How to Make an Anonymous Call? 5 Ways to Call Private

how to call anonymously

Table of contents


Sometimes, you need to make a phone call without revealing your identity. Whether protecting your privacy or handling sensitive business matters, knowing how to call anonymously can prevent your identity from the recipient. Making an anonymous call can be as simple as using a code before dialing or as sophisticated as employing technology that masks your number. Each anonymous calling method allows you to manage how you share your personal information and gives you control over your privacy.


1. Dial 67 Before the Number

Dialing *67 before the phone number you wish to call is one of the easiest ways to make an anonymous call. The method works on landlines and mobile phones across most carriers in the United States.

Dial *67 followed by the area code and phone number to call someone anonymously across the US. For example, if you’re calling 555-123-4567, you would dial *67-555-123-4567.

When you use *67, your call appears as “Private Number” or  “Unknown Caller” on the recipient’s caller ID.

Note: The *67 method doesn’t permanently change your caller ID settings. It hides your phone number from the recipient for that particular call only.

2. Disable Your Caller ID

To make anonymous calls, you can disable your caller ID from your phone’s settings. It prevents your phone number from appearing on the recipient’s phone. The feature is available on iPhones, Android devices, and Windows Phones.

On iPhone

You can easily disable your caller ID on your iPhone to make private calls without revealing your phone number to the person you call.
 

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
  3. Tap Show My Caller ID.
  4. Toggle off the switch
     

Now, when you make calls, your number will appear as ‘Unknown’ or ‘No Caller ID’ on the recipient's phone.

On Android

Disabling caller ID on Android devices involves a few simple steps, which may vary slightly depending on the device and version. The process typically involves,
 

  1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.
  2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner to access the menu.
  3. Go to Settings and then Calls.
  4. Tap Additional Settings and then Caller ID.
  5. Select Hide Number to disable your caller ID.
     

Now, your phone number will not be displayed during outgoing calls.

On Windows Phone

Disabling caller ID on Windows Phones involves the following steps,
 

  1. Go to the Phone app on your Windows Phone.
  2. Tap the three dots at the bottom right to open the menu.
  3. Choose Settings and then find Show my caller ID to.
  4. Select No One or My Contacts, depending on your preference.
    Click on Done.
     

You can now keep your phone number hidden when you make calls from your Windows Phone.

3. Mask Your Phone Number

Masking your phone number is another reliable method for making anonymous calls. It involves using a secondary number that displays on the recipient’s caller ID instead of your real number, allowing you to call anonymously. Moreover, a call on the secondary number is forwarded to your actual number without revealing it to the caller.

When you mask your number, you essentially use a service that provides an alternative number, which appears on the caller ID of the person you’re calling.

Call masking is particularly useful for professionals who need to keep their personal numbers private or when managing client relationships across different regions.

Calilio offer phone number masking service with temporary or disposable numbers for your custom caller ID.

 

Mask your phone number and start making anonymous calls today

4. Call with a Prepaid Phone

You can purchase a prepaid phone, often called “burner phone,” without a contract and user identification. It could be ideal for you to keep your personal details private and call anonymously.

Prepaid phones are available at many stores and come with a fixed amount of calling credit. Once you use up the credit, you can add more credit or dispose of the phone.

A prepaid phone comes with its own number - which does appear on the recipient’s caller ID - but it won’t link back to your personal information.

5. Call From a Payphone

Payphones, once a common sight, have become increasingly rare today. However, they still exist in public spaces like markets and transit stations. Using a payphone allows you to call anonymously without linking the activity to your personal phone number.

If you find a payphone, you can make a call where the recipient sees only the payphone’s number, not yours.

Wrapping Up

Maintaining privacy during phone calls can be crucial, depending on your circumstances. From using *67 and disabling caller ID to using prepaid phones and payphones, each method allows you to call anonymously without revealing your personal number to the recipient.

Call masking could be the most efficient way to make an anonymous call. It hides your real number behind a temporary one. Calilio helps you manage your caller ID safely and conveniently.  With its robust number masking feature, our cloud phone system allows you to create your custom caller ID and ensures your personal details stay private. Sign up today!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you call anonymously from a cell phone?

You can call anonymously from a cell phone by entering *67 before dialing the number or disabling caller ID from your phone’s settings.

Does *67 work on cell phones?

*67 works on cell phones. Before dialing the number, enter *67 to block your caller ID, and your number will appear as “Private” or “Unknown” to the recipient.

Is *67 actually anonymous?

*67 can make your call anonymous by hiding your caller ID from the recipient. However, it may not hide your number from emergency services or toll-free numbers.

Does *69 work on anonymous calls?

*69 can return a call to the last number that called you, but it typically does not work effectively for returning anonymous calls where the caller ID was blocked.

Does 141 hide your number?

While dialing *67 before the number hides your phone number in the US, dialing 141 before entering the phone number hides your caller ID in the United Kingdom.

How do I call someone with no trace?

To call without leaving a trace, use *67 to block your caller ID, employ a burner phone, or make a call via a cloud phone system that does not log your personal information.

How do you call anonymously on iPhone?

To call anonymously on an iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, then turn off the setting. It will block your number from showing on outgoing calls.


Latest Posts

From the blog

The latest news, technologies, and resources from our team.