How Can I Block My Cell Phone Number? | Privacy Steps

Yes, you can block your cell phone number by dialing *67 per call or turning off Show My Caller ID in settings.

How Can I Block My Cell Phone Number?

Quick map: You have three clean options to hide caller ID when you place a call. Use a one off code before the number, switch off caller ID in your phone, or ask your carrier to block it for every call. Each method keeps your number from showing to the person you call, though some lines are exempt.

  • Use a per call code — Dial *67 before the number in the U.S. and Canada, 141 in the U.K., or 1831/#31# in Australia, then place the call.
  • Turn off caller ID on the device — On iPhone, open Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and switch it off. On Android, open the Phone app, then Settings > Supplementary services > Show your caller ID > Never.
  • Ask your carrier for a line block — Enable Caller ID Blocking on your account so all outgoing calls are withheld by default. You can still reveal your number for one call with *82 or a local reveal code.

These tools hide your number from the called party. They do not hide your identity from your carrier or from emergency services. Calls to 911 and toll free lines still pass your number.

Hide Caller ID On iPhone And Android

iPhone steps: Open Settings, tap Phone, tap Show My Caller ID, and switch it off. If the toggle is missing or stuck, your carrier may control the setting; contact the carrier or use per call codes.

  1. Open Settings — Tap the gray gear icon on your Home Screen.
  2. Tap Phone — Scroll to Phone to open calling options.
  3. Open Show My Caller ID — Switch the setting off to hide your number.

Android steps: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, choose Settings > Supplementary services (or More settings), tap Show your caller ID, then choose Never. Menu names can vary by model and carrier.

  • Phone app — Open the dialer, tap the menu, and go to Settings.
  • Supplementary services — Pick Show your caller ID or Caller ID.
  • Choose Never — Your number stays hidden on outbound voice calls.

Using Google Voice? Turn on Anonymous caller ID in the app to place calls that show your Voice number or hide it entirely.

Carrier Short Codes And Account-Level Blocks

Per call codes: These prefixes hide your number for a single call. They are handy when you only need privacy once or when the device toggle is blocked by the carrier.

Region / Carrier Hide Per Call Notes
United States (AT&T) *67 Calls to 911 and toll free lines ignore blocking.
United States (Verizon) *67 App or website can enable Caller ID Blocking on the line.
United States (T-Mobile) *67 How-to page lists the steps and limitations.
United Kingdom 141 Dial 141 before the number to withhold caller ID.
Australia 1831 or #31# 1831 on most phones; #31# from a mobile also works.

Permanent blocks: Carriers let you add Caller ID Blocking to your line so every call is withheld. You can still reveal a call using *82 or a local unblock code. Verizon and AT&T document account-level blocks in their help centers.

Per-Call Blocking, Exceptions, And Limitations

What gets through: Toll free destinations and emergency lines ignore caller ID blocking by design. In the U.S., carrier rules also let certain security or emergency services request access to a blocked number after a threatening call.

  • Emergency calls — 911 and country-specific emergency numbers still receive your number, even if you dial a hide code.
  • Toll free numbers — 800/888/877 and similar services often bypass blocking to validate calls.
  • Blocked caller filters — Many people auto block “Private” or “Unknown,” so your call may not ring through.
  • Texts — SMS and messaging always show your number; caller ID hide only applies to voice calls.

Wi-Fi calling and VoIP: The hide flag is passed by the carrier as part of call setup. If you place calls through your carrier’s Wi-Fi calling, the same limits apply. If you call with a second-number app, check that app’s caller ID settings.

Block My Cell Phone Number — Quick Methods

One-off hide: Add the prefix before the full number you dial. In NANP countries that is *67. In the U.K. use 141, and in Australia use 1831 or #31#. Save a contact like “Private Call” that dials the code, a pause, and the number you call most.

  1. Hide this call only — Enter *67 + number (U.S./Canada) then call.
  2. Hide every call from your phone — Use the iPhone or Android setting so you never need the code.
  3. Hide every call on the account — Ask your carrier to add Caller ID Blocking at the line level.

Need to reveal your number for one call while a permanent block is on? Use *82 in the U.S. so the person you call can see your number. Check your carrier’s reveal code for other regions.

Troubleshooting When Your Number Still Shows

Feature missing on iPhone: Some carriers remove the Show My Caller ID toggle from iOS. If you search Settings and do not see the switch under Phone, use a per call code or ask the carrier to add a line block for you.

  • Restart the phone — A quick reboot refreshes network features that control caller ID.
  • Toggle Airplane Mode — Turn it on for a minute, then off, and try the switch again. Some users report the toggle appears after a radio reset.
  • Check account features — In carrier apps, confirm that Caller ID Blocking is available on your line. Verizon and AT&T publish self-serve steps.

Android menu looks different: Makers like Samsung and Sony put caller ID under Supplementary services, sometimes shown as Additional settings or Calling accounts in the menu. The path varies, but option name is similar.

  • Samsung path — Phone > menu > Settings > Supplementary services > Show your caller ID > Never.
  • Sony path — Phone > menu > Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID.

Still shows on the other end: If the called party uses a service that unmasks private calls by routing them over a toll free number, your number can be revealed. Use a second number app or voicemail based screening if you need stronger privacy.

How Can I Block My Cell Phone Number? — Smart Privacy Add-Ons

Second number apps: Google Voice can show your Voice number to the person you call and keep your personal mobile private. Turn on Anonymous caller ID in Voice when you need to hide it as well.

  • Use call screening — Android’s Phone app and Samsung’s Smart Call flag spam and can send shady calls to voicemail.
  • Silence unknown callers — Many phones let you send unknown callers to voicemail so you can return calls from a second number later.
  • Share a callback path — When you call a business, leave your alternate number or a Voice link so they can reach you without exposing your main line.

Safety note: Caller ID blocking helps with privacy, but it is not anonymity. Carriers and emergency services can still see your number when policy allows. For sensitive situations, use a second number that you can change or drop.

Use these paths and codes any time a page asks, “How Can I Block My Cell Phone Number?” They work across iPhone, Android, and major carriers, with limits for emergency and toll free calls. By mixing per call prefixes, phone settings, and account features, you can match privacy to each call without losing reachability.

Reveal codes: If your line has a permanent block, you can show your number with a reveal prefix. In the U.S. many carriers use *82; in the U.K. 1470 does the same. Save a contact that dials the code, a pause, and the destination.

Stuck toggles: If the iPhone switch spins or is missing, turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data, return to Settings > Phone, try again. When a carrier disables the switch, use a per call code or ask them to add a line block.

People ask this often: How Can I Block My Cell Phone Number? Use a code for quick calls, the phone setting for daily use, or an account block for every call, again.