Free Guide to Blocking Your Number on Outgoing Calls

Understanding Caller ID Blocking on Your Phone

Blocking your phone number from showing up on caller ID is a feature built into most phone services in the United States. When you block your number, the person receiving your call sees "Unknown," "Blocked," or "Private Number" instead of your actual phone number. This is different from call blocking, which stops you from receiving unwanted calls. Number blocking is about controlling what information you send out when you make outgoing calls.

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The technology behind caller ID blocking works through the telephone network's signaling system. Your phone service provider has the ability to withhold your number from being transmitted to the receiving party's phone. This capability exists whether you use a landline, mobile phone, or VoIP service. The feature has been available for decades, though the methods and ease of use vary depending on your phone service type and provider.

There are legitimate reasons people use this feature. Some individuals prefer privacy for personal reasons. Others use it when calling businesses or services where they don't want their number recorded in company systems. Healthcare workers, social workers, and other professionals sometimes block their numbers when calling from personal phones during work-related calls. Law enforcement and other government agencies also use this feature for investigative purposes.

It's important to note that blocking your number doesn't guarantee complete anonymity. Recipients can still attempt to identify callers through other means. Additionally, some services—particularly emergency services and certain business lines—may have the technical ability to unmask blocked numbers. Government agencies and law enforcement can also obtain calling information through proper legal channels regardless of whether a number is blocked.

Practical Takeaway: Caller ID blocking is a standard phone feature that prevents your phone number from displaying to the person you're calling. Understanding how it works helps you decide whether using it fits your needs.

How to Block Your Number on Mobile Phones

Mobile phone users have multiple methods to block their number on outgoing calls. The most common method is using a code that you dial before making a call. On most phones in North America, you dial *67 before entering the phone number you want to call. This is called "per-call blocking" because it only blocks your number for that specific call. If you hang up and call again without using *67, your number will display normally.

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To use the *67 method: First, pick up your phone and enter *67. Next, immediately dial the phone number you want to call, including the area code. Press the call button as you normally would. The recipient will see a blocked or unknown number. This process works on most major carriers including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others, though some carriers may use different codes in certain situations.

Another option is to set up permanent caller ID blocking through your mobile phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Phone, then Show My Caller ID. Toggle this setting off to block your number on all outgoing calls. On Android phones, the process varies by manufacturer and carrier, but typically involves going to Settings, Phone or Call Settings, and looking for options related to caller ID or call display.

Some carriers offer additional services through their billing accounts. You can often log into your carrier's website or app and adjust caller ID settings there. This method lets you block your number on all calls without using *67 each time. However, some callers may want to display their number for certain calls even after setting this up, which requires using *82 (the unblock code) before dialing.

It's worth noting that some carriers limit how many blocked calls you can make. If a recipient doesn't accept calls from blocked numbers, your call may go straight to their voicemail or be rejected entirely. This is a common issue when calling businesses, customer service lines, or other organizations that screen incoming calls.

Practical Takeaway: Mobile phone users can block their number either per-call using *67 or permanently through phone settings and carrier accounts. The *67 method works immediately and is the simplest option for occasional blocking needs.

Blocking Your Number on Landline Phones

Landline phone users have similar options to mobile phone users, though the process may differ slightly depending on your service provider. The per-call blocking method using *67 works on most landlines in the United States. You dial *67, then the phone number, just as you would on a cell phone. This is often called "Anonymous Call Rejection" or "Caller ID Blocking" in landline documentation.

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Landline providers typically offer a service option that blocks your number on all outgoing calls rather than just individual calls. This is usually called "Permanent Caller ID Block" or similar terms depending on your provider. You can request this service by calling your phone company's customer service line. There may be a monthly fee for this service, typically ranging from $2 to $5, though some providers include it free with certain service packages.

To set up permanent blocking on a landline, contact your phone service provider directly. You'll need to provide your account information and request the feature. The provider will enable it on your account, and all future calls will display as blocked unless you temporarily unblock using *82. The process is straightforward but requires going through the provider rather than adjusting settings on the phone itself.

Some older landline systems may not support these features, particularly in rural areas or with certain service providers. Before assuming the feature isn't available, contact your specific provider to ask. Many smaller regional phone companies and rural carriers have these options but may not advertise them prominently.

One limitation of landline blocking is that it may interfere with certain services. Some security systems, medical alert devices, and automated services depend on caller ID to function properly. If you use your landline for these purposes, permanent blocking may not be suitable. In those cases, using per-call blocking with *67 for specific situations is a better approach.

Practical Takeaway: Landline users can block numbers using *67 per call or by requesting permanent blocking from their phone company, which typically involves a small monthly fee.

Using VoIP Services to Block Your Number

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Google Voice, Vonage, and others have their own methods for blocking caller ID. These services have moved beyond traditional phone networks, so the *67 code may not work consistently. Instead, you typically adjust settings within the service's app or online account.

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Google Voice users can block their number through account settings. When you make a call through Google Voice, recipients see a Google Voice number rather than your personal number by default. If you have linked a personal phone number to your Google Voice account and want to block that number from displaying, you can adjust privacy settings in the Google Voice interface. The steps involve accessing your Google Voice settings and choosing how you want your number to display.

Vonage and other VoIP business services usually include caller ID management as a standard feature. Log into your account through the provider's website or app and look for settings related to "Caller ID," "Calling Features," or "Outgoing Call Display." These options let you choose what name and number display to recipients. Many business VoIP services allow you to display different numbers or names depending on the call's purpose.

Skype has limited caller ID blocking options for regular users since Skype-to-Skype calls don't use traditional phone numbers. However, when using Skype to call traditional phone numbers, you may have options to use a Skype number or privacy settings. These vary based on your subscription level and account type.

For residential VoIP services, check your provider's documentation or customer support for specific instructions. Some services charge an additional monthly fee for this feature, while others include it with standard service. The availability and functionality depend entirely on which provider you use.

Practical Takeaway: VoIP services have individual methods for blocking caller ID that differ from traditional phone networks. Check your specific service provider's settings or customer support for guidance.

What Information About Number Blocking You Should Know

When you block your number, important information about this limitation applies. Emergency services like 911 may be able to identify your location and information even if your number is blocked, depending on the technology they use and your type of service. This is a critical safety feature that prioritizes emergency response over privacy.

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Businesses and organizations often have systems that flag blocked calls or route them differently than regular calls. Many customer service lines, banks, and government offices screen blocked calls heavily. Your call may be automatically routed to a different queue,