How To Block Your Number When Calling A Number
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How To Block Your Number When Calling A Number

2 min read 05-02-2025
How To Block Your Number When Calling A Number

Want to make a call without revealing your phone number? Many situations call for making anonymous calls, whether you're contacting a business for the first time, protecting your privacy, or simply avoiding unwanted calls back. Luckily, blocking your number is easier than you think, but the method varies depending on your phone and carrier. Let's explore how to block your number when calling.

Understanding Number Blocking Methods

Before we dive into specific instructions, it's crucial to understand that there are different ways to achieve this, each with its own implications:

  • Temporary Number Blocking: This method hides your number for a single call. It's the most common and easiest to use.
  • Permanent Number Blocking (Carrier Setting): Some carriers allow you to permanently block your number for all outgoing calls. However, this usually requires contacting your service provider. This is less common now and often only available with a special plan.
  • Using a Third-Party App: Several apps offer additional privacy features, including the ability to mask your number. These apps often come with added features, but may require subscriptions or in-app purchases.

How to Temporarily Block Your Number

This is the simplest and most widely applicable method. Here's how to do it for the most common phone types:

Blocking Your Number on an iPhone

  1. Open the Phone app: Locate and open your phone's built-in dialer.
  2. Enter the number: Dial the number you want to call.
  3. Add the blocking code: Before tapping the call button, add *67 before the number. For example, if the number is 555-1212, dial *67555-1212.
  4. Make the call: Tap the call button. Your number will be hidden for this specific call.

Blocking Your Number on an Android Phone

The process on Android phones is very similar. However, some carrier settings may require you to use a different code or use the app to change the caller ID settings.

  1. Open the Phone app: Launch the phone dialer application.
  2. Enter the number: Type the phone number you wish to call.
  3. Add the blocking code: Typically, the code is *67, but this may vary by carrier. Some carriers may use a different code. Check your carrier's website or contact them for the correct code. Prefix the number with the code (e.g., *67555-1212).
  4. Make the call: Initiate the call. Your phone number should be hidden.

Checking Your Carrier's Specific Instructions

While *67 is a common code, it's crucial to verify the correct code with your specific mobile carrier. Using the wrong code might not hide your number or might result in an unsuccessful call. Check your carrier's website or contact customer support to ensure you use the correct method.

Important Considerations When Blocking Your Number

  • Not all calls can be blocked anonymously: Some numbers may reject calls with hidden numbers, especially emergency services or specific business lines.
  • Legal and ethical implications: Use this feature responsibly. Blocking your number for illegal or unethical purposes is not advisable.
  • Reverse phone lookup: Even with your number blocked, sophisticated services might be able to identify you with call trace.

By following these steps and verifying your carrier's specific instructions, you can effectively block your number when making a call and maintain your privacy. Remember to use this feature responsibly and ethically.

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