How to Hide Your Cell Phone Number

Want to keep your cell phone number private? It's easier than you think. Whether you're dealing with pesky telemarketers or just want more control over your personal information, knowing how to block your number is a must-have skill. This article gives you simple steps to block your cell phone number on both Android and iPhone. We'll also share some extra tips for managing unwanted calls and keeping your information safe and secure.

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you need to keep reading. There are several ways to make sure that people can't see your phone number, even if you're the one calling them. Lucky for you, we're going to cover four different ways that you can go about making your number private.

Whether you're looking to private your phone number from a couple of people or everyone, we have the solution for both scenarios. So, if you're looking to become an expert on the subject, keep reading. We're going to go through multiple ways that you can block your cell phone number.

Key Takeaways

• You have options for blocking your number: Whether you prefer a temporary solution like per-call blocking or a more permanent change through your phone settings, you can control your number's visibility.
• Burner apps offer a separate phone number: Consider using a burner app for enhanced privacy and a distinct number for specific calls and texts.
• Think beyond just blocking your number: Protecting your phone involves both privacy and physical safety. Using reliable charging cables and accessories is key to preventing damage and ensuring safe charging practices.

1. Try a Burner App for a Private Cell Phone Number

The fastest and easiest way to ensure that your phone number isn't seen when you're calling someone is to use a burner app. These are the apps that let you make a second phone number for yourself.

Instead of using a cell phone provider's network to make calls, these apps use the Internet to connect. So, as long as you have Wi-Fi, you can make calls and send text messages without any problems.

Keep in mind that most of these applications cost money, so you have to be willing to put some cash to the side to handle the monthly payments.

Given that there are multiple burner applications, here are a few we suggest giving a try:

• Google Voice - We highlight Google Voice first because it's free. It uses your existing phone's minutes and data to make calls and send text and audio messages. All you need is a Google account to get started and then you'll have a Google Voice number to use.
• Burner - Burner is one of the most popular burner applications. You can forward every single call to the second number that the application gives you, so you don't have to worry about making your primary number private. Burner costs $5 per line per month but does offer a free seven-day trial to those of you who want to give it a try before committing.
• Hushed - Hushed costs $2 per week and gives you 60 texts and 20 minutes of calling for that amount of time. You can also purchase a $5 monthly unlimited plan if you'd like to use the number more often than that.

Whether you use one of these three or another similar application, you (and your phone number) should be protected from anyone that you're calling. Plus, your number appears completely different on these apps, so you can call and text with a number that isn't even yours. Talk about privacy!

2. Adjust Your Phone's Settings for Privacy

If you have an Android or an Apple device, you should have a setting built into your phone that'll allow you to block your number from others. By doing this, your phone number with appear private for every single call you make.

We recommend going with this strategy if you're planning on blocking most or all calls coming to your current phone number. If you're only planning on making your number private for a select few calls, skip to number four.

Here's how to block your phone number if you have an Android phone:

1. Open the 'Phone' app
2. Open the 'Menu'
3. Select 'Settings'
4. Select 'Call Settings'
5. Select 'Additional Settings'
6. Click 'Caller ID'
7. Click 'Hide Number'

Here's how to block your phone number if you have an Apple phone:

1. Go to 'Settings'
2. Click 'Phone'
3. Select 'Show My Caller ID'
4. Toggle the switch off

Note: If you have a phone plan with Verizon Wireless, you will not see these options. Verizon Wireless does not allow you to block your phone number. 

3. Ask Your Carrier to Block Your Cell Phone Number

If you're a Verizon Wireless customer or were not able to follow the instructions above for another reason, keep reading. Not every device works the same, but you should be able to talk to your carrier.

You can call '611' to speak with your carrier if you live in the United States. More likely than not, you'll be sent to a robot that will categorize you based on why you're calling. In this situation, tell the recording that you want to speak with 'technical support' or 'customer support.'

Ask whoever you end up talking to if they can make your line private. If you'd like all of the lines on your account to be private, you can request this as well.

Keep in mind that doing this will make your number private for every single call you make.

If you'd like to temporarily unblock your number, you must dial '*82' before the phone number that you want to call. This unblocks your number on a per-call basis.

4. Block Unwanted Calls Individually

If you'd rather block your phone number for certain calls, this may be the best option for you.

No matter what kind of phone you have or what plan you're with, all you have to do is dial '*67' before the phone number that you want to call. Even if you have a landline, this trick works.

There is no secret charge added to your account. This is completely free to do and is successful in hiding your number from the person on the other end.

The person or business that you're calling will see 'Blocked' or 'Private' on the other end.

Keep in mind that this works on a per-call basis, meaning that you would have to dial '*67' every single time you want your phone number to be private. However, this may be the best choice for those of you who only want to stay private for a few phone numbers.

How to Find Your Own Cell Phone Number

Sometimes, the simplest things can slip our minds. We’re so used to dialing other people’s numbers that we may draw a blank when asked for our own. If you’re in this situation, don’t worry! It happens. Here are a few easy ways to find your cell phone number:

Check Your Phone's Settings

The easiest way to locate your number is usually right in your phone’s settings. The exact steps vary slightly depending on whether you have an iPhone or an Android.

iPhone Instructions

Open the Settings app. Tap “Phone.” Your number is shown next to “My Number.” If you have dual SIM, you can choose which number to display.

