In this article, we will show you how to block your number on iPhone, Android, and landlines and USSD to protect your privacy and keep your calls anonymous today.
How to block your phone number – If you’ve ever wanted to make a call without revealing your number, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re trying to maintain privacy, avoid spam, or simply keep your identity under wraps, knowing how to block your number can be incredibly useful.
Luckily, there are a few easy ways to hide your caller ID on both smartphones and landlines.
See Also: 5 Steps to Block a Number on iPhone
Reasons to Block Your Number
Before we dive into the details of how to block your number, you might be wondering why you would want to do this in the first place. Here are some common reasons:
- Protecting Your Privacy: If you’re calling someone you don’t know well, blocking your number helps keep your personal details safe.
- Avoiding Unwanted Calls: If you’re calling businesses or service providers and want to avoid being contacted back, blocking your number ensures they don’t save or call you back.
- Preventing Spam: Some telemarketers and spammers get your number from various sources. By blocking your number, you ensure they can’t trace your identity.
See Also: 6 Steps to change Google Voice number on iPhone and Android
6 Ways to Block Your Number
Here, we will walk you through everything you need to know to block your phone number quickly and effectively.
1. How to Block Your Number on iPhone
If you’re an iPhone user, just follow these steps:
- Open the Settings App: Start by opening the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Scroll to Phone: Scroll down and tap on the “Phone” option.
- Enable ‘Show My Caller ID’: Under the “Call” section, tap on “Show My Caller ID.”
- Turn Off Caller ID: Toggle the switch to turn off your caller ID. Once you do this, your number will be blocked from showing up when you make calls.
Remember, this will only apply to the calls you make from your iPhone. If you want to block your phone number for a specific call, you can always dial a special code.
2. How to Block Your Number on Android
For Android phone users, the process is just as simple. Follow these steps:
- Open the Phone App: Start by launching the Phone app on your Android device.
- Access Settings: Tap the three dots (menu) icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then select “Settings.”
- Go to Caller ID Settings: Find and tap “Caller ID” or “More Settings.”
- Disable Caller ID: Toggle the “Show My Caller ID” option to off. This will prevent your number from being displayed when you make a call.
Like iPhones, this will affect all calls made from your Android device unless you choose to block your number for a specific call.
See Also: 4 Ways to Find Blocked Numbers on iPhone
3. How to Block Your Number for a Single Call (USSD)
If you’re looking to block your number for a one-time call without changing your phone settings permanently, you can use a universal code. This works on both iPhone and Android phones, as well as most landline phones.
Dial *67 (or #31#)
To block your number for a specific call, simply dial:
- For the U.S. and Canada: Dial
*67
followed by the phone number you’re trying to reach. - For most other countries: Dial
#31#
before the phone number.
For example, if you’re calling 555-1234, you’d dial *67 555-1234
or #31# 555-1234
. Once the call goes through, the recipient will see “Private” or “Blocked” instead of your number.
4. How to Block Your Number on a Landline
If you’re using a landline phone, you can also block your number for outbound calls. The method varies depending on your service provider, but generally, you’ll need to dial a code before making the call.
- *Dial 67: Before dialing the number, press *67 (or whatever code your provider uses).
- Make the Call: Once you dial *67, proceed to call the phone number you want to reach. The recipient will see your number as “Blocked” or “Private.”
Alternatively, you can contact your phone provider to inquire about permanent caller ID blocking for all outgoing calls.
See Also: 5 Ways to Share Location on iPhone
5. Using Third-Party Apps
For extra peace of mind, there are various third-party apps available for both iPhone and Android phones that can help you hide your caller ID. Apps like Truecaller and Hushed allow you to make anonymous calls by masking your phone number.
6. Contact Your Carrier
If you want to block your number permanently for all outgoing calls, you can contact your carrier. Most phone service providers offer a “permanent caller ID block” option, which ensures that your number remains hidden whenever you make a call. Check with your carrier for the exact process, as it may vary by provider and location.
Things to Keep in Mind
While blocking your number can be helpful, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Emergency Services: Your number will still show up when calling emergency services like 911, as they need to identify your location.
- Some Businesses Can’t Accept Blocked Calls: Certain businesses or helplines may not accept calls from private numbers. In this case, you may need to unblock your number temporarily.
- Legal Considerations: In some countries, it’s illegal to block your number when calling certain organizations or for specific purposes. Be sure to check the laws in your area.
See Also: 5 Ways to Record a Phone Call on iPhone
Conclusion
Blocking your number is a simple and effective way to protect your privacy when making calls. Whether you want to keep your identity anonymous for personal reasons or avoid unwanted callbacks, there are several methods available to block your number on both mobile phones and landlines. Now that you know how to block your number, you can confidently make calls without worrying about revealing your personal details.
Have any other questions about phone privacy or how to manage your caller ID? Feel free to reach out!
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