Block your number before the call goes through

You can hide your phone number from the person you're calling in two ways: block it for a single call, or block it for all outgoing calls. The method depends on your phone type and what your carrier allows. Most carriers let you block your number at no cost, though some charge a small monthly fee if you want it on every call.

The fastest way is to add a code before dialing. On most phones, typing *67 before the number blocks your caller ID for that one call only. The person you reach will see "Private Number," "Blocked," or "Unknown" instead of your phone number. This works on landlines and most cell phones, though some carriers or phone systems may not support it.

If you want your number blocked on every call you make, you'll need to contact your phone carrier directly or change the setting in your phone's call settings. This is a permanent block until you turn it off, so the other person will see a blocked number every time you call them.

Key Takeaways

  • Typing *67 before any phone number blocks your caller ID for that single call only.
  • Your number appears as "Private Number" or "Blocked" to the person receiving the call.
  • To block your number on all outgoing calls, contact your phone carrier or adjust settings in your phone's call app.
  • Some phone systems, businesses, and government offices may override caller ID blocking and still see your real number.
  • Blocking your number does not prevent the other person from calling you back or contacting you through other means.

How to block your number on iPhone

On iPhone, the easiest method is to dial *67 before the phone number, then press Call. This hides your number for that call only. The recipient will see "Unknown" or "No Caller ID" on their screen.

To block your number on every call from your iPhone, open Settings, tap Phone, then select Show My Caller ID. Toggle the switch off. Once you turn this off, your number will be hidden on all outgoing calls until you turn it back on. Note that some carriers may not support this feature, and you may need to contact your carrier to confirm it's available on your account.

If you're using an older iPhone or your carrier doesn't support the in-phone setting, call your carrier's customer service line and ask them to block your caller ID on your account. They can usually do this in a few minutes.

How to block your number on Android

On Android phones, dial *67 before the number and press Call to hide your number for that single call. The person you're calling will see "Private Number" or "Unknown Caller."

To block your number on all calls, open the Phone app, tap the three-line menu (hamburger icon), and go to Settings. Look for Call Settings or Caller ID options. Select Hide My Number or Block Caller ID, then toggle it on. The exact wording and location varies by phone model and carrier, so if you can't find this option, check your phone's help menu or contact your carrier.

Some Android phones don't have this setting built in. If you can't find it after checking Settings, your carrier may require you to call them directly to enable caller ID blocking on your account.

What happens when you block your number

When you block your number, the person you call sees "Private Number," "Blocked," "Unknown," or "No Caller ID" instead of your actual phone number. They can still answer the call and talk to you normally. They can also still call you back if they have your number from another source, like a text message or email.

Blocking your number does not prevent the other person from using other methods to contact you or find your number. If they have your email address or know you through social media, they can reach you that way. Some phone systems—particularly those used by hospitals, banks, and government offices—have technology that can override caller ID blocking and see your real number anyway.

If you block your number and then call the same person repeatedly, they may become suspicious or frustrated because they can't see who's calling. Blocking your number works best for one-time calls or situations where you have a legitimate reason not to share your number.

When caller ID blocking doesn't work

Some businesses and organizations require caller ID information to complete a call. If you call a bank, insurance company, or government office with your number blocked, the call may be rejected or transferred to an automated system that asks you to unblock your number before proceeding.

Toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866) sometimes cannot receive blocked calls. If you're calling a customer service line and your blocked call doesn't go through, try dialing without the *67 code. The same applies to some 911 emergency services—while 911 can usually see your number even if blocked, some areas may have systems that don't accept blocked calls.

If you're calling a business and your blocked call keeps failing, remove the block for that call and dial normally. You can always ask the business not to share your number with third parties if you're concerned about privacy.

Permanent caller ID blocking through your carrier

If you want your number blocked on every call without typing *67 each time, contact your phone carrier directly. Call their customer service number (usually on your bill or their website) and ask to enable permanent caller ID blocking on your account.

Most major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others—offer this service at no charge, though some may charge a small monthly fee depending on your plan. The carrier will make the change in their system, and it takes effect within a few hours. Your number will then appear blocked on all outgoing calls until you call back and ask them to turn it off.

Keep in mind that turning on permanent blocking affects every call you make. If you call a doctor's office, bank, or other business that needs your number, they won't be able to see it. You may need to provide your number verbally or ask the carrier to temporarily unblock it for certain calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does *67 work on all phone carriers?

*67 works on most carriers in the United States, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and regional carriers. However, some carriers or phone systems may not support it. If you dial *67 and the call still shows your number, contact your carrier to confirm the feature is available on your account or ask them to enable it.

Can someone trace my number if I block it?

Blocking your caller ID hides your number from the person receiving the call, but it doesn't prevent law enforcement or the carrier from tracing your number if needed. If you're making threatening calls or harassing someone, blocking your number won't protect you legally. For legitimate privacy reasons, blocking your number is effective against most people and businesses.

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

If you call someone with your number blocked and they call you back, they'll reach you normally—your number isn't blocked on incoming calls. Blocking only affects calls you make outgoing. If you don't want them to reach you, you'll need to block their number separately using your phone's block list.

Will blocking my number prevent text messages from showing my number?

No. Blocking your caller ID only hides your number on voice calls. Text messages always show your number to the recipient. If you want to hide your number when texting, you'll need to use a separate texting app or service that masks your number, though this varies by app and carrier.

Can I block my number on a business phone line?

Most business phone systems allow *67 blocking on individual calls. For permanent blocking on a business line, contact your business phone provider or IT department. Some business systems have their own caller ID settings that may override personal blocking preferences, so check with your provider about what's available on your specific plan.