Ever wanted to make a call without revealing your phone number? Whether it’s for privacy reasons or just to keep a little mystery, hiding your number when calling can be incredibly useful. However, it’s important to note that some recipients may not answer calls from hidden numbers, so consider this before using these methods. This guide will teach you how to block your number and hide your caller ID on iPhone or Android.
Method 1: Using Phone Settings
One of the most convenient ways to disguise your phone number when making calls on an iPhone or Android device is to go into the phone’s settings. By making a few simple configuration changes, you can ensure that the recipient’s caller ID doesn’t display your number. Since this method establishes a default behavior for all outgoing calls, it’s a hassle-free solution if you frequently need to block your number and hide your caller ID on iPhone or Android.
On Android
1. Open the Phone app and tap on the three dots (or More button) in the upper-right corner.
2. Head to Settings and select Call settings or Calls.
3. Choose Additional settings, tap on Caller ID, and select Hide number.
On iPhone
1. Open the Settings app and head to the Apps section.
2. Scroll down and select Phone.
3. Tap on Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle the switch to off.
Also read: How to use Live Voicemail on iPhone.
Method 2: Using a Prefix Code
Hide your phone number temporarily and easily with a simple prefix code. This strategy works great if you just need to disguise your phone number on rare occasions. You may want to block your number and hide your caller ID for that particular call by dialing a certain code before the desired number. In this manner, you can maintain the privacy of your phone number without modifying the normal settings.
1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial #31# before the number you wish to call.
For example, if you want to call 123-456-7890, you would dial #31#123-456-7890.
3. Your number will be hidden for that call.
Method 3: Using Google Voice
Google Voice offers a secure way to hide your number. This service not only lets you make calls with a hidden number but also provides additional features like voicemail and texting. By using Google Voice, you can manage your calls more effectively and maintain your privacy without altering your phone’s primary settings. This is especially useful for people who want a secondary number for specific purposes.
1. Download the Google Voice app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Google Voice number.
4. Open the Google Voice app.
5. Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
6. Select Settings and under Calls toggle on Anonymous caller ID.
Also read: How to track your lost Android phone.
Method 4: Using Burner App
Burner apps are a fantastic option if you need a temporary number for calling and texting. These apps provide you with disposable numbers that can be used and discarded as needed. This method is particularly useful for situations where you need to share your number but want to maintain your anonymity. The Burner app, for example, allows you to choose a number from any area code, set up voicemail, and even send texts. It’s a convenient solution for dating, business transactions, or any scenario where you want to keep your personal number private.
1. Download the Burner app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and sign up for an account.
3. Choose a Burner number.
4. Use this number to make calls, ensuring your real number stays hidden.
Also read: How to perform factory reset on an Android smartphone.
Method 5: Contact Your Carrier
Contacting your carrier is a more permanent solution to hiding your number. By requesting your carrier to hide your caller ID on all outgoing calls, you can ensure that your number remains private without needing to adjust any settings or use additional apps. To do this, simply call your carrier’s customer service, request to block your number and hide your caller ID on all outgoing calls, and follow any additional instructions provided by your carrier. This method is ideal if you consistently need to keep your number hidden for all your calls and want a hassle-free, long-term solution.
1. Call your carrier’s customer service.
2. Request to hide your caller ID on all outgoing calls.
3. Follow any additional instructions provided by your carrier.
Bottom line
Whether you want to block your number and hide your caller ID on iPhone or Android using phone settings, a prefix code, Google Voice, Burner apps, or by contacting your carrier, you now have multiple ways to keep your number private. So, next time you need to make a call without sharing your digits, you’ll know exactly what to do. Stay mysterious, and keep your number hidden!
FAQs
Yes, using the prefix code #31# before dialing allows you to hide your number for individual calls on Android and iPhone.
Yes, the above methods will hide your number for domestic and international calls. However, using a prefix code might vary depending on the country.
No, hiding your number only affects your outgoing calls. Incoming calls will not be affected.
Hiding your number through phone settings or using a prefix code is generally free. However, using services like Google Voice or Burner might involve fees. Contacting your carrier may also incur charges depending on their policy.
Yes, hiding your number does not affect your ability to receive calls. It only hides your number on outgoing calls.
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Chhavi Tomar is a dynamic person who works as an Editor for The Writing Paradigm. She studied B.Sc. Physics and is currently doing a B.Ed. She has more than three years of experience in editing, gained through freelance projects. Chhavi is skilled in technology editing and is actively improving her abilities in this field. Her dedication to accuracy and natural talent for technology make her valuable in the changing world of digital content.
