In today’s digital age, preserving our privacy is becoming increasingly important. With the rise of unsolicited calls and text messages, it has become essential to know how to block our phone numbers from being displayed when making outgoing calls. Whether it’s for personal reasons or simply avoiding unwanted contact, blocking your phone number is an effective solution. In this article, we will guide you through the process of blocking your phone number on various devices.
1. Blocking your phone number on an iPhone:
– Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
– Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
– Select “Show My Caller ID.”
– Here, you can toggle off the switch to hide your caller ID and block your number from being displayed.
2. Blocking your phone number on an Android device:
– Open the Phone app on your Android device.
– Tap on the three dots (menu) located at the top right corner of the screen.
– Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
– Look for the option labeled “Call settings” or “Additional settings.”
– Depending on your device, there might be “Caller ID” or “Show my Caller ID” listed here.
– Toggle off the switch to block your phone number from being displayed.
3. Blocking your phone number temporarily:
If you prefer to block your phone number on a call-by-call basis, you can do so by adding a specific code before making the call. Follow these steps:
– Before dialing the desired recipient’s phone number, simply enter *67 (North America) or #31# (Europe and other regions).
– For instance, if you wish to dial the number 555-1234, you would enter *675551234.
– Your phone number will be blocked for that individual call only.
4. Blocking your phone number using carrier services:
Most major carriers offer services to block your phone number for all outgoing calls permanently. Here’s how to do it for selected carriers:
– AT&T: Dial *67 before the recipient’s phone number.
– Verizon: Dial *67 before the recipient’s phone number.
– T-Mobile: Dial #31# before the recipient’s phone number.
– Sprint: Dial *67 before the recipient’s phone number.
– Note that carrier services might vary based on location.
5. Using third-party applications:
If the above methods don’t apply to you or don’t work effectively, you can consider using third-party applications. These apps, available for both iOS and Android, provide additional features for blocking phone numbers and managing call preferences. Some popular options include Truecaller, Hiya, and Call Control.
Now that you know how to block your phone number, it’s important to remember a few things:
– Blocking your phone number will only hide your caller ID from the recipient, not your call being logged by your service provider.
– Emergency services can still identify your phone number even if it’s blocked.
– It is illegal to use blocked caller ID to intimidate, harass, or threaten someone.
– While blocking your phone number can be useful, it’s also essential to utilize spam filters and exercise caution when sharing your number online.
In conclusion, knowing how to block your phone number is crucial for maintaining privacy and avoiding unwanted calls. Whether you choose to block it permanently or on a call-by-call basis, the methods provided in this guide will help you take control over your caller ID. Remember to exercise responsibility and legality when utilizing these methods and explore alternative options like third-party applications if necessary.