Android Instructions

Open the Settings app. Go to “About phone” or “About device” (it might also be under a “System” menu). Your number is displayed next to “Phone number” or “SIM status.” If you have multiple SIM cards, both numbers will be listed. Asurion has a helpful visual guide if you get stuck.

Call a Friend

If you can’t find your number in your settings, try calling a friend. Ask them to tell you the number that shows up on their caller ID. This works if their caller ID is turned on.

Use a Dedicated App

There are apps specifically designed to help you find your phone number. These can be helpful if you frequently forget your number, recently got a new SIM card, or rely more on messaging apps than phone calls. Search your app store for “My Phone Number” or a similar term to find options.

Free and Paid Cell Phone Number Lookup Services

Need to find someone else's number? There are a few ways to go about this, ranging from free directory assistance to paid services. Here are a few options:

Free Directory Assistance

You can get directory assistance on your cell phone (or landline) by dialing 1-800-FREE411 (or 1-800-373-3411). This service is free.

National Cellular Directory

The National Cellular Directory offers free cell phone number lookup and reverse cell phone number lookup services. This can be a useful resource for simple people search solutions.

Google Search AI Overviews (Experimental)

Google Search now offers AI Overviews: AI-generated summaries of search results designed to quickly surface key information. While still experimental, this feature might help you find basic information about a number.

Take Control of Your Cell Phone Privacy

If you're looking to have even more privacy with your phone number, you need to learn about the useful codes that have been built into all landlines and mobile phones. Even if you have an old flip phone, you can use these:

• *57 - This extension allows you to trace where the number of the last call you received came from. This is extremely useful for those of you who may need to take legal action after receiving a call.
• *60 - This extension prevents phone numbers that you choose from calling you. Instead of going through to your phone, these individuals will receive a recording that tells them that you're not taking calls at this time.
• *80 - Disables *60, meaning that it allows people on your predetermined list to call you.
• *67 - As we discussed, this extension blocks your phone number for the call that you're about to make. You must redial it before future calls to block your phone number for those calls as well. This extension is to be used on a per-call basis.
• *82 - Disables *67, meaning that it allows your phone number to be visible to the caller again. Keep in mind that this only makes it visible to the caller you are currently calling.
• *69 - This extension redials the last phone number that called you.
• *70 - This extension places your current call on hold so that you can call someone else.
• *72 - This extension allows you to forward your call to another phone number.
• *77 - This extension allows you to block calls from anyone who has a private number.
• *87 - Disables *77, meaning that it allows those with a private phone number to contact you.

If you're looking to use any of these codes, you need to make sure that you're dialing the extension before any phone number you type in.

For example, you may want to private your number for a quick phone call you're going to make to the number (123) 456-7890. On your phone, you would dial the following: *6-7-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0. Then, you would click the call button or wait until your phone automatically calls the number if you're on an older model.

Ensure Your Phone's Safety

If you're looking to block your cell phone number, you're likely someone who values safety. A cell phone block is a great way to keep yourself and your phone number safe.

However, you may be wondering what another great phone safety technique is. Well, we believe that it's having secure and fast charging cables.

Hear us out.

There are so many safety problems with standard charging cables that you may not even know about. In fact, people have died from problems with their charging cables. Whether it be from fires or electrical issues, you never know when something could go south with your device.

That's why we urge you to find a reputable charging cable. Just like you're protecting your phone number, you should be protecting your physical phone.

That's where we come in. Here at Keutek, we make all kinds of chargers for all kinds of phones. If you're just getting started with your phone or you're looking for a charging upgrade, we recommend that you check out our fast charging bundle.

With our cell phone blocking tips and our charging products, your phone couldn't be safer.

Related Articles

• Cell Phone Block 101: What Are Some Ways to Block My Cell Phone Number
• Say Goodbye to Those Unwanted Spam Calls
• Keeping Your Phone Safe | Physically and Virtually
• How To Remove the SIM Card From an iPhone or Android
• Setting Up Parental Controls On iOS Devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block my number for just one call?

Yes, you can temporarily block your number for a single call by dialing *67 before the number you are calling. This works for both landlines and mobile phones.

How do I permanently block my number from showing up on caller ID?

You can usually change this in your phone's settings. For Androids, it's typically under Phone > Menu > Settings > Call Settings > Additional Settings > Caller ID > Hide Number. For iPhones, go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. If you have Verizon Wireless, this option isn't available, so you'll need to contact their customer support.

What are burner apps, and how do they work?

Burner apps provide you with a secondary, disposable phone number. They use an internet connection (Wi-Fi or data) to make calls and send texts, masking your real number. While some offer free trials, most burner apps require a subscription.

What should I do if I can't find the caller ID settings on my phone?

If you can't find the settings to hide your caller ID, contact your mobile carrier directly. They can guide you through the process or make the necessary changes on their end. You can also dial *67 before each call if you only need to block your number occasionally.

Besides blocking my number, are there other codes I can use for call management?

Yes, there are several useful codes. *57 can help trace malicious calls. *60 can block specific numbers, and *80 unblocks them. *69 redials the last number that called you. *70 puts a call on hold, *72 forwards calls, *77 blocks calls from private numbers, and *87 unblocks them. Remember to dial these codes before the phone number.