How to Hide Your Number When Calling

How to Hide Your Phone Number When Making Calls

In today’s digital world, privacy is a big deal. There are many reasons you might want to keep your phone number hidden when making a call—whether it’s to stay anonymous, protect your personal info, or avoid unwanted callbacks. Here’s a handy guide on how to hide your number when calling, covering different devices and service providers.

Understanding Caller ID

Caller ID lets the person you’re calling see your phone number. While it’s useful, sometimes you might not want your number to be visible. Fortunately, there are several ways to block your number from appearing on the recipient’s caller ID.

Methods to Hide Your Number When Calling

Method 1: Using a Prefix Code

One of the easiest ways to hide your number is by using a prefix code before dialing the recipient’s number. This method works on most mobile phones and landlines.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Dial the Prefix Code:
   • In the US and Canada, the prefix code is *67.
   • In the UK, the prefix code is 141.
   • Other countries have different codes, so check with your service provider.
2. Enter the Phone Number: After dialing the prefix code, enter the phone number you want to call.
3. Complete the Call: Your number will be blocked, and the recipient will see “Unknown” or “Private” instead of your number.

   Example: To call (555) 123-4567 in the US, dial *67 5551234567.

Method 2: Changing Phone Settings

Most smartphones allow you to block your number for all outgoing calls through the settings.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to Phone: Scroll down and tap on Phone.
3. Select Show My Caller ID: Tap on Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle Off: Turn off the switch to hide your number.

On Android:

1. Open the Phone App: Launch the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Access Settings: Tap on the three dots or the gear icon to open the settings menu.
3. Select Caller ID: Navigate to Caller ID or More Settings.
4. Choose Hide Number: Select Hide Number to block your caller ID.

Method 3: Contacting Your Service Provider

For a more permanent solution, contact your service provider to block your number for all outgoing calls.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Call Customer Service: Dial the customer service number of your service provider.
2. Request Number Blocking: Ask the representative to block your number for all outgoing calls.
3. Confirm Changes: Follow any additional instructions and confirm the changes.

Method 4: Using a Burner Number

A burner number is a temporary phone number you can use to make calls without revealing your actual number. Several apps provide this service, allowing you to maintain privacy.

Popular Apps:

• Burner: Provides temporary numbers for calls and texts. Available for iOS and Android.
• Hushed: Offers disposable numbers for voice calls and messaging. Available for iOS and Android.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download and Install the App: Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and download the app.
2. Create an Account: Sign up and choose a temporary number.
3. Make Calls: Use the app to make calls from your burner number.

Method 5: Using Google Voice

Google Voice gives you a secondary phone number for calls, texts, and voicemails.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Sign Up for Google Voice: Visit the Google Voice website and sign in with your Google account.
2. Choose a Number: Select a Google Voice number from the available options.
3. Configure Settings: Set up call forwarding and other preferences.
4. Make Calls: Use the Google Voice app to make calls, and your Google Voice number will appear on the recipient’s caller ID.

Method 6: Using a VoIP Service

VoIP services like Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp let you make calls over the internet, often without revealing your actual phone number.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download and Install the App: Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and download the VoIP app.
2. Create an Account: Sign up and configure your account.
3. Make Calls: Use the app to make calls, and your VoIP number or username will appear on the recipient’s caller ID.

Conclusion

Hiding your phone number can help protect your privacy and keep you anonymous. Whether you choose to use a prefix code, change your phone settings, contact your service provider, use a burner number, Google Voice, or a VoIP service, each method has its own benefits. By following this guide, you can easily hide your number and enjoy more private calls.