This guide outlines how to block a number when making a call, with steps for iPhone, Android and also a landline phone.
There are many reasons people want to block their phone numbers when making calls. Maybe they don’t want the recipient to know their number, either to protect their identity or to prevent the number from being saved. Or they might want to avoid a return call or confrontation, especially in situations involving sensitive discussions. Or they might be gauging how the recipient reacts to an anonymous or unexpected call, especially in personal or investigative contexts.
Professionals like doctors or recruiters sometimes block their numbers to maintain confidentiality or keep work-related calls separate from personal ones. In some cases, people block their numbers to surprise the recipient, such as with a prank or anonymous gift arrangement. Some people believe blocking their number reduces the chances of their number being added to spam call or junk mail lists. In rare cases, people block their number to avoid identification in potentially dangerous or uncertain situations.
How to block a number when making a call on an iPhone
Blocking your number when making a call on an iPhone is a simple process that requires a few taps. This guide will walk you through the steps so you can make private calls.
Important: Not all carriers support blocking your number. Check with your provider before attempting these steps for how to block a number when making a call. Blocking your number prevents the person you’re calling from seeing your phone number on their caller ID. It does not mask your number for emergency services, like calling 911 in the U.S.
Steps for how to block a number when making a call on an iPhone
1. Open the “Settings” App: Find the gray gear icon labeled “Settings” on your iPhone. Tap it to open the app.
2. Scroll Down and Tap “Phone”: In the Settings menu, scroll down until you see “Phone” and tap on it.
3. Toggle Off “Show My Caller ID”: In the Phone menu, scroll down to the “Calls” section. Tap the toggle switch next to “Show My Caller ID” to turn it off. The toggle will be white when turned off.
You’re Done with the steps for how to block a number when making a call! With “Show My Caller ID” turned off, your phone number will be blocked when making calls. Keep in mind that you may need to turn this on if a call won’t go through because the person you’re calling doesn’t accept calls from private numbers.
How to block a number when making a call with a temporary block (per call)
If you want to block your number for a single call, you can dial a code before the number. Open the “Phone” app, tap the “Keypad” tab, and dial “*67” (star 67) before the 10-digit number of the person you’re calling. Tap the “Call” button to connect the call. Your number will appear as “Private,” “Blocked,” or “Unknown” on the other person’s caller ID.
How to block a number when making a call on an Android phone
Blocking your number when making a call is a simple process on an Android device. Here’s how to do it:
Per-call blocking
To block your number on a per-call basis, follow these steps:
1. Open the Phone app. This is usually found on the home screen.
2. Tap the “Keypad” button. This button has the icon of a 10-digit keypad.
3. Dial “*67” followed by the number you want to call. The format should be “*67 1234567890.”
4. Tap the “Call” button.
Your number will be blocked for this call only.
Permanent block
To permanently block your number, you’ll need to contact your carrier. The steps for how to block a number when making a call permanently vary by carrier, but some of the most common examples are below:
- AT&T: Dial 611 and ask the customer service representative to add Caller ID Blocking to your line.
- T-Mobile: Dial 611 and ask the customer service representative to add Caller ID Blocking to your line. You can also log in to your My T-Mobile account online, go to the “PROFILE” section, click on “Phone” and toggle ” Caller ID” to “ON” to block your number.
- Verizon: Caller ID Blocking is included by default. To block your number on a per-call basis, dial “*82” followed by the number you’re calling.
- Sprint: Dial “*82” followed by the number you’re calling. You can also log in to your My Sprint account online, go to the “I want to…” section and select “Block caller ID” to block your number permanently.
Note: The permanent block method may not work when calling toll-free or 911 numbers. It’s also important to note that law enforcement and some business entities may still be able to see your blocked number.
How to block a number when making a call from a landline phone
Before You Start
- This guide assumes you are in the United States or Canada. Number blocking works differently in other countries.
- Not all callers can block their numbers. It depends on your phone service provider.
- Some businesses or organizations block calls from private numbers. If you block your number, they might not accept your call.
Step 1: Check If You Can Block Your Number
- Call your phone service provider’s customer service number. Ask if you can block your number on a per-call basis. Most providers allow this.
- Ask if you need to pay extra for this service. It’s usually free.
Step 2: Block Your Number for One Call
- Dial *67 before dialing the phone number you want to call. It’s the same code across the US and Canada.
- You’ll hear a dial tone after *67. Then dial the area code and phone number.
- Your Caller ID will show “Private,” “Anonymous,” or something similar on the recipient’s phone.
Important Notes
- You need to dial *67 every time you want to block your number. It only works for one call.
- Don’t press and hold the * key until it becomes a “p”. Some cell phones do this. Landlines don’t need it.
- *67 won’t override Caller ID blocking for toll-free or emergency numbers (911 in North America).
Permanently Block Your Caller ID (Optional)
If you want to block your number for all calls, ask your provider about a permanent solution. It might involve contacting them or using the phone company’s website. Keep in mind you’ll need to unblock your number to call businesses or people who block private calls.
Troubleshooting
If *67 isn’t working, contact your provider. They can check if the code is allowed for your specific phone plan.
If you’re calling a business or office, try dialing again without *67. They may block private numbers.
Blocking your number vs. private numbers
Some people get “blocking your number” and “private numbers” mixed up, but they are not the same thing. When a call is marked “private,” the caller’s number is not sent. However, the caller can usually dial “*69” to receive the private number. When you block your number, the recipient’s caller ID will usually display “Unknown,” “Private” or “Blocked.” But unlike with private numbers, the recipient cannot dial “*69” to receive your blocked number.
That’s It!
Now you know how to block a number when making a call. Remember to dial *67 each time you want to keep your number private.
