How Can I Block My Mobile Number?

To block your mobile number, use a per-call code like *67 or #31#, or turn off Caller ID in your phone or carrier settings.

There are moments when you want to call without sharing your number. Maybe you’re returning a classified ad call, reaching a service provider, or you just want a layer of privacy. This guide lays out clear, bite-sized methods to hide your Caller ID on iPhone, Android, and through carrier features. You’ll also see when masking won’t work, how to fix common roadblocks, and how to combine tools for a smoother experience.

How Can I Block My Mobile Number On Any Call (Quick Codes)

Quick check: If you need a one-off private call, the fastest route is a prefix code. In many regions, dialing *67 (North America) or #31#/*31# (GSM networks) before the number hides your identity for that call. These codes are fast, don’t change your phone’s global setting, and they’re great for occasional use.

Use *67 (US/Canada, many carriers) — Open the dialer, enter *67 + full number, then place the call.
Try #31# or *31# (many GSM networks) — Type #31# + number or *31# + number where supported. Some carriers accept one or both.
Test on your line — Call a second phone or a friend to confirm the display shows “Private,” “Unknown,” or “Blocked.”
Know the limits — Toll-free numbers and emergency services can still see your number; masking is ignored there.

Deeper tip: If you frequently need private calls to the same contact, save a contact with the code baked in, such as “Plumber (Private)” with the number stored as *67 555-555-0123. That way, one tap always dials hidden.

Turn Off Caller ID On iPhone

iPhone offers a built-in switch that tells your carrier not to send your number on outbound calls. It’s quick to set up, and you can toggle it back on at any time.

Open Settings — Tap Phone.
Tap Show My Caller ID — Turn it off to hide your number on outgoing calls.
Place a test call — Confirm the receiver sees a private/unknown label.

Why this helps: Unlike per-call codes, this switch applies to every call until you turn it back on. It’s useful when you’re making a lot of calls from a place where you don’t want your number shared.

When The Toggle Is Missing Or Greyed Out

Carrier control — Some carriers manage Caller ID at the network level. If the toggle doesn’t appear, use your carrier app/account to enable Caller ID blocking for your line.
Refresh the line — Toggle Airplane Mode or Cellular off/on, then recheck the menu. If it still won’t appear, contact carrier support and ask about outgoing Caller ID control.

Block Specific Callers On iPhone

Different goal: Hiding your number protects your identity when you call out. Blocking a contact stops their calls to you. To block an individual: open the Phone app → Recents, tap the “i” next to a number, and choose Block this Caller. You can manage blocked contacts under Settings → Privacy & Security → Blocked Contacts.

Hide Your Caller ID On Android Phones

Most Android phones include a Caller ID menu that sets your number to “Hide number” or “Never show number.” Exact labels vary by brand and Android version, but the flow is similar.

Open the Phone app — Tap the three-dot menu, then Settings.
Find Caller ID settings — Look under Calls, Additional settings, or Supplementary services.
Select Hide number — Your number stays hidden on all calls until you switch it back.

Alternate path: If you use Google Voice or similar services, there’s often a dedicated Anonymous caller ID switch inside that app’s Settings. That option masks calls placed through the service while leaving your device’s normal line unchanged.

Per-Call Masks Still Work On Android

Dial *67, #31#, or *31# — Prefix the number for a single hidden call. It’s handy when you only need privacy occasionally.
Test and save — As on iPhone, save a contact with the prefix included if you call the same destination often.

Carrier Tools, Short Codes, And When Masking Won’t Work

Carriers provide both network switches and short codes that control Caller ID. You can usually manage these in your online account or mobile app. Short codes are great for quick control from the dialer.

Verizon — Use *67 for a single hidden call, or turn on Caller ID Blocking on your line in the My Verizon app/account. Exceptions apply for toll-free numbers and emergency services.
AT&T — Use *67 per call. For always-hidden Caller ID, enable the feature on your line or use your device’s Caller ID switch if supported.
T-Mobile (many GSM markets) — Short codes include *31# to hide name/number and #31# to show. Regional behavior can vary; test on your number.

