How Do I Block My Number? Complete Mobile & Landline Guide

You ever get that itch to call someone but don’t want them knowing it’s you? Maybe it’s your ex, a pushy salesperson, or that neighbor who won’t return your lawnmower. Blocking your number isn’t about being shady – it’s privacy 101. I remember calling my kid’s school last year and accidentally using my blocked number. The secretary thought it was a prank call! Took me three days to sort that mess out.

Why Blocking Your Number Matters More Than You Think

We’ve all been there. You call the pizza place and don’t want your number floating around their database. Or maybe you’re job hunting and don’t want your current boss seeing your calls to competitors. Privacy isn’t paranoia – it’s practical.

Funny story: My buddy Dave forgot to block his number when calling about a used car. For weeks afterward, the dealer kept blowing up his phone with "special offers." Dave eventually changed his number. True story.

When You Absolutely Should Block Your Caller ID

• Calling businesses that might sell your data (looking at you, loan companies)
• Contacting online marketplace sellers (Craigslist can be wild)
• Doing customer service calls where you don’t want future spam
• Doctors’ offices that send endless appointment reminders (we get it)

The Instant *67 Method (Temporary Block)

This is the quick fix. Dial *67 before any number and boom – your caller ID disappears. Works on 99% of US carriers. But here’s what nobody tells you:

Important: *67 DOESN’T work for text messages. If you text someone after dialing *67, they’ll see your real number. Learned that the hard way when trying to text "wrong number" to my dentist. Awkward.

Permanent Caller ID Blocking on iPhone

Apple makes this stupid simple:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Phone
3. Select Show My Caller ID
4. Toggle that switch OFF (green means it’s showing)

Done. Every call will now show "No Caller ID" or "Blocked." But heads up – some businesses have systems that reject blocked calls automatically. My pharmacy does this. Super annoying when you’re trying to refill meds.

iPhone Limitations You Should Know

• FaceTime: Always shows your number
• iMessage: Can’t be hidden (use email instead)
• Emergency calls: 911 always gets your real info

Honestly? I wish Apple gave more control here. Why can’t we block numbers per contact like on Android?

Blocking Your Number on Android Devices

Android’s a mixed bag since every manufacturer tweaks things. Here’s the most universal method:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Tap the three dots (settings)
3. Go to Settings > Calls
4. Tap Additional settings
5. Select Caller ID
6. Choose Hide number

Samsung users might find it under Call settings instead. Took me forever to find it on my wife’s Galaxy – felt like a treasure hunt.

Android Brand Cheat Sheet

Carrier-Level Number Blocking Options

Sometimes your phone settings won’t cut it. That’s when you need carrier solutions. Each major provider handles permanent blocking differently:

I switched to T-Mobile last year just for their #31# trick. Game changer when ordering takeout from sketchy places.

Setting Up Carrier Blocking Step-by-Step

For most carriers:

• Call customer service (prepare for hold music)
• Say "caller ID blocking" three times like a magic spell
• Verify account security (they’ll ask your first pet’s name)
• Request PERMANENT caller ID block
• Test immediately by calling a friend

Pro tip: Ask for written confirmation. Carriers "forget" settings during system updates.

Can You Block Your Number for Text Messages?

Short answer: Not really. SMS wasn’t built for anonymity. But here are workarounds:

• Burner apps: TextMe, Burner (costs $5/month)
• Email-to-SMS: Send to [email protected]
• Google Voice: Free alternative number

Tried all these. Burner works best but eats battery like crazy. Google Voice’s interface feels straight out of 2010.

The Dark Side of Blocking Your Number

Blocking isn’t all rainbows. Major downsides:

• 85% of people don’t answer blocked calls (my own informal polling)
• Doctors’ offices often reject blocked IDs
• Can’t use certain banking verification systems
• Looks super suspicious if calling partners/clients

My rule? Only block when absolutely necessary. Family gets the real number.

Special Cases You Should Know About

Some situations need special handling:

International Calling

Blocking works differently overseas. In Europe, try #31# instead of *67. UK uses 141 prefix. Japan? Forget about it – their systems show everything. Travel tip: Buy local SIM cards for privacy.

Landline Blocking

Old-school but still relevant:

1. Lift receiver
2. Dial *67
3. Wait for special dial tone (3 beeps)
4. Dial number normally

My grandma still does this. Works on 90% of US landlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone unmask my blocked number?

Legally? No. But shady services claim they can. Most are scams. Law enforcement can get it with warrants. Your boss? Not a chance.

Why does my blocked call still show up sometimes?

Three main reasons:

• You dialed 800/888 numbers (always show caller ID)
• Receiver has "trap line" service (rare but exists)
• Carrier glitch (happens more than they admit)

Can I block my number for just one person?

Sadly no. It’s all or nothing. Third-party apps like CoverMe let you do selective blocking, but they cost money and feel clunky.

How do I unblock my number temporarily?

Dial *82 before calling. Works on all major carriers. Useful when calling places that reject blocked numbers.

Does blocking prevent call tracing?

No. Carriers still know it’s you. Law enforcement sees everything. Only burner phones offer real anonymity.

Troubleshooting Blocked Number Issues

When blocking fails:

• Reboot phone: Solves 60% of ghost-in-the-machine issues
• Check carrier settings: Updates sometimes reset preferences
• Dial *#*#4636#*#*: Android secret menu (advanced users only)
• Contact carrier: Demand tier-2 tech support

Last month my blocking stopped working. Turned out Verizon pushed a bad update. Took three support calls to rectify. Mildly infuriating.

Beyond Blocking: Next-Level Privacy Tactics

Serious anonymity requires more:

My personal ranking? Burner phones for serious stuff, Google Voice for everyday privacy. VPN calling isn’t worth the headache unless you’re Jason Bourne.

The Bottom Line on Blocking Your Number

Look – blocking your caller ID is useful when used responsibly. I block mine for client research calls and pizza orders. But it’s not magic invisibility. Carriers know. Government knows. Use wisely.

Final tip: Test your blocking by calling a friend before important anonymous calls. Nothing worse than thinking you’re hidden while your number flashes on their screen. Trust me, I’ve been that idiot.

Still wondering how to block your number effectively? Stick with the carrier-level permanent block if possible. And maybe avoid calling your ex. Some things are better left unknown.