How to Make Private Phone Calls – Hide Your Name and Number from Caller ID

By default, whether you’re calling strangers or contacts saved in your address book, your name and phone number—or just your phone number—are usually displayed. This is especially problematic when making one-time (non-regular) calls to strangers, as your number can be recorded and lead to telemarketing or spam calls. This article outlines several methods to help you hide your name and phone number from showing up on the recipient’s caller ID, protecting your privacy more effectively.

Using *67 for Private Calls

*67 is a service for hiding phone numbers, first introduced in the 1980s. As part of vertical service codes, it allows users to conceal their phone number when making calls, causing the recipient’s caller ID to display “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller.” This feature was initially developed to address the growing demand for privacy at the time.

Despite technological advancements, *67 remains widely used in many countries and regions and continues to be effective today. It provides a simple yet practical solution for users looking to protect their personal information.

How to Use 67 to Hide Your Phone Number

1. Open the Dialer: Access the dialer on your mobile or landline phone.
2. * Enter 67: Type *67 before the phone number, e.g., *67 123-456-7890.
3. Make the Call: Press the call button to dial. The recipient’s caller ID will display “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller.”

Tips:

• You need to dial *67 before every call as it only applies to the current call.
• Ensure the number format is correct, especially for local or international calls.
• This method does not apply to SMS messages.

The *67 method works on smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, as well as landlines. It’s not dependent on the type of communication device you’re using. Instead, *67 sends a code to your carrier, instructing them not to display your phone number or name on the recipient’s caller ID.

iPhone Settings Method

1. Open Settings app.
2. Select Phone.
3. Tap “Show My Caller ID”.
4. Turn off “Show My Caller ID”.

Reasons and Solutions for Unable to Turn Off “Show My Caller ID” on iPhone

Possible Reasons

1. Carrier Restrictions: Some carriers may not allow users to disable caller ID, or this feature might need to be adjusted through the carrier’s settings.
2. Software Version Issues: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Older iOS versions may cause the settings to malfunction.
3. Device Issues: If the above steps are correct but the feature still doesn’t turn off, it might be a hardware or software issue. Try restarting the device or resetting it to factory settings (remember to back up your data).
4. Network Problems: In some cases, an unstable network connection might affect the application of settings. Ensure your device is connected to a stable network.

Suggested Solutions

• Contact Your Carrier: If you suspect carrier restrictions, contact your telecom provider to confirm their policies.
• Update Your Software: Check and update to the latest iOS version.
• Restart Your Device: Restart your phone to see if the issue resolves.
• Reset to Factory Settings: As a last resort, reset your device to factory settings, but make sure to back up your important data first.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue of not being able to turn off “Show My Caller ID.”

Android Settings Method

1. Open Phone app.
2. Tap three-dot menu.
3. Select Settings.
4. Go to Calls → Additional settings.
5. Turn off Caller ID.

Carrier Settings Method

You can contact your carrier’s customer support to request setting your number to private by default. Simply reach out to their support team and ask them to make the change, which usually takes just a few minutes. Once completed, your number will remain hidden for all outgoing calls unless you choose to reveal it. For specific calls where you want your number to be visible, dial *82 before the phone number to temporarily display your caller ID.

It’s worth noting that *67 and *82 are two codes with opposite functions. If your number is set to display by default, dialing *67 will hide it. Conversely, if your number is set to private by default, dialing *82 will temporarily show it. Both codes are temporary and apply only to the current call.