You can block your number when you call someone by using a short code before the number, changing a setting in your phone, or asking your carrier to hide your caller ID. The exact steps depend on your country, carrier, and whether you use iPhone, Android, or a landline.

Quick Scoop: Core Methods

  • Per-call code (most common):
    • In the US and many other regions, dial *67, then the number (like *67 555‑123‑4567) to make that one call show as “Private” or “Unknown.”
* Some carriers (for example in parts of Europe or Australia) use #31# before the number instead (like #31# 04xx xxx xxx).

* This usually does **not** work for toll‑free numbers or emergency services; your number can still be shown to them for safety and billing reasons.
  • Turn off caller ID in phone settings:
    • Most smartphones have a setting to hide your number for all outgoing calls until you turn it back on.
* On iPhone, this is typically under Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID (then turn it off), depending on carrier support.

* On Android, it’s usually in the Phone app settings under Caller ID / Additional settings → Hide number or similar.
  • Ask your carrier for a permanent block:
    • Major carriers (like AT&T, Verizon, T‑Mobile and similar providers in other countries) can apply a line‑level “caller ID block,” so all your outgoing calls appear private by default.
* You normally can still override it for a single call using the opposite prefix your carrier supports (for example, a code to _show_ your number on that one call).

Step-by-step: One-Time Hidden Call

  1. Decide if you want just this call hidden (temporary) or all calls hidden (permanent/ongoing).
  1. For a one-time private call :
    • Enter the hide code (e.g., *67 or #31#) on the dial pad.
 * Immediately type the phone number you want to call.
 * Press the call button and wait; on their screen they should see “Private,” “Unknown,” or similar instead of your number.
  1. After the call, your caller ID goes back to normal for the next call unless you use the code again.

Step-by-step: Hide Your Number on iPhone / Android

  • On iPhone (general pattern):
    • Open Settings → Phone.
* Tap **Show My Caller ID**.
* Turn this **off** so your number appears as private on outgoing calls.

* Place a test call to a friend to confirm it shows as “Private” or “Unknown” on their screen.
  • On Android (varies by brand):
    • Open the Phone app → open the menu (⋮) → Settings.
* Look for **Caller ID** , **Additional settings** , or **More settings**.
* Choose the option like **Hide number** or **Never show number**.

* Make a test call to confirm that your number is hidden.

Things to Know Before You Hide Your Number

  • Some people automatically reject calls from hidden/private numbers, so your call may go straight to voicemail or be ignored.
  • Hidden caller ID usually does not bypass blocking; if they blocked your number directly, hiding your number may not help or could behave unpredictably.
  • Even if the person you call can’t see your number, law enforcement and emergency services can typically still access it when necessary.
  • If *67 or #31# doesn’t work for you, it can be due to region or carrier differences—checking with your carrier’s support or help pages is often needed.

Extra Privacy Options

  • Use a secondary number app (like a virtual or “burner” number) when you need more separation between your real number and who you’re calling.
  • Ask your carrier if they offer advanced privacy or anonymous calling features at the account level.

TL;DR: For most people, dialing *67 (or #31# in some regions) right before the number is the quickest way to block your number when calling someone once; for ongoing privacy, turn off caller ID in your phone settings or ask your carrier to enable permanent caller ID blocking.

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