Introduction
Have you ever needed to make a phone call, but didn’t want the recipient to know your phone number? It’s a common problem in today’s digital age, where privacy and security are increasingly important. Whether you’re calling for personal or business reasons, there are a variety of methods you can use to hide your phone number. In this article, we’ll explore the different options and give you a step-by-step guide on how to hide your phone number when calling.
Use the Call Block/ID Block Feature
One of the easiest ways to hide your phone number is to use the call block/ID block feature that’s available on many different types of phones. Here’s how to activate this feature:
iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, and toggle the switch off. This will block your phone number from appearing on the recipient’s caller ID display.
Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and select Settings > Calls > Additional Settings > Caller ID, then select “Hide number”. This will also block your phone number from appearing on the recipient’s caller ID display.
Use *67 before the phone number
If you don’t want to permanently block your phone number, you can use the *67 prefix before the phone number you want to call. Here’s how:
Simply dial *67 followed by the phone number you want to call. This will block your number for that call only. Please note that this feature may not work in all countries, so be sure to check before using it.
Use a Third-Party App
Another option for hiding your phone number when calling is to use a third-party app. There are a number of different apps available, both for iOS and Android platforms, that can help protect your privacy. Here are a few examples:
Burner: This app lets you create a temporary, disposable phone number that you can use for calls and texts. Once you’re done with the number, you can “burn” it and get a new one.
Hushed: Similar to Burner, Hushed lets you create a temporary phone number that you can use for calls and texts. It also offers a variety of different features, such as voicemail and call forwarding.
To use these apps, simply download them from the App Store or Google Play Store, create an account, and configure the settings for maximum privacy protection.
Subscribe to a Call ID Blocking Service
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you may want to consider subscribing to a call ID blocking service through your phone company. Here’s what you need to know:
Many phone companies offer call ID blocking services that allow you to permanently block your phone number from appearing on caller ID displays. However, there may be fees associated with this service, and there may be limitations on who you can call and when you can use the service.
To access and activate this service, contact your phone company and ask about their call ID blocking options. They should be able to provide you with more information on what’s available and how to sign up.
Use a Disposable Phone Number
Another option for hiding your phone number is to use a disposable phone number service. Here’s how it works:
When you sign up for a disposable phone number service, you’ll be given a temporary phone number that you can use for calls and texts. Once you’re done with the number, you can simply let it expire or delete it.
There are a number of different disposable phone number services available, such as Burner and Hushed, that offer different features and pricing options. However, it’s important to keep in mind that using a disposable phone number may not be the most convenient option, and it may not be suitable for all situations.
Use a Private Calling Platform
Finally, you may want to consider using a private calling platform for maximum privacy and security. Here are a few examples:
Signal: Signal is an app that offers encrypted voice and video calls, as well as text messaging. It’s become increasingly popular in recent years due to its strong security features.
Wire: Wire is another app that offers encrypted voice and video calls, as well as messaging and file sharing. It’s designed with security and privacy in mind, and offers a number of features that make it an attractive option for those looking to protect their sensitive information.
To use these platforms, simply download the app and create an account. You’ll then be able to use them to make secure, private calls and send encrypted messages.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of different methods you can use to hide your phone number when calling. Whether you’re looking to protect your privacy or keep your business calls confidential, there’s an option out there that will work for you. We encourage you to try out different methods and figure out what works best for your individual needs. And remember, in today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to prioritize your privacy and security.