Quick Summary
- Caller ID on Android allows users to identify incoming callers.
- Hiding the caller ID on your Android phone can be helpful in situations where you want to remain anonymous.
- Android devices offer a way to hide your caller ID for individual or all calls. However, it’s always best to confirm with your network service provider.
Caller ID allows the recipients to know who’s calling them before they pick up a call. But what about the times when you want to remain anonymous? Maybe you’re making a surprise call to a loved one, delivering crucial information to a reporter, or simply prioritizing privacy. In these situations, hiding the caller ID of your Android phone becomes necessary.
In this article, I’ll break down all the ways to hide your caller ID on Android. However, before proceeding, ensure your device and service provider facilitate caller ID blocking.
1. Use Phone app to hide caller ID for all calls
If you’re looking for a method to deactivate caller ID for all calls, the native Phone app on your Android smartphone has the option to do this.
- Open the Phone app → Tap the three-dot menu at the top right.
- Select Settings → Tap Calling Accounts.
- Select a SIM card for which you wish to disable Caller ID → Tap Additional Settings.
- Tap Caller ID → When a menu appears, tap Hide Number.
2. Use Android code to hide caller ID for individual calls
If you prefer a more selective approach to hiding your caller ID, you can hide your number on a call-by-call basis by using the Android secret code.
This method offers additional flexibility, allowing you to reveal or block your caller ID at your convenience. Here’s how this method works:
- Open the Phone app → Tap the dialer button.
- Enter
*67<followed by the number> you’re calling.
You must enter the code before every number you call. For example, if you’re calling 1234567890, then dial *67 1234567890 - Tap the call button to hide your caller ID and place a call.
This method should work with most major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and any of their subsidiaries like Mint and Cricket. If this doesn’t work, you may refer to the next method.
3. Request the carrier to hide your number on Android
Often, many carriers block the ability to hide caller ID through the Phone app or a service code.
Some carriers might require specific service plans or charge additional fees for permanent caller ID blocking.
In that case, you must contact your carrier and request them to turn off caller ID for your phone number. With this method, you get the option to hide your caller ID/number at the network level.
4. Use Google Voice app to hide caller ID on Android
If you’re subscribed to Google Voice, you can also use it to place calls anonymously.
For the uninitiated, Google Voice is a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) app for users with a Google account and a phone number. It has a feature to replace your caller ID with a virtual number.
- Locate and open the Google Voice app.
- Tap the hamburger menu on the top-left → Select Settings.
- Toggle on Anonymous caller ID under the Calls section.
This will hide your Caller ID from all calls you make.
5. Use a burner app to hide caller ID
Burner apps act like temporary phone numbers for your device, providing a discreet second line that’s not linked to your real identity. These virtual numbers, which can often be activated with a single tap, are disposable and re-route your calls and texts through the internet. This makes it appear as if you’re calling from a separate line that’s different from your actual caller ID/number.
There are several burner apps for Android devices out there, but I’d recommend using Burner: Second Phone Number. Whichever service you use, all burner apps help to keep your personal information private, separate business from your personal life, or avoid unwanted follow-ups.
If you want to remain truly anonymous when calling someone, it’s essential to ensure that your number isn’t listed on third-party call identification services like TrueCaller.
Hiding caller ID only affects calls, not text messages: Blocking your caller ID only impacts who shows up when you make a phone call. It doesn’t directly affect your ability to send or receive text messages.
If you receive a call from a hidden number, you can still call it again. It will be listed as an unknown number in the Phone app. If that doesn’t help, you can try calling back using the *69 service code, which attempts to dial the last number that called you.
Yes, you can block a hidden number and also stop receiving calls from any number that intentionally hides its caller ID.
Wrapping up…
By following the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to hide your caller ID on Android. By hiding your caller ID, you can shield your number and add an extra layer of anonymity in sensitive situations.
If you have any queries, feel free to let me know in the comments section below.
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