How to Hide Your Phone Number for Outgoing Calls: A Comprehensive Guide

With the rise of the pandemic, we've seen a significant increase in the use of phone calls for personal connections. However, not everyone you're calling requires or should have access to your phone number. Fortunately, there are several methods to hide your number when making outbound calls. This article will guide you through the steps to keep your number private and ensure that your privacy remains intact.

Methods to Block or Hide Your Number When Making Calls

Thanks to advancements in technology, you can now easily conceal your phone number when making calls, even from your laptop or tablet. Here are five effective ways to do this:

1. Dial 67 Before the Number to Be Called

For both smartphones and landlines, dialing 67 followed by the number you want to call will make your number appear as “Private” or “Blocked” on the recipient's caller ID.

How to Use:

Open your phone's keypad. Enter 67 followed by the number you want to call. The other party will see your number as private or blocked.

Remember, you must dial 67 each time you want your number to be concealed.

2. Block Your Number by Default on iOS and Android

For iPhone and Android users, you can turn on a feature that automatically blocks your number for every call you make. This allows you to maintain a high level of privacy with the press of a button.

To Block Your Number on iPhone:

Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID. Toggle the switch to Off to hide your number.

Note: Verizon Wireless does not allow this feature but there are alternative solutions, which we will explore in the next section.

To Block Your Number on Android:

Go to the Phone App. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner. Select Settings from the drop-down menu. Toggle the Show My Caller ID switch to Off.

3. Check Your Phone Settings

If you're unsure about how to block your number or if the default blocking feature is not available, consult your device's settings. The exact steps may vary depending on your device model.

Miscellaneous Tips:

iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Show my number. Android: Go to the Phone App > Settings in the drop-down menu.

For more detailed instructions, consult your device's user manual or contact your service provider for assistance.

4. Use the 67 Beep Method

Another method involves pressing the 67 key before dialing the number. This method may require the recipient to hear a few beeps, which they might not be familiar with. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Pick up the phone to start the call. Dial 67 and wait for the three beeps. After the beeps, dial the number of the person you're trying to reach. The recipient will see the following message on their caller ID: “Private Name”.

Note: This method might not work on all devices or carriers, so it's best to test this approach beforehand.

5. Use Third-Party Apps

For those who prefer a more automated solution, third-party apps like Truecaller or Masked Caller can help block your number. These apps usually offer a seamless and hassle-free experience, ensuring your privacy without the need to manually dial specific numbers.

Truecaller: Install the Truecaller app on your device. Grant the necessary permissions. Turn on the Blocked option for calls.

Masked Caller: Download the Masked Caller app from the App Store or Google Play. Register and enable the masked caller feature. Choose the contact for whom you want to make a masked call and make the call as usual.

Conclusion

Hiding your phone number for outgoing calls is a simple yet effective way to maintain your privacy and personal security. By using the methods outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your number is not shared unnecessarily, thus protecting your identity.

Remember, the key to keeping your number private lies in making informed choices and using the right tools for the job. Whether it's through manual methods or third-party apps, there are always ways to maintain your privacy.