Block your number before the call goes through

You can hide your phone number from the person you are calling by adding a code before you dial. On most phones, type *67 before the phone number, then press call. The recipient will see "Private Number," "Blocked," or "Unknown" instead of your actual number. This works on both landlines and cell phones, though some services like 911 and toll-free numbers may still see your real number even when you use *67.

If you are calling from a landline, you may also be able to use #31# instead of *67, depending on your phone company. The *67 method is more reliable across different carriers and phone types. Each call you make this way hides your number for that single call only — you do not have to turn anything off afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • Type *67 before the phone number to block your caller ID for a single call on any phone.
  • The person you call will see "Private Number" or "Blocked" instead of your phone number.
  • Blocking your number this way does not work for 911 calls or most toll-free numbers, which can still see your real number.
  • You can also block your number permanently in your phone settings, though this varies by phone type and carrier.
  • Some businesses and services refuse calls from blocked numbers, so the call may not go through at all.

Block your number for all calls in your phone settings

If you want to hide your number on every call you make, you can change this in your phone's settings instead of typing *67 each time. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Phone, then Show My Caller ID. Turn off the toggle next to your phone number. On an Android phone, open Settings, go to Call Settings or Advanced Settings (the exact name varies by phone brand), find Caller ID, and select Hide Number or a similar option.

After you change this setting, your number will be blocked on all outgoing calls until you turn it back on. Be aware that some businesses, banks, and customer service lines will not accept calls from blocked numbers and may hang up or ask you to call back with your number showing. If you need to unblock for a specific call, you can type *82 before the number to show your caller ID just for that one call.

What happens when you block your number

When you block your number, the person receiving the call sees a generic message instead of your phone number. Different phones and carriers display this differently — some show "Private Number," others show "Blocked," "Unknown," or "Restricted." The recipient cannot see your actual number, but they can still answer the call and hear you speak. They can also call you back if your voicemail is set up, though the callback goes to your number, not to a generic line.

Blocking your number does not prevent the call from being recorded or traced by law enforcement if needed. It only hides your number from the person you are calling. If you leave a voicemail, the recipient may be able to call back to your number even though they did not see it when you called.

When blocking your number does not work

Emergency services like 911 will always see your real phone number, even if you use *67. This is a legal requirement so dispatchers can locate you if the call disconnects. Toll-free numbers (those starting with 800, 888, 877, or 866) can also see your real number in many cases, because they have systems set up to capture caller information. Some businesses have special equipment that bypasses caller ID blocking.

Banks, credit card companies, and government agencies often refuse calls from blocked numbers entirely. If you call them with your number blocked, the call may not go through, or you may hear a message asking you to unblock your number and call back. If you need to reach these services, you will have to show your caller ID.

Blocking your number on video calls and messaging

The *67 method only works for voice calls made through your phone's regular calling system. It does not work on video calls through apps like FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet — those apps show your name or account information instead of a phone number. If you want to hide your identity on a video call, you will need to change your display name in the app itself or use a different account.

Text messages and messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Facebook Messenger also do not use the *67 blocking method. Your phone number or account name appears in those apps based on how you set up your account, not based on your caller ID settings. If you want to send a text without revealing your number, you would need to use a separate messaging app or service designed for that purpose.

Blocking your number versus blocking a caller

Blocking your own number (so others cannot see it) is different from blocking someone else's number (so you do not receive their calls). If you want to stop receiving calls from a specific person, you block them in your phone's contacts or settings — this prevents their calls from reaching you. If you want to hide your number when you call someone, you use *67 or change your caller ID settings.

Some people confuse these two features. Blocking your number does not prevent anyone from calling you back. If you call someone with your number blocked and they want to reach you, they can still call your number if they have it from another source, or they can call back through your voicemail system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block my number on a call I already made?

No. You have to type *67 or use your settings before you make the call. Once the call has already gone through, the recipient has already seen your number (or "Private Number" if you blocked it). You cannot go back and hide a number after the fact.

Will the person know I blocked my number?

They will see that the call came from a blocked or private number, so they will know you did not want them to see your number. They will not know who you are unless you tell them. Some people do not answer calls from blocked numbers at all.

Does blocking my number hide my location?

No. Blocking your caller ID only hides your phone number. Your location data is separate and is not hidden by *67 or caller ID settings. Law enforcement and emergency services can still locate you through your phone's GPS and cell tower information.

What if I block my number and the call does not go through?

The business or service you called may have a policy of rejecting blocked calls. Try calling back without blocking your number, or contact them through a different method like email or their website. Some customer service lines specifically require your number to be visible.

Can I block my number on a three-way call?

If you initiate the three-way call with *67, your number will be blocked for all parties on the call. However, if one person on the call has your number saved in their phone, they may still see your name even though your number is blocked.