There are many ways to block caller ID. Preventing your number from appearing on the phone can be permanent or temporary. The process can be done on land lines, cell phones and the iPhone, although the methods may vary a bit.
Permanently Blocking Your Number
Call the phone company and tell them you don’t want your number to
appear on the caller ID. Inform them this is for every outgoing call. Depending on the phone company, a fee may or may not be charged.
Blocking Your Number from Caller ID on a Landline
Dial *67 follow by the number you’re going to call. Your number will no longer appear on the caller ID. This method to block caller ID doesn’t work if the number dialed is toll-free (i.e., 700, 800 and 800 area codes). Also remember that calls made to emergency numbers will indicate where the number came from.
Blocking Your Number on a Cell Phone
For cell phones, just dial *67 followed by the number you’re calling. If you want your number to be visible, type *82 followed by the number you’re calling. This technique also works on landlines.
When you dial *67, you’re going to hear four tones and then the regular dial tone. That is normal. Also keep in mind that the *67 code works for only one call. To keep your number private, you’ve got to dial *67 followed by the number you want to call every time you call.
Other Methods to Block Caller ID
One of the easiest ways is to call from a pay phone or buy a prepaid phone card. You can also dial 0 and ask the operator to place the call. You can also dial #31# instead of *67. The *67 method by the way, also works in Canada. In the United Kingdom you’ll have to dial 141 followed by the number you’re calling.
There are devices available that can hide your phone number. These have different features, and the quality will vary depending on the manufacturer. You can also call from the computer, using software like Skype. Another way to block caller ID is to use voicemail on your cell phone. Listen for the option and dial.
How to Block Your Number on the iPhone
Unlock your iPhone and go to the iPhone settings. This is usually the default. If it isn’t, scroll through until you get to the settings. Go through the options until you see “Show My Caller ID”. Toggle the setting to on or off.
Tips and Warnings
Bear in mind the police will able to see your phone number even if you hide it. In the US, the number will also be visible to the people at the federal government. When using prepaid cards, check if it actually hides your number; some do not.
Often, the ways to block caller ID involves dialing a code and then the number you’re calling. As shown here, there are other methods you can choose from to protect your privacy.