How to Block Your Cell Phone Number From Caller ID

It's free and easy; just choose a temporary or permanent block

While caller ID is a standard way to display incoming phone numbers, you don’t have to let it identify you. Making your mobile number invisible from caller ID is free and easy.

You have two choices with cell phone blocking: you can do a permanent block or a temporary block on a call-by-call basis.

Temporary blocking only works when you call individuals and businesses. Your phone number can’t be blocked when calling toll-free (i.e. 1-800) and emergency services (i.e. 911), due to obvious security reasons.

 Moreover, if you own an Android smartphone or an iPhone, you can hide your caller ID from within the software of your device. 

Here are the simple and free steps for all four choices.

Call-by-Call Block From Caller ID

1. Just dial *67 before the phone number on your cell phone. This code is the universal command to deactivate caller ID.
   
   For example, placing a blocked call would look like *67 555 555 5555 (without the spaces). On the receiving end, caller ID will usually display “private number” because it has been blocked.
   Though you won’t hear or see a confirmation of a successful caller ID block, it will work.

Permanent Block From Caller ID

1. Just call your cell phone carrier and ask for a line block. This means your phone number won’t appear when you call any number. This is permanent and irreversible. While customer service may attempt to convince you to reconsider, the choice is yours.
   
   Though the code to call your mobile carrier can vary, 611 typically works for cell phone customer service in the United States and Canada.

1. If you temporarily want your number to appear when you have a permanent line block in place, you can dial *82 before the number. For example, allowing your number to appear in this case would look like *82 555 555 5555 (without the spaces).
   Do be aware, though, that a minority of people automatically decline calls from phones that block caller ID. In that case, you’d have to allow caller ID in order to make the call.

Hide Your Number On An Android Device

1. Open Dialer.
2. Press the menu button.
3. Press Additional settings.
4. Enter Caller ID setting.
5. Choose "Hide number" and your number will be hidden.
6. Choose "Show number" or  "Network default" setting to show it back.

Hide Your Number On An iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Enter 'Phone' setting.
3. Press Show My Caller ID.
4. Use the toggle switch to show or hide your number.

So, there you have it; now you know how to block your caller ID from your recipients.

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