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Whether you're getting quotes from car dealers, setting up an online dating account or returning a work call from your personal phone, there are times when keeping your phone number private makes sense. Fortunately, there are options for short term anonymous "burner" numbers, virtual phone lines and caller ID blocking. Here's what I recommend. 1. Use a Temporary "Burner" Number I like Burner(available for iOS and Android) for a temporary disposable number. Using Burner is almost like making and receiving regular calls. When you make a call using the Burner app on your phone, the app calls your Burner number and then adds the number you're calling. It happens almost instantaneously, so you won't notice unless you look at your screen. The person you're calling sees your Burner number. When calls come in, the caller ID can show the caller's number or your Burner number, and you'll be prompted to accept the call before you're connected to your caller. You can turn on and off the ringer and set up a custom greeting for callers for each Burner number. By default, Burner uses Nomorobo to reduce spam calls. The price options are different for Android and iPhone users. Android users can get a free trial for seven days and then pay $4.99 monthly for a single line with unlimited calls and texts. iPhone users don't get a free trial. Instead, they can opt for a $4.99 pre-paid month of service that includes 100 texts and 50 minutes of calls and then automatically "burns" your number, or they have to pay $14.99 per month (or $139.99 per year) for up to three lines of unlimited calls and texts. Subscriptions are handled through Google Play or the App Store, and you can cancel anytime. 2. Use a Free Long-Term Private NumberFor a more permanent calling solution, I recommend Google Voice. You get unlimited calling within the U.S. for free as well as voicemail, call screening, and do not disturb, among other features. You'll need a smartphone or computer with Internet access and the Google Voice app (free for iOS and Android) to receive a call or text. Or, you can forward all your Google Voice calls and texts to an existing number. Outbound calls made with the Google Voice app will show your Google Voice number instead of your actual number. 3. Block Your Outbound Caller IDIf you don’t want to use a disposable phone number, you can block your outbound Caller ID for a single call by dialing *67 before the number (you'll need to use the country code, so it would look like *6712125551212). Your number will appear as unavailable. You can also block your number permanently on your phone. For Android phones, open your Phone app, tap the Menu icon (triple dots), select Settings > [Calls] > Supplementary Services > Show your caller ID and choose "Never." For iPhones, go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. If you have a VOIP line, you can turn off the outbound caller ID in your phone management software. You may not want to block your caller ID because some people choose to set up their phones to automatically block incoming private numbers or choose not to answer calls when the caller is listed as "Private" or "Unavailable." [Editor's Note: *67 will not work when calling toll-free numbers (800, 888, etc.) and emergency services, like 911.] While I value openness – even when it comes to caller ID, I can see real value in protecting my privacy in a situation where I would be dealing with strangers. It’s safer and smarter. Updated Burner pricing and package information and added instructions on blocking outbound caller ID on 9/7/2022 [Image credit: screenshots via Techlicious, woman checking phone via BigStockPhoto] For the past 20+ years, Techlicious founder Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Prior to Techlicious, Suzanne was the Technology Editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and the Senior Technology Editor for Popular Science. Suzanne has been featured on CNN, CBS, and NBC. When you block your caller ID and call someone, your phone number is not displayed on the recipient’s phone. You can hide your caller ID on your iPhone, Android phone, as well as your carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. We’ll show you how. As long as your caller ID is hidden, your call recipient sees “Private,” “Anonymous,” or a similar term in place of your phone number. Later, you can toggle off the option to start showing your number. Note: Not all carriers allow you to hide your phone number. If you don’t find the option to block the caller ID, your carrier has probably locked it. In this case, contact your service provider for more information. RELATED: How to Change Your FaceTime Caller ID on iPhone and iPad To begin hiding your phone number, launch the Settings app on your iPhone. In Settings, scroll down and select “Phone.” On the “Phone” screen, choose “Show My Caller ID.” Turn off the “Show My Caller ID” option. Tip: To unhide your phone number in the future, turn on the “Show My Caller ID” option. And you’re done. Your iPhone won’t display your phone number on all your future outgoing calls. Block the Caller ID on Your Android PhoneTo turn off your caller ID, first, launch the Phone app on your Android phone. In Phone, from the top-right corner, select the three dots and choose “Settings.” In “Settings,” select “Calling Accounts.” From your SIM card’s section, choose “More Features.” Select “Caller ID and Call Waiting.” Tap “Caller ID.” In the open menu, choose “Hide Number.” Tip: To unblock your caller ID in the future, select “Show Number.” And that’s it. Your Android phone won’t display your phone number when you make any outgoing calls. Enjoy calling people privately! RELATED: How Phone Companies Are Finally Verifying Caller ID Numbers Disable Caller ID for a Single Call With AT&T, T-Mobile, and VerizonTo disable your caller ID for individual calls and not for all calls, use your carrier’s prefix before dialing a phone number. This way, your carrier ensures your phone number is hidden on the recipient’s phone. However, note that your phone number will be displayed when you call toll-free numbers or emergency services. To hide your caller ID on Verizon or T-Mobile, add For example, to
dial *675555551234 If you’re with AT&T, prefix your phone number with To call *675555551234# And that’s how you enjoy privacy while still being able to talk to people. Very handy! Don’t want calls from unknown people on Android? If so, there’s a way to disable those calls. RELATED: How to Block Unknown Numbers on Android READ NEXT
Does * 67 still work?Based on our tests in April of 2022, this still works. If you dial *67 then the recipient's full ten-digit phone number, your call will ring through. The recipient's caller ID will say 'Unknown Caller' or something similar.
How do I hide my phone number when calling?Hide your caller ID for all calls. Open the Google Voice app .. At the top left, tap Menu. Settings.. Under “Calls,” turn on Anonymous caller ID . If you want to show your phone number to people you call, turn off Anonymous caller ID .. How do I block my number when calling from an iPhone?You can also hide your number on your iPhone when making individual calls by dialing the shortcode *67 before dialing an actual phone number.
Does * 67 work on cell phone calls?What to Know. Enter *67 before dialing a number to hide your number from the recipient of the call. Android: Tap Phone > menu > Settings > Calls > Additional Settings > Caller ID > Hide number.
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How to make a phone call and block your number
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