Navigating Caller ID Privacy on Android and iPhone
When initiating calls, revealing your identity to the recipient is typically the norm. Yet, there are instances where concealing your phone number becomes necessary. Whether you wield an Android or iPhone, employing any of three available methods can easily obscure your number.
1. Conceal Your Number on Your Device: Both Android and iOS devices empower you to mask your Caller ID. However, some carriers might supersede this feature, obliging you to obstruct your number directly through them. The fundamental steps differ based on your device type.
- iPhone: Head to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, then switch off “Show My Caller ID.”
- Android: Within the Phone app, tap the top-right corner to access the menu. Proceed to Settings > Supplementary Services > Calls > Additional Settings. Look for the Show Your Caller ID option and set it to “Never” to shield your name and number during calls.
Note that the precise nomenclature of these settings could vary depending on your Android device.
2. Employ a Star Code to Block Your Number: This method, spanning decades, entails dialing *67 on your phone’s keypad before inputting the desired phone number. The recipient will view your call as “Unknown Number” or “Unknown Caller.” This approach is particularly handy for discerning if someone has blocked your number, bypassing the block and enabling contact.
Notably, residents of the United Kingdom or Ireland should instead type 141 before the phone number, in place of *67.
3. Mask Your Number Through Your Carrier: This avenue proves the most intricate, necessitating direct engagement with your carrier. Carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile facilitate number concealment through Customer Service, who activate blocking mechanisms. Be prepared to explain your rationale for hiding your number when contacting them.
For Verizon subscribers, access the Block Services setting on the Verizon website or MyVerizon app to hide your phone number and Caller ID. My Verizon caters to both Android and iOS, offering seamless management of caller ID-blocking functionalities.
Alternatively, if you wish your number to be visible within this method, you can dial *82 before the intended phone number. This compels your Caller ID to display, overriding “Unknown Caller.”
Regrettably, universal number blocking isn’t feasible. Certain entities like organizations, businesses, and emergency services can still access your phone number and identity. For enhanced anonymity, resort to calling apps such as Google Voice or Burner to mitigate the risk of your phone number exposure.