What blocking your number means and when you might do it

Blocking your number means hiding your phone number from the person you are calling so their caller ID shows "Unknown," "Private," or "Blocked" instead of your digits. You can block your number for a single call, for all calls you make, or for calls to specific people. The method depends on what phone you use and which calls you want to block.

People block their numbers for different reasons: to keep their personal number private when calling a business, to avoid callbacks to a number they no longer use, or to contact someone who has blocked them (though that person may not answer). Some workplaces require employees to block their numbers when calling customers.

Blocking your number is different from blocking someone else's calls to you — that feature stops incoming calls from reaching you at all. This article covers hiding your outgoing number only.

Key Takeaways

  • You can block your number for a single call by dialing *67 before the phone number on most landlines and older cell phones, though this does not work on all modern smartphones.
  • iPhone users can turn on "Hide My Caller ID" in Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, which blocks your number on all outgoing calls until you turn it back on.
  • Android users can hide their number through Settings > Calls > Additional Settings > Caller ID, though the exact path varies by phone maker and Android version.
  • Some carriers charge a monthly fee for a permanent block, while *67 is free but works only on a call-by-call basis.
  • Emergency calls to 911 always show your real number regardless of your block settings, and some businesses may refuse to take calls from blocked numbers.

Blocking your number on iPhone

On iPhone, you can hide your caller ID for all outgoing calls through the Settings app. Open Settings, tap Phone, then look for "Show My Caller ID" and toggle it off. Once you turn this setting off, your number will be hidden on every call you make until you turn it back on.

This method works on all iPhone models running iOS 13 or later. If you want to block your number for only one call instead of all calls, you will need to use the *67 method described below — iPhone does not have a built-in way to block your number for just a single call while leaving the setting on for others.

Blocking your number on Android

Android phones vary by manufacturer, but most let you hide your caller ID through the Settings app. Open Settings, find the Calls or Phone section, look for "Additional Settings" or "Caller ID," and choose an option like "Hide Number" or "Caller ID." The exact wording and location depend on whether you have a Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or another brand.

If you cannot find this setting, check your carrier's website or call their customer service — some carriers control this feature through their own app or account settings rather than the phone's built-in options. Once enabled, your number will be hidden on all outgoing calls until you turn the setting off again.

Using *67 to block your number on a single call

The *67 method works on most landlines and some older cell phones, but does not work reliably on modern iPhones or many Android phones. To try it, dial *67, then the full phone number you want to call (including the area code). The call will go through with your number hidden.

This method is free and does not require any account changes or settings adjustments. However, it only hides your number for that one call — your next call will show your number again unless you dial *67 again. If *67 does not work on your phone, your carrier may not support it, or your phone plan may not allow it.

What happens when you call 911 with your number blocked

Emergency calls to 911 always transmit your real phone number to the dispatcher, even if you have your caller ID blocked or use *67. This is a legal requirement so emergency responders can locate you and call you back if the line disconnects. There is no way to hide your number from 911.

If you are in danger and worried about someone seeing that you called for help, tell the dispatcher your concern when you call — they can advise you on next steps and may be able to help you reach a safe location or contact a domestic violence hotline.

When businesses and services refuse blocked calls

Some businesses, government offices, and customer service lines will not accept calls from blocked numbers and will either hang up or ask you to unblock your number before they can help you. Banks, insurance companies, and healthcare providers sometimes have this policy for security reasons — they want to verify your number in case they need to call you back.

If a business refuses your blocked call, you have two options: call back without blocking your number, or contact them through their website or a different phone line to ask whether they accept blocked calls. Some businesses have a separate line for customers calling from blocked numbers.

Carrier-based blocking and monthly fees

Some phone carriers offer a service that blocks your number on all calls for a monthly fee, usually between $2 and $5. This is different from the free methods above because it is managed by your carrier rather than your phone. You typically turn it on through your carrier's website, app, or by calling customer service.

Before paying for a carrier service, try the free options first — the built-in settings on iPhone and Android, or *67 for individual calls. Carrier-based blocking is most useful if you have an older phone that does not support the built-in settings, or if you need your number blocked on calls to multiple carriers or countries where *67 does not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone find out my real number if I block it?

Not through normal means. If you block your number, the person you call will see "Unknown" or "Private" on their caller ID and cannot see your digits. However, if they have access to your phone records through a court order or law enforcement request, your number could be revealed that way. Blocking your number protects your privacy from the person you are calling, not from legal investigations.

Does blocking my number work on text messages?

No. Blocking your number hides your caller ID on voice calls only. Text messages always show your phone number to the recipient — there is no built-in way to send an anonymous text from a standard phone number. Some messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal let you message without showing your real number, but those are different services.

What if *67 does not work on my phone?

Your carrier may not support *67, or your phone plan may not allow it. Try calling your carrier's customer service to ask whether they offer caller ID blocking and what method they recommend. You can also try the built-in settings on your phone (iPhone Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, or Android Settings > Calls > Caller ID) or ask about a paid carrier service.

Will the person I call know I blocked my number?

They will see that your number is blocked, but they will not know it is you specifically unless you tell them. If you call someone who knows you and your number is usually visible, they may suspect you blocked it. If you want them to know who you are, you will need to tell them during the call.

Can I block my number on international calls?

It depends on the country you are calling. *67 works in the United States and Canada but not in most other countries. If you are calling internationally, check your carrier's website or call them to ask whether they support caller ID blocking for that destination. Some carriers charge extra for international blocking or do not offer it at all.