How to Hide Your Number When Calling

In today’s digital age, privacy has become a significant concern for many people. There are various reasons you might want to hide your phone number when making a call, whether it’s to maintain anonymity, protect personal information, or simply avoid unwanted callbacks. This guide will explore different methods to hide your number when calling, covering various devices and service providers.

Understanding Caller ID

Caller ID is a feature that allows the person you’re calling to see your phone number. While it’s a convenient feature, there are times when you might not want your number to be visible. Luckily, there are several ways to block your number from appearing on the recipient’s caller ID.

Methods to Hide Your Number When Calling

Method 1: Using a Prefix Code

One of the simplest ways to hide your number is by using a prefix code before dialing the recipient’s number. This method works on most mobile phones and landlines.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Dial the Prefix Code:
   • In the United States and Canada, the prefix code is *67.
   • In the United Kingdom, the prefix code is 141.
   • Other countries have different codes, so check with your service provider.
2. Enter the Phone Number:
   • After dialing the prefix code, enter the phone number you want to call.
3. Complete the Call:
   • Your number will be blocked, and the recipient will see “Unknown” or “Private” instead of your number.

Example:

To call (555) 123-4567 in the US, dial *67 5551234567.

Method 2: Changing Phone Settings

Most smartphones have a built-in option to block your number for all outgoing calls. This method saves you the trouble of entering a prefix code each time you make a call.

On iPhone

1. Open Settings:
   • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to Phone:
   • Scroll down and tap on Phone.
3. Select Show My Caller ID:
   • Tap on Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle Off:
   • Turn off the switch to hide your number.

On Android

1. Open the Phone App:
   • Launch the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Access Settings:
   • Tap on the three dots or the gear icon to open the settings menu.
3. Select Caller ID:
   • Navigate to Caller ID or More Settings.
4. Choose Hide Number:
   • Select Hide Number to block your caller ID.

Method 3: Contacting Your Service Provider

If you prefer a more permanent solution, you can contact your service provider and request them to block your number for all outgoing calls.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Call Customer Service:
   • Dial the customer service number of your service provider.
2. Request Number Blocking:
   • Ask the representative to block your number for all outgoing calls.
3. Confirm Changes:
   • Follow any additional instructions and confirm the changes.

Method 4: Using a Burner Number

A burner number is a temporary phone number that can be used to make calls without revealing your actual number. Several apps provide this service, allowing you to maintain privacy.

Popular Apps

1. Burner:
   • Provides temporary numbers that you can use for calls and texts.
   • Available for iOS and Android.
2. Hushed:
   • Offers disposable numbers for voice calls and messaging.
   • Available for iOS and Android.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download and Install the App:
   • Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and download the app.
2. Create an Account:
   • Sign up and choose a temporary number.
3. Make Calls:
   • Use the app to make calls from your burner number.

Method 5: Using Google Voice

Google Voice is another option for hiding your number. It provides a secondary phone number that you can use to make calls, send texts, and manage voicemails.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sign Up for Google Voice:
   • Visit the Google Voice website and sign in with your Google account.
2. Choose a Number:
   • Select a Google Voice number from the available options.
3. Configure Settings:
   • Set up call forwarding and other preferences.
4. Make Calls:
   • Use the Google Voice app to make calls, and your Google Voice number will appear on the recipient’s caller ID.

Method 6: Using a VoIP Service

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp allow you to make calls over the internet, often without revealing your actual phone number.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download and Install the App:
   • Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and download the VoIP app.
2. Create an Account:
   • Sign up and configure your account.
3. Make Calls:
   • Use the app to make calls, and your VoIP number or username will appear on the recipient’s caller ID.

Conclusion

Hiding your phone number when making calls can be useful for protecting your privacy and maintaining anonymity. Whether you choose to use a prefix code, change your phone settings, contact your service provider, use a burner number, Google Voice, or a VoIP service, each method has its own advantages. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily hide your number and enjoy a more private calling experience.