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how to block my number when calling out

You can hide your caller ID either for a single call or for all outgoing calls, depending on your phone and carrier.

How to Block My Number When Calling Out

Fast methods (one call at a time)

Use a prefix code before the number you dial so your caller ID shows as “Private,” “Unknown,” or “No Caller ID.”

Common options (varies by country/carrier):

  • *67 + number (very common in the US; example: *67 555 123 4567).
  • #31# + number (used by many mobile carriers; example: #31# 555 123 4567).
  • Some landlines may use other star/hash codes; check your carrier’s help page.

Always do a quick test call to a friend or second phone first to make sure your number actually appears hidden.

Block your number in phone settings (always hidden)

If you often want your number hidden, you can turn off caller ID in your phone settings so all outgoing calls are private (unless the carrier overrides it).

On iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  1. Tap Phone.
  1. Tap Show My Caller ID.
  1. Turn the switch off to hide your number on outgoing calls.

You can turn it back on anytime using the same menu.

On Android (steps vary slightly by brand)

Typical path:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu (top right on many phones).
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Look for Caller ID , Additional settings , or More settings.
  5. Choose Hide number (or similar).

On some Samsung or Pixel models this is specifically under “Calls” → “Additional settings” → “Caller ID,” then select Hide number.

If you’re using a landline

  • Many landlines support *67 for a one-off hidden call.
  • For permanent blocking, you usually need to call your phone company and ask for Caller ID blocking / privacy service to hide your number on all outgoing calls.

Some providers may charge a small monthly fee.

Things to keep in mind (quick scoop)

  • Some numbers (emergency services, certain hotlines, some businesses) can still see your real number even if you block it, for safety and fraud reasons.
  • People may reject or auto-block calls from “Private” or “Unknown” numbers.
  • If you’ve turned on permanent hiding, you can usually show your number for just one call using the opposite code (for example, *31# or *82 in some regions) or by re-enabling caller ID in settings, depending on your carrier.

Mini example

You want to call someone without showing your number just once.
You dial *67 (or #31#, depending on your carrier) + their full phone number and place the call. Their phone rings, but your number shows as “Private” instead of your real number.

TL;DR:
Use a prefix code like *67 or #31# before the number for a one-off hidden call, or turn off “Show My Caller ID” in your phone’s call settings to keep your number hidden on all outgoing calls.

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