Yes — to call from an unknown number, dial *67 before the phone number (for example, *67 555-123-4567). The person you call will see “Unknown,” “Private,” or “No Caller ID” instead of your number. It works on iPhones, Android phones, and landlines in the US, and it only hides your number for that one call. If you want every call hidden, you can turn off caller ID in your phone’s settings instead.

A hand holding a smartphone with a blurred incoming-call screen in a dim room
Dialing *67 before a number hides your caller ID for that single call on most US carriers.

Hiding your number isn’t shady by default. Plenty of legitimate reasons exist: calling back a missed number from a stranger, reaching a business without handing out your personal line, or just keeping your number private when it needs to be. The key is knowing the methods — and their limits.

What “Unknown Number” Actually Means

When you hide your caller ID, you’re not making yourself invisible. Your carrier still knows exactly who you are and logs the call normally — you’re only blocking the number from displaying on the recipient’s phone. Their screen shows “Unknown Number,” “Private Caller,” “No Caller ID,” or something similar depending on their carrier and device.

One important exception: *67 does not work on toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, etc.) or emergency services like 911. Toll-free lines use a different system (ANI) that always receives the real number, and emergency dispatchers always see your location and number regardless of blocking. Anyone running a business line that pays for inbound calls can also often see through the block.

Method 1: *67 — The 5-Second Trick

This is the simplest method and the one most people are looking for. Open your phone app and dial:

*67 + the full phone number

So to call (305) 555-0142 privately, you’d dial *67 3055550142 and hit call. Your number stays hidden for that call only. The next call you make will show your number normally unless you dial *67 again.

A few notes on *67:

  • It’s free on virtually all US carriers — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and their MVNOs all support it.
  • It works on landlines too, not just cell phones.
  • Some people have all unknown calls sent straight to voicemail, so your call may not get answered. If it’s important, consider leaving a voicemail without calling as a backup plan.
  • Dialing *82 before a number does the opposite — it unblocks your number for one call if you normally keep it hidden.

Method 2: Hide Your Number Permanently on iPhone

If you want every outgoing call to show as unknown without dialing a code each time:

  1. Open Settings and tap Phone.
  2. Tap Show My Caller ID.
  3. Toggle it off.

That’s it. Every call you make from now on appears as “Unknown” or “Private” until you toggle it back on. Note that some carriers (particularly smaller MVNOs) don’t support this toggle — if the option is grayed out or missing, your carrier has disabled it, and *67 is your fallback.

Method 3: Hide Your Number on Android

Android’s steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but the general path is:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings (on Samsung: Call settings).
  3. Tap Calls or Supplementary services, then Additional settings.
  4. Tap Caller ID and choose Hide number.

On Google Pixel phones, it’s Phone app > Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID > Hide number. On Samsung Galaxy devices, look under Phone app > Settings > Supplementary services > Show your caller ID > Never. Like the iPhone toggle, this hides your number on all outgoing calls until you change it back.

Method 4: Use a Second-Number App

Sometimes you don’t want to hide your number — you want to call from a different number entirely. Apps like Google Voice (free), Burner, and Hushed give you a second phone number that shows up on the recipient’s caller ID instead of your real one.

This is the better approach if you call the same person or business regularly but don’t want them having your personal number — freelancers, marketplace sellers, and online daters use second numbers constantly. Google Voice is free and works well; the paid apps offer temporary “burner” numbers that expire after a set time.

When *67 Doesn’t Work

Let’s be honest about the limits so you’re not caught off guard:

  • Toll-free numbers: 800/888/877/866 numbers always see your real number.
  • 911 and emergency services: Blocking is automatically overridden.
  • Some businesses: Companies with advanced phone systems can see blocked numbers.
  • Text messages: *67 only affects voice calls. Texts always show your number.
  • International calls: *67 is a North American code. Other countries use different prefixes (141 in the UK, for example), and support varies.

Also worth knowing: many people now auto-block unknown callers. On iPhone, “Silence Unknown Callers” sends your call straight to voicemail; Android’s spam filters do something similar. If your hidden-number call keeps going unanswered, that’s probably why.

A Quick Word on Etiquette and the Law

Hiding your caller ID for privacy is legal in the US. Using it to harass, threaten, or defraud someone is very much not — and “they couldn’t see my number” is not a defense, because carriers log everything and law enforcement can subpoena those records. Prank calls to emergency services are a crime in every state.

Practical etiquette: if you’re calling a business or someone who doesn’t know you, lead with who you are. “Hi, this is Maria from the dental office” takes two seconds and is the difference between a answered call and an ignored one. And if someone has taken the trouble to block calls from no caller ID, respect that boundary — they set it for a reason. The FCC’s guide on unwanted calls is worth a read if you’re on either side of the unknown-number divide.

FAQs

Does *67 still work in 2026?

Yes. *67 remains supported by all major US carriers — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile — and most MVNOs. It hides your number for a single call at no charge.

Can the person I call find out my real number?

Not through their phone alone. But your carrier logs the call, toll-free numbers and businesses with ANI-based systems can see it, and law enforcement can obtain it with a subpoena. “Unknown” is not “anonymous.”

How do I hide my number for every call without dialing *67 each time?

On iPhone: Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID > off. On Android: Phone app > Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID > Hide number. You can also ask your carrier to enable permanent line blocking on your account.

Does *67 work for text messages?

No. *67 only blocks caller ID on voice calls. Text messages always display your real number. If you need private texting, use a second-number app like Google Voice.

Why do my *67 calls go straight to voicemail?

The recipient likely has unknown-caller filtering turned on (iPhone’s “Silence Unknown Callers” or Android spam blocking). Their phone is screening you out automatically. If it’s a legitimate call, try texting from your real number first to introduce yourself.