Hard stops: Your number still shows to emergency services and usually to toll-free numbers, even if you’ve masked it. Some international routes ignore Caller ID blocking. Business phone systems may also override masking. If a call fails or your number leaks through, try a different route or use a secondary line/app.

Privacy Beyond Caller ID: Combine Filters For Fewer Interruptions

Masking your number helps when you call out. If your pain point is incoming calls, pair Caller ID hiding with protective filters so strangers don’t keep ringing you.

Silence unknown callers (iPhone) — In Settings → Phone, enable features that screen or silence callers who aren’t in your contacts. You’ll still see missed calls in Recents.
Turn on caller ID & spam protection (Android) — In the Google Phone app, keep the built-in identification and spam warnings enabled so suspicious calls are flagged.
Use carrier call protection — Apps like Verizon Call Filter, AT&T ActiveArmor, and T-Mobile Scam Shield add network-level screening and extra controls.

Extra layer: If you must hand out a phone number on listings or forms, consider a secondary number via a VoIP app. Place outbound calls with masking enabled, and keep your personal SIM private.

Troubleshooting: My Number Still Shows

Sometimes masking doesn’t stick. These quick fixes solve many cases:

Confirm on another phone — Call a second device and check what shows. If it still shows your number, move down the list.
Check the right line — Dual-SIM users should set Caller ID for the active SIM. Each line has its own setting.
Restart network — Toggle Airplane Mode or Cellular off/on. Then revisit the Caller ID setting and try again.
Try a different method — If the global switch won’t apply, use a per-call prefix (*67 or #31#) or enable blocking through your carrier account.
Carrier feature mismatch — Some plans restrict device-level Caller ID control. Contact support and ask for Caller ID blocking on the line.
Special numbers — Calls to toll-free or emergency services ignore masking. Your number will show by design.

Safety, Etiquette, And When To Unmask

Be clear: People often screen hidden calls. If you must reach a business or a contact who filters private numbers, dial *82 (where supported) to show your number just for that call, or turn Caller ID back on temporarily.

Use masking thoughtfully: It’s a handy privacy tool, not a shield for harassment or spam. Carriers and recipients can still report abuse. Law-enforcement access to call records is separate from Caller ID display and isn’t affected by your toggle.

Back to the original ask: If you came here wondering, “how can i block my mobile number?” the simplest answer is: use a per-call code for quick privacy, flip the phone’s Caller ID switch for persistent masking, and lean on your carrier’s controls when the device option isn’t available. If you’re thinking, “how can i block my mobile number for international calls?” test with both *67 and #31# and confirm results before relying on it.

One-Glance Methods Table

Save time: Use this compact table to pick the right path for your call.

Method	Where It Works	Steps / Notes
Per-Call Code	US/Canada (67); many GSM markets (#31#/31#)	Dial prefix + number. Good for one-off privacy. Won’t hide to toll-free or emergency numbers.
iPhone Global Toggle	Where carrier allows device control	Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → Off. Applies to all calls until you toggle back.
Android Global Setting	Most devices/carriers	Phone app → Settings → Calls/Additional settings → Caller ID → Hide number.
Carrier Account/App	All major carriers	Turn on Caller ID Blocking for the line. Use short codes or account switches if device toggle is missing.
Spam/Call Filter	Incoming protection	iPhone: screen/silence unknown callers. Android: caller ID & spam protection. Carrier apps add more filters.

Smart Workflow For Frequent Private Calls

When you need regular privacy, string together a few habits. They take minutes to set up and save time every week.

Create labeled contacts — Save a few key numbers with a prefix embedded (*67 or #31#) so you never forget to mask.
Use a second number — A VoIP number keeps your primary SIM away from listings, forms, and cold leads.
Keep filters on — Let spam protection flag bad calls while your Caller ID setting handles privacy on outbound calls.
Revisit settings monthly — After system updates or plan changes, place a test call to make sure your hidden setting still holds.

How Can I Block My Mobile Number? | Quick Privacy Guide