US Trends

how do you block your number when calling someone

Blocking your number when calling someone is easy: you can use a short code before the number (like *67 in the US/Canada), change a setting on your phone, or ask your carrier to hide your caller ID.

How Do You Block Your Number When Calling Someone?

Fast one-time way (no settings needed)

These methods hide your caller ID only for that specific call.

  • In the US/Canada, dial *67 before the phone number.
* Example: `*67 555 123 4567`
* The other person will see “Private,” “Unknown,” or “No Caller ID.”
  • In some other countries, codes like #31# are used before the number; this varies by region and carrier.
  • This works on most mobiles and many landlines, but not all services or countries support it, so it’s smart to test with a friend first.

Think of it like putting a temporary mask on your number for just one call.

Permanent blocking on your phone

If you want every call to be private until you change it back, you can use your phone’s settings.

On iPhone

  • Open Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → turn it off.
  • After this, all outgoing calls usually show as “No Caller ID” until you turn it back on.

On Android (general steps)

The exact wording can vary by brand (Samsung, Pixel, etc.), but the flow is similar.

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Tap the three-dot menu (top right on many phones).
  • Go to Settings → look for Caller ID , Additional settings , or More settings.
  • Choose Hide number or equivalent.

You can return to the same menu and choose Show number to undo it.

On landlines

  • Call your landline provider’s customer service and ask for Caller ID blocking or a privacy feature on your line.
  • They may charge a small monthly fee and activate it at the account level so all calls appear private by default.

Overriding permanent blocking for just one call

If you’ve set your number to always be hidden but need to show it for a specific call (for example, calling a delivery driver or customer service):

  • In many US/Canadian setups you can dial *82 before the number to show your caller ID for that call only.
* Example: `*82 555 123 4567`
  • After that call, your number returns to being hidden again.

When blocking your number might not work

Even if you block your number, there are exceptions.

  • Emergency services (like 911 in the US) : Your number is usually still visible to operators for safety reasons.
  • Some toll-free numbers and business lines may reject anonymous calls or ignore the block and still see your number.
  • Some recipients have apps or services that auto-block private numbers , so your call might not ring at all.

So if it’s important that the call goes through (like banking or government services), test or temporarily allow your number to show.

Tips, etiquette, and “latest” forum-style chatter

Recent guides and online discussions frame “how do you block your number when calling someone” as a privacy and safety topic rather than a secret trick. Common themes:

  • Use private calling when:
    • You’re contacting a seller from a listing site.
    • You’re reaching out to a business or unknown number and don’t want callbacks.
  • Avoid using hidden numbers to:
    • Harass or repeatedly bother people.
    • Evade responsibility in legal or abusive situations (this can still be traced by authorities).
  • People in forums often trade region-specific codes: in North America, *67 is mentioned constantly, while other regions use alternatives like #31# before the number.

A typical forum-style quote might look like:

“If you’re in the US or Canada, just slap *67 in front of the number.
If you’re elsewhere, Google your country + ‘hide caller ID code’ and test it with a friend first.”

Mini step-by-step quick reference

  1. For one private call (US/Canada)
    • Dial *67 + full number → Call.
  1. Always hide on iPhone
    • Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → Off.
  1. Always hide on Android
    • Phone app → menu → Settings → Caller ID/Additional settings → Hide number.
  1. Account-level blocking
    • Call your carrier and request caller ID blocking or anonymous calling.
  1. Temporarily show number when it’s usually hidden
    • Dial *82 + number (where supported).

Bottom line: if you’re just wondering “how do you block your number when calling someone,” the quickest method is to dial a prefix like *67 before the number, and for frequent use you can flip a caller ID setting on your phone or ask your carrier to apply blocking at the account level.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.