How to block my number on cell phone

When you make calls, you can hide your caller ID from people you call. You can also decide which phone number you want to make calls and send messages from.

Hide your caller ID for all calls

Important: When you hide your caller ID on one device, it’s hidden on all devices with the same Google Voice account.

1. Open the Google Voice app
   
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2. At the top left, tap Menu
   
   
   Settings.
3. Under “Calls,” turn on Anonymous caller ID
   
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   • If you want to show your phone number to people you call, turn off Anonymous caller ID
     
     .

Hide your caller ID for individual calls

If you don't hide your caller ID for all calls, you can temporarily hide it for individual calls.

1. Open the Google Voice app .
2. At the bottom, tap Calls
   
   .
3. Enter the prefix used to block your caller ID.
   • This prefix depends on the country or region your Google Voice number is from. For example, if your Google Voice number is from the US, your prefix is “*67.” You always use the same prefix for all numbers you call.
4. Enter the phone number.
5. Tap Call 
   
   .

Choose which number shows on your caller ID

If you have more than one Google Voice number, you can choose which number shows when you make calls and send messages.

This article explains how to block phone numbers on iOS and Android phones, as well as how to view and manage numbers and how to hide your number when making outgoing calls.

How to Block Cell Phone Numbers on Android or iPhone (iOS)

Most smartphones block incoming phone numbers to avoid receiving spam calls or other calls you don't want. Another option available is to block your own Caller ID from displaying on the recipient's device. Both options are possible on Android and iOS phones.

Sometimes the operating systems hide these features deep in the settings. Further, different carriers offer various options for blocking numbers, so this feature is not always dependent entirely on the OS.

All major mobile phone operating systems offer a way to block incoming phone numbers.

Apple iOS Phones

You can block numbers from within the phone's Recents section, within FaceTime or inside Messages. Blocking a number from one area blocks all three. From each area:

1. Tap the i icon next to the phone number (or conversation).

2. Select Block this Caller at the bottom of the Info screen.

To view and manage blocked numbers:

1. Open Settings. 

2. Tap Phone. 

3. Tap Call Blocking & Identification.

4. Then, either select a phone number to view its details and select to either add or unblock the number or contact or add a contact to block by scrolling to the bottom of all blocked numbers and choosing Block Contact. This step launches your Contacts app so you can select whom to block.

You can also filter your iMessages from people who are not in your contacts list. After you have filtered at least one message, a new tab displays for Unknown Senders. You still get the messages, but they won't be automatically displayed, and you won't receive any notifications.

To filter iMessages:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Messages.

3. Scroll to and tap Unknown & Spam.

4. Turn on Filter Unknown Senders.

Android Phones

Because so many manufacturers produce phones (Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG, etc.) that run the Android operating system, the procedure for blocking a number can vary widely. Further, versions of Android Marshmallow and older do not natively offer this feature. If you are running an older version like this, your carrier may support it, or you may be able to block a number using an app.

To see whether or not your carrier supports phone blocking:

1. Open your Phone app.

2. Select the number you want to block.

3. On a Samsung phone, tap Details.

4. If your carrier supports blocking, you'll have a menu item called something like "Block number" or "Reject call" or perhaps "Add to blacklist."

If you're using a different Android phone, like a Pixel, you might do the following after you find the number you want to block in your Phone app:

1. Tap the vertical dot menu in the upper right corner of the screen.

2. Tap Blocked Numbers.

3. Confirm with a tap on Block.

If you don't have an option to block a call, you might be able to at least send a call to voicemail:

1. Open your Phone app.

2. Tap Contacts.

3. Tap a name.

4. Tap the pencil icon to edit the contact.

5. Select the menu.

6. Select All calls to voicemail.

   Depending on your carrier and Android version, you might have to install a separate app to handle call-blocking features. Open the Google Play Store and search for "call blocker." Some well-regarded apps are Call Blocker Free, Mr. Number, and Safest Call Blocker. Some are free and display ads, while some offer a premium version without ads.

   Blocking Your Own Number's Caller ID

   In addition to controlling incoming calls through call blocking, you can also control whether an outgoing call will display your Caller ID. This capability can be configured to operate as a permanent block or a temporary block on a call-by-call basis.

   Your phone number can’t be blocked when you call toll-free (e.g., 1-800 numbers) and emergency services (911) numbers. 

   Call-by-Call Block From Caller ID

   Just add the *67 prefix before the phone number on your cell phone. This code is the universal command to deactivate Caller ID.

   For example, placing a blocked call would look like *67 555 555 5555. On the receiving end, Caller ID will usually display “private number” or "unknown." Though you won’t hear or see a caller ID block confirmation, it will work. 

   How to Change Your Caller ID Name on Android

   Permanent Block From Caller ID

   Call your cell phone carrier and ask for a line block to permanently suppress your phone number in outbound Caller ID. This change is permanent and irreversible. While customer service may attempt to convince you to reconsider, the choice is yours. Various carriers support additional blocking features, such as blocking specific numbers or messages. Though the code to call your mobile carrier can vary, 611 typically works for cell phone customer service in the United States and Canada.

   If you temporarily want your number to appear when you have a permanent line block in place, dial *82 before the number. For example, allowing your number to appear in this case would look like *82 555 555 5555. Some people automatically decline calls from phones that block Caller ID. In that case, you’d have to allow Caller ID to make the call.

   Hide Your Number on an Android Device

   Most Android phones provide a Caller ID blocking feature in the Phone settings, either through the Phone app or Settings | App Info | Phone. Some Android versions older than Marshmallow include this feature under an Additional Settings option within your Phone settings.

   Hide Your Number on an iPhone

   In iOS, the call blocking feature is under the Phone settings:

7. Open Settings | Phone. 

8. Press Show My Caller ID.

9. Use the toggle switch to show or hide your number.

FAQ

• How do I block numbers on my house phone?

  If you want to block numbers on a landline, you may be able to enter specific phone numbers on your service provider's website. If you have caller ID set up for your landline, you can usually block private numbers by dialing *77.

• How do I block text messages on Android and iPhone?

  To block text messages on Android, open a conversation and tap the three dots > Details > Block & report spam. On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts > Add New.
  

• How do I block numbers on a flip phone?

  It depends on your phone's model, but try going to your calls, find the number you wish to block, then select Options > Block number.

  Does * 67 work on cell phones?

  Use *67 to hide your phone number This trick works for smartphones and landlines. Open your phone's keypad and dial * - 6 - 7, followed by the number you're trying to call. The free process hides your number, which will show up on the other end as “Private” or “Blocked” when reading on caller ID.

  How do I block my number when making a cell call?

  And this method will not work for toll-free or emergency services numbers..

  Dial *67..

  Dial the number you want to call..

  Tap the call button..

  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.

  Can you block your number when sending a text?

  Change the settings on your phone. On phones running Android, go to the Settings of your phone app. Once there, you'll need to navigate to “Additional Settings” and select “Hide my Number” from the Caller ID drop-down menu.