File photo - men speak on their mobile phones on a seafront in Mumbai Aug. 28, 2014. (REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui)
People know it is you calling when your caller ID pops up on their phone, but it doesn’t have to be like that. There are two ways to keep your identity secret while making a call: one is permanent; the other is temporary on a call-by-call basis.
Blocking your number temporarily only works while calling businesses and individuals. Your phone number cannot be blocked while calling toll-free numbers or emergency services.
The temporary way of keeping your mobile number invisible from caller ID is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Actually, it’s more like *67 and it’s free. Dial that code before the phone number, and it will temporarily deactivate caller ID. On the receiving end, caller ID will usually display “private number” because it has been blocked.
The process is a little more in depth if you want to permanently disable the feature. Just call your cellphone carrier and ask for a line block. Once it’s done, your phone number will never appear, no matter who you call. But don’t choose this option lightly because it is permanent and irreversible.
The code to call your mobile carrier can vary, but customer service in the United States can usually be reached by calling 611.
If you temporarily want your mobile number to appear, you can dial *82 before the number. Knowing this might be important because some people automatically decline calls from phones that block caller ID.
Hide your number on an Android device
1. Open Dialer
2. Press the menu button
3. Press additional settings
4. Enter Caller ID settings
5. Choose “Hide number” and your number will be hidden
6. Choose “Show number” or “Network default” setting to show it back
Hide your number on an iPhone
1. Go to settings
2. Enter ‘Phone’ setting
3. Press Show My Caller ID
4. Use the toggle switch to show or hide your number
Do you also want to know how to stop robocalls and spam calls?
You now know how to hide your phone number from caller ID, but did you know there's also a way to block phone calls you don't want to receive? We're talking about robocalls and spam calls.
Click here for our tip about how to stop robocalls and spam calls.
Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest weekend radio talk show as she takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle. Visit Komando.com for free podcasts, videos, product reviews, shows, tips and advice.
Get a daily look at what’s developing in science and technology throughout the world.