How to Hide Your Number When Calling: Complete Guide 2026
Learn how to hide your phone number when making calls. Step-by-step guide for *67, iPhone settings, Android settings, and permanent caller ID blocking.
Want to hide your phone number when making a call? Whether you're protecting your privacy, returning a call to an unknown number, or making a business inquiry, there are several ways to block your caller ID. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers all methods including *67, phone settings, and carrier options for both iPhone and Android devices. The FCC's caller ID rules protect your right to block your number.
Quick Methods to Hide Your Number
Per-Call Blocking: Dial *67 before the number
Unblock Per-Call: Dial *82 before the number
Alternative Code: #31# (some networks)
Recipient Sees: "Private," "Blocked," or "Unknown"
Does *67 Still Work in 2026?
Yes, *67 Still Works!
The *67 code remains a functional and widely used method for blocking caller ID in 2026. It works on most landlines, iPhones, Android phones, and VoIP services. Simply dial *67 before the phone number, and the recipient will see "Private," "Blocked," or "Unknown Caller" instead of your number.
Method 1: Using *67 (Per-Call Blocking)
This is the quickest and most universal method. It works on virtually all phones in the US and Canada:
How to Use *67
Open your phone's dialer
Dial *67 followed by the phone number
Example: *67-555-123-4567
Press call
Your number will be hidden for this call only
*67 + 555-123-4567
*67 Limitations
Doesn't work for toll-free numbers
1-800, 1-888, 1-877, etc. can still see your number
Emergency services still see your number
911 calls will always display your caller ID for safety
Call may be rejected
Some people block anonymous/private calls entirely
Not truly anonymous
Phone companies and law enforcement can still trace the call
Method 2: Hide Caller ID on iPhone (Permanent)
If you want to hide your number for all outgoing calls without dialing *67 each time, you can enable this in your iPhone settings:
iPhone Caller ID Settings
Open Settings
Tap "Apps" → "Phone"
(On older iOS: Settings → Phone)
Tap "Show My Caller ID"
Toggle OFF to hide your number
All outgoing calls will now show as private
Note: This option may be grayed out if your carrier doesn't support it or if it's controlled by your carrier's account settings. Contact your carrier if the option is unavailable.
Method 3: Hide Caller ID on Android (Permanent)
Android phones can also hide caller ID permanently through settings, though the exact steps vary by manufacturer:
Android Caller ID Settings (Stock Android/Pixel)
Open the Phone app
Tap the three-dot menu → Settings
Tap "Calls" or "Calling accounts"
Select your SIM card
Tap "Additional settings" → "Caller ID"
Select "Hide number"
Samsung Galaxy
Phone app → Menu → Settings → Supplementary services → Show your caller ID → Hide number
OnePlus
Phone app → Settings → Calling accounts → SIM → Additional settings → Caller ID
Method 4: Contact Your Carrier (Permanent Block)
You can request your carrier to permanently block your caller ID on all outgoing calls. This is sometimes called "Complete Caller ID Blocking" or "Line Level Blocking."
| Carrier | How to Enable | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Call 611 or manage online via myAT&T | Usually free |
| Verizon | Call *611 or My Verizon app | Usually free |
| T-Mobile | Call 611 or T-Mobile app | Free |
| Sprint (now T-Mobile) | Call *2 or account settings | Free |
Tip: If you have carrier-level blocking enabled but need to show your number for a specific call, dial *82 before the number to temporarily unblock your caller ID.
Alternative: Using #31#
Some networks and VoIP services support the GSM code #31# instead of *67. This is more common internationally:
#31# + phone number
Example: #31#555-123-4567
Method Comparison
| Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| *67 | Single call | Occasional privacy needs |
| Phone settings | Until changed | Frequent callers who want always-hidden |
| Carrier blocking | Permanent | Maximum privacy preference |
| VoIP apps | Per app/call | Business use, separate number |
Better Alternative: Use a VoIP Number
Instead of hiding your number, consider using a VoIP app like BubblyPhone that gives you a separate phone number. This way you can:
Benefits of a Second Number
- ✓ Keep personal number private
- ✓ Recipients see a real number (more likely to answer)
- ✓ Professional business presence
- ✓ No blocked call rejections
- ✓ Cheap international calling
Get a Free Second Number
BubblyPhone gives you a real US phone number you can use for calls without revealing your personal number.
Try BubblyPhone Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Does *67 still work in 2026?
Yes, *67 still works on most US carriers in 2026. Simply dial *67 before the phone number to hide your caller ID for that specific call.
Is hiding your phone number legal?
Yes, blocking your caller ID is completely legal in the United States. However, using caller ID blocking for harassment, fraud, or illegal purposes is against the law.
Can blocked numbers still be traced?
Yes, phone companies and law enforcement can still trace calls even when caller ID is blocked. *67 only hides your number from the person you're calling, not from the phone company.
Why does *67 not work sometimes?
*67 doesn't work for toll-free numbers (1-800, etc.), emergency services (911), or when the recipient has a service that unmasks blocked calls. Some VoIP services may also not support it.
What's the code to unblock my number temporarily?
Dial *82 before the phone number to show your caller ID for that specific call if you have permanent blocking enabled on your line.
Does *67 cost anything?
No, *67 is a free service provided by most carriers. You'll only pay your normal call rates. However, note that the call still counts toward your minutes if applicable.
Get a Private Second Number
Keep your personal number private with a separate BubblyPhone number for calls.
Get Your Number →