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The 5 Secret Ways To Call Without Caller ID (Updated For 2025)

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Are you looking to make a phone call without revealing your personal number? Whether for privacy, professional reasons, or simply to avoid having your number saved by a one-time contact, knowing how to hide your caller ID is a critical piece of modern phone etiquette and security. As of December 21, 2025, the classic methods still work, but new digital strategies and legal considerations have made the process more nuanced and device-specific.

The good news is that hiding your number is still remarkably easy, often requiring just a simple prefix code or a quick adjustment in your smartphone’s settings. This comprehensive guide breaks down the five most effective, current, and legally sound methods for making a private call, ensuring your number displays as "Private," "Blocked," or "Unknown" on the recipient's screen.

The Essential Methods: Temporary and Permanent Caller ID Blocking

The method you choose—temporary or permanent—depends entirely on your calling habits. A temporary block is perfect for a single, one-off call, while a permanent setting saves time if you frequently need to hide your number.

1. The Universal Temporary Block: Dialing *67 (North America)

The oldest and most reliable method for hiding your number on a per-call basis is the Vertical Service Code (VSC) *67. This code is a staple across nearly all landlines and mobile carriers in the United States and Canada, and it remains fully functional in 2025.

How to Use *67:

  • Open your phone's dialer application.
  • Dial *67 followed immediately by the full phone number you wish to call (e.g., *67-555-123-4567).
  • Press the call button.

The recipient will see "Private," "Blocked," or "Unknown" instead of your actual phone number. This is a temporary solution, meaning your subsequent calls will revert to showing your caller ID unless you dial the code again.

Note on Overrides: If you have permanently blocked your caller ID (Method 2), you can temporarily unblock it for a single call by dialing *82 before the number. This is often necessary when calling businesses or doctors' offices that automatically reject private or blocked numbers.

2. Permanent Blocking via Smartphone Settings (iPhone & Android)

For users who need to hide their number for all outgoing calls, both iOS and Android offer a built-in setting for a permanent caller ID block. This method is more convenient than dialing a code every time, but it may prevent you from reaching numbers that automatically reject private calls.

On iPhone (iOS):

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Phone.
  3. Tap on Show My Caller ID.
  4. Toggle the switch OFF.

Once disabled, every outgoing call you make will show as "No Caller ID" or "Private Number." You can easily toggle it back on when needed.

On Android (Varies by Manufacturer):

  1. Open the Phone app (the dialer).
  2. Tap the three-dot menu icon (or a gear icon) to access Settings.
  3. Navigate to Calling Accounts, Supplementary Services, or More Settings (the exact path depends on your phone's model, such as Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.).
  4. Tap on Caller ID or Show My Caller ID.
  5. Select the option Hide number or Never.

This setting will automatically suppress your number for all future calls until you change it back to "Show number."

Advanced & International Strategies for Anonymity

While the star codes are effective domestically, true anonymity and international calling require more advanced tools and an understanding of global vertical service codes.

3. The Global Code: Using #31# or Regional Alternatives

If you are traveling internationally or calling a number outside of North America, the *67 code may not work. Many regions, particularly those using GSM networks (common in Europe, Asia, and Africa), utilize a different prefix for temporary caller ID blocking. This is a crucial detail for international callers seeking privacy.

Key International Caller ID Blocking Codes:

  • Most of Europe & GSM Networks: #31#
    • Example: Dial #31# followed by the full international number.
  • United Kingdom (UK) & Ireland: 141
    • Example: Dial 141 followed by the full UK phone number.
  • Hong Kong: 133
  • Australia: 1831

Always verify the current vertical service code with your specific mobile provider or the local telecommunications authority when making international private calls, as codes can sometimes change or be carrier-specific.

4. The Ultimate Privacy Tool: Burner Phone Apps & VoIP Services

For the highest level of privacy, especially when conducting business, managing online sales, or dating, many users opt for a secondary number service. These services, often called "burner phone apps" or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, allow you to make and receive calls using a completely separate, disposable phone number that is not linked to your personal identity or main mobile account.

Benefits of Burner/VoIP Apps:

  • True Anonymity: The recipient sees a real, functional, but non-personal phone number instead of "Unknown."
  • Disposable Numbers: You can discard the number when you are finished with a transaction or interaction.
  • No Carrier Code Reliance: These apps bypass the need for codes like *67 entirely.

Popular options include Phoner, Google Voice, and the original Burner app, which provide an excellent, feature-rich alternative to simply blocking your caller ID.

Legal and Ethical Considerations of Private Calling

While the methods above are simple to execute, it is essential to understand the legal boundaries and ethical implications of hiding your number, especially in 2025, where regulations are tightening on unwanted calls.

5. Know the Law: Blocking vs. Spoofing

In the United States, the distinction between blocking your number and spoofing your number is critical.

  • Blocking Caller ID (Legal): Using codes like *67 or your phone's settings to display "Private" or "Unknown" is generally legal. You are exercising your right to privacy, and the law permits callers to preserve their anonymity.
  • Caller ID Spoofing (Illegal): The Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009 prohibits transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information (making it look like you are calling from a different, specific number) with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.

If you are hiding your number simply for privacy, you are operating within the law. However, using any method to hide your number with malicious intent, such as harassment or fraud, is illegal and can result in severe penalties.

When Your Caller ID Must Be Shown

There are specific situations where your number cannot be blocked, even with the use of *67 or permanent settings:

  • 911/Emergency Services: Emergency services are legally mandated to receive your true phone number, regardless of any blocking codes or settings.
  • Toll-Free Numbers: When calling 1-800 or other toll-free numbers, your number is typically transmitted to the recipient for billing and tracing purposes.
  • Law Enforcement/Court Orders: Phone carriers can and will reveal your blocked number to law enforcement agencies upon receiving a valid court order or subpoena.

Understanding these limitations and the legal framework ensures you are using private calling methods responsibly and ethically.

Summary of Caller ID Blocking Methods

Choosing the right method for calling without caller ID depends on your location and frequency of use. For a quick, one-time private call in the US, *67 is the undisputed champion. For sustained privacy, the permanent setting on your smartphone or a dedicated burner app offers the best solution for modern users.

By utilizing these updated methods, you can maintain control over your personal information and communicate securely in an increasingly connected world.

The 5 Secret Ways to Call Without Caller ID (Updated for 2025)
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how to call without caller id

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