In today’s digitally connected world, maintaining privacy while communicating over the phone has become increasingly important. Caller ID features provide us with valuable information about incoming calls, but sometimes, we may prefer to keep our phone number private. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution for this dilemma: *67. This article will guide you through the process of using *67 on both Android and iPhone devices, ensuring your privacy whenever you make a call.
Understanding *67
Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand what *67 does. When you dial *67 followed by the recipient’s number, your phone number will be hidden from their caller ID. Instead of seeing your number, they’ll typically see a message indicating that the call is from a “Restricted,” “Blocked,” or “Private” number.
It’s essential to note that *67 doesn’t work for calls made to toll-free numbers or emergency services. However, it’s a handy tool for situations where you want to maintain anonymity, such as contacting business clients or making personal calls outside of business hours.
How to Use *67 on Android or iPhone
Using *67 is a straightforward process:
- *Dial 67: Before entering the recipient’s number, simply dial *67 on your phone.
- Enter the Number: After dialing *67, enter the phone number you wish to call. For example, *675555555555.
How to Hide Your Number on an Android Phone
If you’re using an Android device, you have additional options for hiding your number:
- Access Phone Settings: Tap on the Phone icon on your home screen or app drawer.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap the three-dot menu at the top of the app and select “Settings.”
- Adjust Caller ID Settings: Depending on your device, you may find the option under “Calls” or “Calling accounts.” Look for “Additional settings” or “Caller ID” settings.
- Hide Your Number: Toggle the option to hide your number when placing calls. If this feature isn’t available on your device, *67 remains the most reliable method for hiding your caller ID.
How to Hide Your Number on an iPhone
iPhone users can easily conceal their caller ID using the following steps:
- Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Phone Settings: Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
- Adjust Caller ID Settings: In the “Calls” section, select “Show My Caller ID.”
- Toggle Off Caller ID: If the option is enabled (indicated by a green toggle), tap it to turn it off. Once disabled, your outgoing calls will display as “No Caller ID” on the recipient’s end.
Why Use *67?
Maintaining privacy in phone calls is crucial for various reasons:
- Professionalism: When contacting clients or business associates from personal devices, hiding your number can maintain a level of professionalism.
- Personal Privacy: Sometimes, you may need to make personal calls without revealing your number, ensuring your privacy.
- Avoiding Unwanted Calls: *67 can help prevent unwanted callbacks or solicitations by keeping your number private.
However, it’s important to remember that some individuals or businesses may have settings to automatically block private or restricted numbers, potentially affecting the effectiveness of *67.
Additional Tips and FAQs
How to Call Back a Private Number: If you receive a call from a private number and wish to return it, you can often use *69 to redial the last incoming call.
Other Useful Vertical Service Codes: Explore other vertical service codes like *60 for blocking specific numbers or *77 for anonymous call rejection, depending on your provider’s support.
How to Use Other Popular Vertical Service Codes
The following vertical service codes work with most popular providers. Check with your phone company if a particular code isn’t working as expected.
- *60: Provides the ability to block a specific number.
- *66: Continuously dials a busy number until the line becomes free.
- *69: Useful from a landline that does not have caller ID, this code dials the last number that called you.
- *70: Temporarily activates call waiting.
- *72: Forward the call to a different number.
- *77: Turns on anonymous call rejection, which only allows incoming calls from people who reveal their number.
FAQs:
- Can you hide your number when texting? Yes, both iPhones and Android devices offer options to hide your caller ID when sending texts. Refer to your device settings for more information.
- How do I block a number on iPhone/Android? Blocking numbers on both iPhone and Android devices is possible through the device’s settings or the Phone app. Consult your device’s documentation for detailed instructions.
In conclusion, maintaining privacy in phone communications is essential in today’s interconnected world. Whether for personal or professional reasons, *67 offers a convenient way to keep your phone number hidden when making calls. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your privacy and control over your communication channels.
