Block your number before the call connects

You can hide your phone number from the person you are calling in two ways: use a code before dialing, or turn off caller ID in your phone settings. The code method works on any phone and takes a few seconds. The settings method is permanent until you turn it back on. Both are free and built into your phone service — you do not need an app or subscription.

The code method is faster if you only want to block your number for one call. The settings method is better if you plan to make several calls without showing your number. Which one you use depends on whether your phone service allows it — some carriers and phone plans restrict this feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Dial *67 before the phone number on most landlines and cell phones in the United States to block your number for a single call.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off to hide your number on all outgoing calls.
  • On Android, open Phone > Settings > Calls > Additional Settings > Caller ID and select Hide Number.
  • Some carriers charge a monthly fee for blocking your number on all calls, while the per-call code *67 is always free.
  • The person you call will see "Private," "Blocked," or "Unknown" instead of your number, but emergency services can still identify you.

Using *67 to block a single call

Dial *67, then the full phone number you want to reach, exactly as you normally would. Press call. Your number will not appear on the recipient's phone or caller ID display. This works on most landlines and cell phones in the United States, whether you use a major carrier like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller provider.

If *67 does not work, your carrier may not support it, or your phone plan may have it disabled. Call your carrier's customer service to ask whether per-call blocking is available on your account. Some business plans and prepaid services do not offer this feature.

Blocking your number on iPhone

Open Settings, then tap Phone. Scroll down and tap Show My Caller ID. Toggle the switch to off. Your number will now be hidden on every call you make until you turn this setting back on.

If you do not see this option, your carrier may not support it. Some carriers require you to contact them directly to enable or disable caller ID blocking. Check your carrier's website or call their support line to confirm whether this feature is available on your plan.

Blocking your number on Android

Open the Phone app and tap the three-dot menu (or Settings, depending on your phone model). Select Settings, then Calls. Tap Additional Settings or Call Settings. Look for Caller ID or Show My Number, then select Hide Number or a similar option. The exact menu names vary by phone manufacturer and Android version.

If you cannot find this setting, your phone may not have it built in, or your carrier may not support it. Some Android phones let you set this per contact instead — you can hide your number only when calling specific people. Check your phone's help documentation or contact your carrier to learn what options are available on your account.

What the recipient sees

When you block your number, the person you call will see "Private," "Blocked," "Unknown," or "No Caller ID" on their phone instead of your number. Some phones display a generic message. The exact wording depends on the recipient's phone and carrier.

If the recipient has a service that blocks unknown callers, your call may go straight to voicemail or be rejected. Many people screen calls from blocked numbers because they assume it is spam or a telemarketer. If you need the person to answer, consider whether blocking your number is necessary for that particular call.

Emergency calls and blocked numbers

When you call 911 or other emergency services, your number is always transmitted to the dispatcher, even if you have caller ID blocking turned on. Emergency services need your location and contact information to send help. The blocking feature does not apply to emergency calls.

If you call a non-emergency police line, fire department, or hospital, your number may also be visible to them depending on the service. Only the *67 code and caller ID blocking settings affect regular phone calls to private numbers and businesses.

Carriers that charge for blocking all calls

Most carriers offer per-call blocking with *67 for free. However, some carriers charge a monthly fee if you want to block your number on all outgoing calls as a permanent setting. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile typically charge between $2 and $5 per month for this service, though pricing varies by region and plan type.

Before paying for a monthly service, check whether your carrier offers the free per-call method with *67 or the free settings option on your phone. If you only need to block your number occasionally, the free methods are usually sufficient. Contact your carrier directly to ask about pricing if you want to block all calls permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the person I call know I blocked my number?

They will see that your number is blocked, but they will not receive a notification that you specifically blocked it. They will simply see "Private" or "Unknown" instead of your phone number. If they call you back, they cannot reach you through that call.

Can I block my number on a work phone or business line?

It depends on your phone system. If you use a traditional landline or cell phone, the same methods apply. If you use a VoIP system, business phone service, or a company phone app, the blocking feature may not be available or may be disabled by your employer. Check with your IT department or phone system administrator.

What if *67 does not work?

Your carrier may not support it, or your plan may have it disabled. Try calling your carrier's customer service line to ask whether per-call blocking is available. If it is not, you can use your phone's settings to block your number on all calls instead, or ask your carrier whether a monthly blocking service is available.

Does blocking my number hide my identity from the phone company?

No. Your carrier always knows who you are and records your call. Blocking your number only hides it from the person you are calling. Law enforcement and emergency services can still identify you if needed.

Can I block my number on text messages?

No. The *67 code and caller ID settings only work for voice calls. Text messages always show your phone number to the recipient. There is no built-in way to send a text message anonymously through a standard phone plan.