How to Call Someone as an Unknown Number (iPhone & Android)
To call someone as an unknown number, dial 67 before their phone number, or hide your caller ID in your phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. On Android, open Phone → Settings → Caller ID and select "Hide number." Your call will then show as "Unknown," "Private," or "No Caller ID."
Whether you're protecting your privacy when calling a business, a stranger, or someone who might otherwise save your number, this guide covers every method to make your number appear as unknown.
Method 1: Use *67 (Works on Almost Any Phone)
The fastest, no-setup way to hide your number for a single call:
Open your phone's dialer.
Type *67 followed immediately by the number you're calling (e.g., *67 555-123-4567).
Press call.
Your number will display as "Private," "Unknown," or "Blocked" to the recipient. This works per-call, so you'll need to add *67 each time.
Note: In some countries the code differs — it's #31# before the number in parts of Europe and Australia. If *67 doesn't work, search for your country's caller-ID block code.
Method 2: Hide Your Caller ID on iPhone (Permanent)
To make every call show as unknown without dialing a code each time:
Open Settings.
Scroll to Apps → Phone (on older iOS: Settings → Phone).
Tap Show My Caller ID.
Toggle it off.
Now all your outgoing calls display as "No Caller ID" until you turn it back on.
If the toggle is greyed out, your carrier controls caller ID — contact them to enable the option, or use *67 instead.
Method 3: Hide Your Caller ID on Android (Permanent)
Steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but generally:
Open the Phone app.
Tap the three-dot menu → Settings.
Select Supplementary services or Calls.
Tap Show your caller ID or Caller ID.
Choose Hide number.
All your calls will now appear as "Unknown" or "Private."
Method 4: Ask Your Carrier to Block Your Number
Most carriers can permanently withhold your number at the network level for free. Call your provider (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) and ask them to enable "caller ID blocking" or "line blocking." With this on, you'd dial *82 before a number when you want to show your ID.
Method 5: Use a Private / Second Number App
If you want to hide your real number and still show a working callback number, a second-number app is the best option:
Google Voice — Free US number that masks your real one.
Burner — Temporary numbers you can create and discard.
Hushed — Private numbers with per-line control.
TextNow — Free number for calls and texts.
These give you a separate number, so the recipient never sees your real one — useful for selling online, dating, or business calls.
Comparison: Which Method Should You Use?
Important: When You Can't Hide Your Number
Caller-ID blocking doesn't work in every situation:
Toll-free numbers (800, 888, etc.) can capture your number regardless of blocking.
911 and emergency services always see your number and location.
Some businesses use technology that rejects or unmasks blocked calls.
Blocking your caller ID is legal for personal privacy, but using it to harass, threaten, or defraud someone is illegal. Always use these methods responsibly.
Protecting Your Privacy Beyond Phone Calls
Hiding your caller ID protects one channel but your online activity leaves a much bigger trail. Your IP address reveals your location and can be tracked across websites and apps.
A VPN like Venture VPN hides your IP and encrypts your connection, giving you the same privacy online that *67 gives you on the phone. Download Venture VPN free →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I call someone as an unknown number?
Dial *67 before the phone number for a single private call, or hide your caller ID permanently in your phone's settings (iPhone: Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID; Android: Phone → Settings → Caller ID → Hide number).
*Does 67 still work in 2026? Yes. *67 remains the standard caller-ID block code in the US and Canada for individual calls. Some other countries use #31# instead.
How do I hide my number on my iPhone?
Go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. All your calls will then show as "No Caller ID." If the option is greyed out, your carrier must enable it.
How do I call unknown on Android?
Open the Phone app → three-dot menu → Settings → Supplementary services (or Calls) → Caller ID → Hide number. Exact wording varies by phone brand.
Can I hide my number when calling toll-free numbers?
No. Toll-free (800/888) numbers can capture your number even when caller ID is blocked, because the receiving party pays for the call.
Is it legal to call as an unknown number?
Yes, hiding your caller ID for privacy is legal. However, using a blocked number to harass, threaten, or scam someone is illegal in most places.
What's the best app to call from a private number?
Google Voice, Burner, Hushed, and TextNow all provide a separate number so your real one stays hidden while still allowing callbacks.
Final Words
Hiding your number is simple: *67 handles one-off calls instantly, your phone's settings make privacy permanent, and a second-number app gives you a working callback line while keeping your real number secret. Pick the method that matches how often you need it.
Just remember that caller-ID blocking only covers your phone. Everything you do online, the sites you visit, the apps you use are tied to your IP address, which can reveal your location and be tracked.
Venture VPN extends that same privacy to your entire internet connection: it hides your IP, encrypts your data, and keeps your activity invisible to your ISP and trackers. Download Venture VPN for free and stay private everywhere, not just on calls.