How to Hide Your Number When You Call Someone

There are a few ways to keep your phone number from appearing when you call someone. You can dial *67, turn off caller ID in your phone settings, or use a second phone number through an app like Burner. The difference depends on what the other person sees when you call.

With *67 or caller ID blocking, the call will typically appear as “Private” or “No Caller ID.” With a second number, the recipient sees a working number that they can call and text back; it’s just not your personal one.

Here’s how each method works, how to set it up on iPhone or Android, and what to know before making a call:

The Best Ways to Hide Your Number When Calling

There are several ways to keep your personal number private when you make a call. The best option really depends on whether you’re making a one-time call, want to block your caller ID across multiple calls, or need a separate number someone can call or text back.

Use *67 to Hide Your Number for One Call

Dialing *67 before a phone number blocks your caller ID for that specific call. Instead of seeing your phone number, the recipient will typically see “Private,” “Blocked,” or “No Caller ID.” It’s a simple option for occasional calls that doesn’t require you to change your phone settings or download an app.

How to Use *67:

1. Open your phone’s dial pad.
2. Enter *67 followed by the full phone number.
3. Press the call button as usual.

For example, to call 555-123-4567, you would dial *67-555-123-4567.

What to Know Before Using

Although *67 works with many U.S. phone service providers, there are still a few limitations to consider:

• It only applies to one call: You’ll need to dial *67 again the next time you want to block your caller ID.
• Not every call will go through: Some people automatically reject calls from blocked or private numbers.
• Carrier support varies: The code may not work with certain phone services or call types.
• It doesn’t make calls anonymous: Your carrier and emergency services can still identify your phone.

Hide Your Number on an iPhone

You can block your caller ID directly through your iPhone’s settings. When enabled, this prevents your phone number from appearing on most outgoing calls without having to dial *67 each time.

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Related: How to Hide Your Number and Call Privately on iPhones

How to Turn Off Caller ID on iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and select Apps, then Phone. On older iOS versions, you may find Phone directly in Settings.
3. Tap Show My Caller ID.
4. Turn the toggle off.

Your outgoing calls should now appear as “Private” or “No Caller ID” instead of displaying your phone number.

What If “Show My Caller ID” Is Missing?

Some carriers control caller ID settings, so the option may be unavailable or grayed out on your iPhone. If that’s the case, contact your mobile carrier to ask about caller ID blocking.

Hide Your Number on Android

Android phones also let you block caller ID through your call settings, although the exact steps depend on your device, Android version, and mobile carrier.

How to Change Caller ID Settings on Android

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
3. Look for Calling Accounts, Calls, or Supplementary Services.
4. Select Caller ID or Show Your Caller ID.
5. Choose Hide Number or Never, depending on your device.

Some Android phones may require you to select your SIM card or open Additional Settings before you can access caller ID controls.

What If Caller ID Blocking Isn’t Available?

Not every Android phone or carrier supports caller ID blocking through device settings. If the option is missing or unavailable, contact your phone service provider to check whether the feature is supported.

How to Use a Second Number to Keep Your Number Private

A second phone number lets you make calls and send texts without giving out your primary number. Instead of blocking caller ID, you use a separate number that appears on the recipient’s screen.

Apps like Burner, Google Voice, and Hushed offer second phone numbers that you can use from the phone you already have. Features, pricing, and availability vary by provider.

How to Make Calls With a Second Phone Number

1. Download a second number app or sign up for a supported service.
2. Choose an available phone number and complete the setup process.
3. Open the app and select the number you want to call from.
4. Enter the recipient’s phone number and place your call.

Why Use a Second Number?

A second number is particularly useful when you need to stay in contact with someone but don’t want to share the number you use for everything else. A few specific benefits include:

• Two-way communication: People can call or text your second number without needing your personal contact information.
• Separate conversations: Keep communication related to online dating, marketplace listings, or other activities separate from your primary number.
• Better management over your contact information: Depending on the service, you can change or remove a second number when you no longer need it.
• No caller ID blocking required: The recipient sees a working number rather than a “Private” or “No Caller ID.”

Second phone numbers don’t make your calls anonymous. Instead, they give you a separate usable number while keeping your primary line private.

Does Blocking Caller ID Make a Call Anonymous?

Blocking a caller ID prevents your phone number from appearing on the recipient’s screen, but it doesn’t make the call completely anonymous. Depending on the circumstances, your number or identifying information may still be accessible to:

• Your phone carrier: Your provider maintains records of calls made through its network.
• Emergency services: Caller ID restrictions generally don’t prevent emergency services from identifying your number.
• Law enforcement: Call records may be obtained through appropriate legal processes.
• Certain organizations: Some toll-free numbers and call centers use Automatic Number Identification (ANI), which may identify your phone number even when your caller ID is blocked.

Why Calls With Blocked Caller ID May Not Go Through

Some calls with blocked caller ID never reach the recipient. This usually happens because of call-screening settings or restrictions on the receiving phone system. Common reasons include:

• Unknown caller filters: Some phones automatically silence calls from numbers that aren’t recognized or saved in the recipient’s contacts.
• Private number blocking: The recipient may have enabled a setting that rejects calls with restricted caller ID.
• Carrier restrictions: Certain phone services may not support caller ID blocking.
• Spam protection: Call-screening services may flag or filter calls based on available caller information and other risk signals.

A call from a second number may be more likely to actually reach the recipient because it displays a usable number. However, this isn’t a guarantee and can depend on the carrier, second number app, and recipient’s settings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiding a Number

Does *67 Still Work?

Yes, *67 still works with many U.S. phone carriers. However, support varies by provider, and some recipients have settings that automatically reject calls with blocked caller ID.

Can Someone Call Me Back If I Use *67?

Not directly through the caller ID displayed for that call. The recipient will typically see “Private,” “Blocked,” or a similar label instead of your phone number. If you want someone to be able to return your call, consider using a second phone number.

Can I Block My Caller ID When Texting?

No, *67 and standard caller ID blocking settings apply to phone calls, not regular SMS messages. A second phone number app allows you to send and receive texts without sharing your primary number.

Is Using a Second Number the Same as Blocking Caller ID?

No, blocking caller ID prevents your number from appearing on the recipient’s screen. A second phone number displays an alternate number that the recipient can use to call or text you back.

Keep Your Personal Number Private With Burner

Blocking caller ID works for occasional calls, but it isn’t always practical if you want someone to reach you again. A second phone number gives you that flexibility without requiring you to share your primary number.

With the Burner App, you can make calls, send texts, and manage conversations from a separate number on your existing phone. Whether you’re meeting someone new, selling something online, or simply want to be more selective about who has your contact information, Burner lets you stay connected on your terms.

Get started with Burner and keep your personal phone number to yourself.