How to Call Private: Hide Your Number on Landline & Mobile

Want to call without showing your number? This is convenient and can protect your privacy or avoid being called back. When you do this, your number shows up as 'Private' or 'Unknown.'

It won't make you invisible, but it helps keep your identity hidden. This guide shows easy ways on how to call privately. Let's begin!

Basic Ways to Call Private (iPhone & Android)

These methods are straightforward for hiding your number, whether you need to do it once or for all calls.

1. Use *67 - The Single-Call Method (for Landline & Mobile)

This is a very common and simple trick for how to call private for one specific call. Just dial *67 before the number, and your Caller ID will be blocked, whether you're calling from a mobile phone or a landline. The person you're calling will then see "Private" or "Unknown."

To use this method:

1. Open your phone's dialer.

2. Type *67 followed by the 10-digit phone number (for example, *67 555-123-4567).

3. Tap the Call button.

💡International variations for private calling:

While *67 is used in places like the U.S. and Canada, other countries use different codes. For example:

Note:

• Toll-free phone numbers and emergency services will not work through it.
• If some users have activated 'auto-block anonymous calls, they won't be able to receive your call.

2. Phone Settings - Hiding Your Number Permanently

If you prefer to hide your Caller ID for all outgoing calls, you can adjust your phone's settings. This eliminates the need to dial *67 each time you want to call private.

On Android:

1. Open your 'Phone' app.

2. Tap the three dots (or a similar menu icon), usually in the top right corner, then tap 'Settings.'

3. Look for 'Supplementary services' or 'Calling Accounts' (the name might vary slightly by device).

4. Tap on 'Show your caller ID' or 'Caller ID.'

5. Set it to 'Never' or 'Hide number.'

On iPhone:

1. Go to your iPhone's 'Settings' > 'Phone.'

2. Tap on 'Show My Caller ID.'

3. Toggle the switch to 'OFF.'

Note: Some users say the "Show My Caller ID" feature on iPhones depends on the carrier. If you can't find this option on your iPhone, please contact your carrier.

3. Contact Your Phone Carrier to Hide Caller ID

If your device does not support 'Caller ID settings,' then you can ask your carrier to disable your outgoing caller ID. You can go to their websites to find their contact info. Call and request them to block your outgoing caller ID for making private calls.

• T-Mobile
• Verizon
• Vodafone
• AT&T
• Sprint

Advanced Methods to Call Private: For Greater Security

If you want more control and reliability regarding privacy while making calls, then here is how you can level up your calling privacy game;

Get a New Number: Use Virtual Number

Sometimes, hiding your caller ID isn't enough when making private calls; you may want to call from a different number, and using a virtual number is the perfect pathway for this.

You will get a second phone number to make and receive calls without exposing your real number.  Here are some recommended burner apps you can try;

1. Google Voice

Google Voice is a VoIP phone service that provides you with an additional phone number for making and receiving calls, messages, and voicemails through the internet instead of a traditional phone line. It offers you two options: either you can choose a new number, or you can port your existing number into Google Voice. Its features include;

2. Burner

The Burner app offers you a temporary phone number that can be used for different purposes where you don't want to expose your private phone number. For making private calls, this app works great as you can also dispose of this number when not required. Its features include;

3. Hushed

Hushed app also provides you with a private second phone number for making private calls or even sending texts. It can also hide your real phone number and caller ID, making it a good option for secure communication.

Super Secure Calls: VoIP Solutions

If you want your private calls to be intractable, encrypted, and secure, then you can achieve it with these apps;

1. Signal

Signal is a free, open-source communication platform that helps you communicate privately. It is known for its strong end-to-end encryption through which you can make and receive calls privately. You can enjoy:

2. Telegram

Telegram is a cloud-based communication app where you can make private calls instantly under secure cover. It also offers end-to-end encryption over each sort of communication, whether it be calling, texting, sharing files, etc. Other than this;

The Best for Privacy: VPNs + VoIP

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) does protect the content of your call/messaging, but it does not mean it will hide your IP address. Its major focus is on encrypting messaging or calling content, meaning your IP address can still be revealed in various scenarios, even if the platform you are using is E2EE.

In such cases, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be your friend in hiding your IP address. By activating the VPN, your real IP address will be masked with the VPN's IP. This way, you can make secure and private calls.

Conclusion

In this article, we talked about using *67 for quick private calls and how to hide your Caller ID on Android and iPhone. We also looked at using virtual numbers, or VoIP services to keep your number private. Remember, these tips are for privacy, not for bothering people.

FAQs about How to Call Privately

Can I call private without dialing *67 every time?

Maverick

Yes, you can permanently hide your Caller ID through your phone's settings (on both iPhone and Android) or by contacting your mobile carrier to disable it at the network level.

Does *67 work on landlines?

Maverick

Yes. *67 works for landlines, too. It'll keep your number hidden, just like when you're calling from your phone.

Does *67 work for all numbers, like emergency services?

Maverick

No, *67 does not work for toll-free numbers (e.g., 1-800) or emergency services. For these calls, your number will almost always be displayed.

Are private calls truly untraceable?

Maverick

While traditional methods hide your Caller ID from the recipient, your phone company still records the call.

What's the difference between using *67 and a burner app?

Maverick

*67 simply hides your existing phone number for a single call. A burner app gives you a temporary number for multiple calls and texts.

Is it legal to make private calls?

Maverick

Yes, it is generally legal to make private calls. However, using private calling features for illegal or unethical purposes is illegal and can result in severe consequences.