This guide provides several methods to ensure your phone number remains private when you call someone, preventing it from appearing on their caller ID.
A Simple *67 Trick for Caller ID Blocking
A straightforward method to keep your number private is to dial *67 before entering the phone number you’re calling. This causes your number to appear as “Private” or “Blocked” to the recipient. Remember, you must enter *67 each time you make a call, as this can’t be set to happen automatically.
Using Your Android’s Built-in Feature to Hide Your Number
Many Android phones and network providers allow you to conceal your phone number for all outgoing calls without needing to dial *67 each time. Here’s how to activate this feature:
- Open the Phone app on your Android device.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner to access the menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Calls or Calling accounts, depending on your phone model.
- Enter Additional settings (sometimes called Supplementary settings).
- Select Caller ID.
- Choose Hide number from the options that appear.
This setting will keep your number hidden for all calls. If you need to show your number temporarily, you can dial *82 before the number to bypass the block.
Changing Your Caller ID Name on Android
If hiding your number isn’t enough, you might want to change how your name appears. Contact your carrier directly to ask about this service. For instance, Verizon offers caller ID blocking through their app, and AT&T suggests calling their wireless support to enable this feature at no extra cost.
Opting for a Burner Number
If the above options don’t suit your needs, consider using a prepaid phone or a “burner” number. Another alternative is Google Voice, which provides a free secondary number that you can use to make calls anonymously.
Limitations of Concealing Your Phone Number
It’s important to note that some services, like toll-free numbers and emergency services (911), will always be able to see your number regardless of these settings. Additionally, certain third-party apps might circumvent these privacy precautions, so no method is entirely foolproof.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining privacy when making calls from your Android device can be achieved through several methods. Whether it’s using the *67 prefix for individual calls, setting up your phone’s built-in feature to hide your number for all outgoing calls, or opting for a burner number for complete anonymity, there are multiple options available depending on your needs.
Additionally, contacting your carrier directly can provide further customization like changing how your caller ID name appears. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of these methods, as certain calls, such as to emergency services or toll-free numbers, will bypass these privacy settings. Ultimately, choosing the right method depends on your specific privacy requirements and the level of convenience you desire.
FAQs
How do I hide my number on Android for a single call?
To hide your number for just one call, enter *67 before dialing the phone number you wish to call. This will make your number appear as “Private” or “Blocked” to the recipient for that specific call.
Can I set my Android phone to always hide my number for all outgoing calls?
Yes, you can set your phone to always hide your number. Open the Phone app, navigate to Settings, then to Calls or Calling accounts, and select Additional settings. From there, choose Caller ID and select Hide number. This setting will hide your number for all outgoing calls until you change it back.
What should I do if my Android phone does not have an option to hide my number?
If your Android phone does not offer the option to hide your number directly, contact your mobile carrier. Many carriers provide services or apps that allow you to block your caller ID for outgoing calls.
Is it possible to permanently change how my caller ID name appears to others?
Yes, you can change how your name appears on caller ID by contacting your carrier. They can provide you with the necessary steps or services to customize your caller ID presentation.
Are there any exceptions where my hidden number will still be shown?
Yes, even if you hide your caller ID, certain numbers such as emergency services (911) and toll-free numbers will still be able to see your phone number. This is for security and service reasons, ensuring that these services can return calls if necessary.