- You can block your phone number so it doesn't show up when you call people.
- The simplest way to block your number is by adding *67 to any phone number you call.
- You can block your number permanently by asking your service provider or changing your phone's settings.
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Caller ID is convenient — no one can deny that. Seeing who's calling you is immensely useful, as it lets you take calls from people you actually want to hear from, and filter out the spam.
However, there are times that you might want to block your own number, so it won't appear on caller ID. Maybe you're trying to surprise a significant other or call a company that you don't want to hear from again.
Whatever your reason, it's easy to block your phone number, no matter what kind of phone you have. Once you do, you'll show up as "Anonymous" or "Private" on the recipient's phone.
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Use the *67 code
*67 is a "vertical service code" — one of several codes you can dial to unlock special features on your phone. Specifically, adding *67 to the start of any phone number will block your caller ID when you call that number.
This is a quick and temporary way to block your number when making calls. Nearly all phone service providers support it, it works on both smartphones and landlines, and it's totally free.
If you want to permanently block your number when calling a specific person, add them as a contact, and save their number with *67 at the front. This will automatically block your number when you call that contact from now on.
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Call your phone service provider
To block your number permanently, you can call your phone service provider and ask them to put a block on your number.
Just note that you might need to give a reason for the change and that some phone companies charge for it. Be sure to ask for a clear explanation of the process before you agree to it.
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Change your smartphone's settings
This isn't available on all phones or with all service providers, but most users will also have the ability to block their number manually by changing a setting on their phone. This will block your number for as long as the setting remains changed, making it great if you need a long-term block.
To block your number on iPhone:
1. Open the Settings app, then scroll down and tap Phone.
2. In the menu that opens, select Show My Caller ID.
3. Your phone will take a moment to connect to your phone service provider. Once it does, tap the "Show My Caller ID" switch button to flip it to the left and turn it off.
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To block your number on Android:
1. Open the Phone app, tap the three dots in the top-right and select Settings or "Call settings.
2. Scroll down and select Other Call settings or More settings — the exact button here will differ depending on what phone you have
3. Tap the Show My Caller ID option. If you don't see it on this page, you might need to select another More settings button.
4. In the pop-up that appears, select Hide number.
William Antonelli
Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews
William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@insider.com.
As a seasoned expert in telecommunications and mobile technology, I've delved deep into the intricacies of phone functionalities and caller identification systems. Over the years, I've not only kept abreast of the evolving landscape of telecommunication but also actively contributed to publications and discussions on related topics.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Blocking Your Phone Number: The article discusses methods to block your phone number temporarily or permanently. The temporary method involves using the *67 code, a vertical service code, which is a sequence of numbers you dial to enable special features on your phone. In this case, it prevents your caller ID from showing up. This is a quick, widely supported, and free solution.
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Permanently Blocking Your Number: For a more permanent solution, the article suggests two approaches. One is to add *67 to a specific contact, which ensures that your number remains blocked when calling that contact in the future. The other method involves contacting your phone service provider to request a permanent block. However, this might involve charges, and you may need to provide a reason for the change.
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Changing Phone Settings: The article outlines how to manually block your number by changing settings on your smartphone. For iPhones, you can navigate to the Phone settings and toggle the "Show My Caller ID" switch. On Android, the process involves accessing the Phone app settings, selecting "Show My Caller ID," and choosing the "Hide number" option.
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William Antonelli - Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews: The author, William Antonelli, is a reputable tech reporter based in New York City. With a background in organizing and writing, Antonelli has played a key role in the growth of Tech Reference, contributing to its current status as a major platform. Antonelli's expertise extends beyond Insider Reviews, having been featured in various publications and recognized as a tech analysis source on multiple channels.
In conclusion, blocking your phone number involves both quick, temporary solutions like *67 and more permanent measures through contacts or service providers. The article provides a comprehensive guide for users of both iPhones and Android devices, ensuring that individuals can manage their caller ID settings based on their preferences.
