You may want to protect your personal number when contacting a new client, returning a marketplace seller’s call, or reaching a business you do not expect to contact again. Hiding caller ID can provide temporary privacy without requiring a second phone number.
The best method for how to block your number when calling depends on whether you want privacy for one call or every supported outgoing call. The options below cover a dialing prefix, iPhone settings, and common Android menus, along with the limitations you should check first.
1. How to Block Your Number When Calling: 3 Easy Methods
Before placing an important call, test the selected method with someone you trust. Caller ID blocking depends on your country, carrier, plan, and the type of number being called.
Method 1: Dial *67 to Hide Your Number for One Call
In the United States, *67 is commonly used to hide caller ID for one outgoing call.
- Open your phone’s dial pad.
- Enter *67.
- Type the recipient’s complete phone number immediately afterward.
- Tap Call.
- Ask a trusted contact whether your number appeared as Private, Blocked, or No Caller ID.
For example, the dialed sequence should follow this format: *67 + phone number.
The prefix usually applies only to that call. Your number should display normally the next time you call unless you enter *67 again or have permanent caller ID blocking enabled.
This code is not universal. It may not work outside North America, on certain mobile plans, or when calling emergency and toll-free numbers. Some recipients also block private calls automatically.
Method 2: Hide Your Caller ID on iPhone
Current iPhone software places the caller ID control within the Phone app settings.
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Tap Phone.
- Select Show My Caller ID.
- Turn the option off.
- Make a test call to confirm that your number is hidden.
Once disabled, caller ID generally remains hidden for supported outgoing calls until you turn the setting back on. Apple notes that the option may be dimmed or missing when the carrier does not allow customers to control caller ID from the device.
If you are checking how to block my number when calling and cannot find the toggle, contact your mobile provider. The carrier may need to activate the feature or apply blocking at the account level.
Method 3: Hide Your Caller ID on Android
Android menus vary by manufacturer, Phone app, carrier, and software version. Samsung Galaxy phones commonly place the setting under Supplementary services, while another device may use Calling Accounts or Additional Settings.
Try this general route:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the menu icon.
- Open Settings or Call Settings.
- Select Calling Accounts, Supplementary Services, or Additional Settings.
- Tap Caller ID or Show Your Caller ID.
- Select Hide Number or Never.
- Place a test call.
On a Samsung Galaxy phone, the usual path is Phone > More options > Settings > Supplementary services > Show my caller ID > Hide number.
This how to block your number when making a call option may be necessary when the Android Phone app does not display a caller ID control. Hiding caller ID affects voice calls, not text messages.
2. Can You Block Your Number for Every Call?
Yes, you can hide your phone number for most outgoing calls if your device and carrier support permanent Caller ID blocking. On iPhone, turn off Show My Caller ID. On supported Android phones, select Hide Number in the calling settings.
If these options aren’t available, contact your carrier about account-level Caller ID blocking. This may be useful when your phone doesn’t offer a Caller ID setting, or you want the restriction managed by your provider.
You can also ask your carrier how to block your number when calling someone or how to temporarily display your number when needed, as the required dialing code varies by network.
Keep in mind: Permanent Caller ID blocking doesn’t make calls completely anonymous. Emergency services, carriers, and certain toll-free systems may still receive identifying information.
>>> Read more: How to Send a Voicemail Without Calling: 3 Methods That May Work
3. Why Can’t You Hide Your Number When Calling?
If how to block your number when calling does not work as expected, check the network and call type before changing the phone again.
- Carrier restrictions: The mobile provider may not support caller ID blocking or may require account-level activation.
- Missing setting: The caller ID toggle may be unavailable, dimmed, or controlled entirely by the carrier.
- Unsupported dialing code: *67 is commonly used in the United States, but other countries and networks use different prefixes.
- Private-call filtering: The recipient may automatically reject calls labeled Private, Blocked, or No Caller ID.
- Emergency numbers: Caller ID privacy may be overridden when calling emergency services.
- Toll-free numbers: Caller information may still be transmitted because the receiving organization pays for the call.
- VoIP or calling apps: An internet calling service may use its own account name and privacy controls.
- Dual SIM settings: The feature may apply to only one line, so check which SIM is placing the call.
- Work-managed phone: An organization’s administrator or business plan may restrict caller ID changes.
Restart the phone after changing the setting, then make a test call. If your number remains visible, contact the carrier and ask whether caller ID restriction is enabled for your line and country.
>>> Also read: Why Does a Call Go Straight to Voicemail Without Ringing? 7 Causes & Fixes
4. FAQs
How do I hide my caller ID on my phone?
For how to block your number when calling, use *67 for a single supported U.S. call or disable caller ID in the Phone settings for ongoing privacy. If the setting is missing, ask your carrier whether it provides account-level blocking.
Does *67 work with cell phones?
Yes, *67 commonly works with U.S. mobile and landline calls when supported by the carrier. It may fail with toll-free numbers, emergency services, unsupported networks, or recipients who reject private calls.
Is *69 used to block your number?
No. *69 is traditionally associated with returning or identifying the last incoming call on supported services. It does not hide your caller ID.
What is *67 vs. *69?
*67 requests caller ID blocking for one outgoing call on supported networks. *69 is a call-return feature and does not make your number private.
5. Conclusion
For one private call, *67 is usually the quickest option on a supported U.S. network. Phone settings or carrier-level controls are more suitable when you want ongoing privacy.
Whichever method you choose for how to block your number when calling, test it before relying on it and remember that private calls may be rejected. Caller ID blocking hides the number from the recipient’s display, but it does not make the call untraceable or affect text messages.
