requires a court order.

Carrier-specific options and costs

Verizon offers "Anonymous Call Rejection" (free) to block incoming calls from hidden numbers, but to hide your own number, you use *67 per call or contact them for permanent blocking, which may have a fee. AT&T supports *67 and offers a service called "Calling Line ID Restriction" through their website or by calling customer service. T-Mobile allows *67 and lets you manage caller ID settings through the T-Mobile app or by calling 611 from your phone.

Regional carriers and prepaid services vary widely — some support *67, others do not. If you are unsure whether your carrier supports it, the fastest way to find out is to dial *67 and try a test call to a friend. If it works, you are set. If not, call your carrier's customer service number (on your bill or their website) and ask what options they offer for hiding your caller ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide my number when texting?

No. Text messages do not use the same system as voice calls, so *67 and caller ID blocking do not work for SMS. Your number will always appear on text messages. Some messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or iMessage can hide your number if both people use the same app, but standard text messages cannot be anonymized.

Will the person know I am calling if I hide my number?

They will see "Unknown," "Private," or "Blocked" instead of your number. If you have called them before and they saved your number, they will see your name. If you are calling from a business line or a number they recognize, they may know it is you based on context, but they will not see your phone number on their screen.

Is it illegal to hide my caller ID?

No, hiding your caller ID is legal in the United States. However, using a hidden number to harass, threaten, or defraud someone is illegal. Carriers can also require you to reveal your number if law enforcement requests it through legal channels. Some businesses may refuse to do business with callers who hide their numbers.

Can I hide my number permanently without paying my carrier?

Yes, by using *67 before each call. This is free on most carriers. If you want permanent blocking without dialing *67 every time, your carrier may charge a monthly fee — typically $1 to $3 — or offer it free depending on your plan. Call your carrier to ask what they offer.

What if my carrier does not support *67?

Call your carrier's customer service number and ask what options they offer for hiding caller ID. Some smaller carriers or prepaid services do not support *67 but may offer permanent blocking through their account settings or app. If they offer neither, you may need to switch carriers if hiding your number is important to you.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.