In a world where privacy is becoming increasingly important, many iPhone users are looking for ways to keep their personal information hidden—even when making phone calls. One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your privacy is by blocking your phone number so that it doesn’t show up on someone else’s caller ID.
Whether you’re calling a new contact, reaching out for business, or just want to keep your number confidential, this guide will walk you through how to block your number on an iPhone—step by step. We’ll also cover temporary and permanent options, what the other person sees when you block your number, and how to undo it if needed.
What Does “Blocking Your Number” Mean?
When you block your number on an iPhone, you’re telling the phone system not to transmit your caller ID information. This means the person receiving your call won’t see your phone number—they’ll usually see something like:
- “Unknown”
- “Private Number”
- “No Caller ID”
It’s a great tool for keeping your identity private, especially in sensitive or professional situations.
Why Would You Want to Block Your Number?
There are many legitimate reasons to hide your caller ID:
- You’re calling someone for the first time and want to stay anonymous.
- You’re contacting a service provider or support team and don’t want callbacks.
- You’re a business professional making cold calls.
- You’re protecting your personal number from telemarketers or strangers.
- You’re just someone who values privacy.
No matter the reason, iPhone makes it easy to hide your number with built-in tools.
Method 1: Block Your Number for All Calls (Permanent Setting)
If you want to block your number every time you make a call, you can change a simple setting on your iPhone.
🔹 Steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Tap Show My Caller ID.
- Toggle the switch off.
When this is turned off, your phone number will not be shown to the person you’re calling.
✅ Pros:
- Once set, it applies to all outgoing calls.
- You don’t need to dial anything special each time.
❌ Cons:
- Some carriers don’t allow you to change this setting. If the option is missing or grayed out, contact your mobile service provider.
Method 2: Block Your Number for One Call (Temporary)
If you only want to hide your number for a single call, you can use a quick code before dialing the number.
🔹 Steps:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap Keypad.
- Dial #31# followed by the number you want to call.
- Example:
#31#1234567890
- Example:
- Tap the Call button.
Your number will be hidden for that specific call only.
✅ Pros:
- Great for occasional use.
- You can still show your number on other calls.
❌ Cons:
- Easy to forget.
- You need to dial the prefix each time.
Method 3: Ask Your Carrier to Block Your Number
If the “Show My Caller ID” setting doesn’t appear on your iPhone, your carrier may have restricted access to that function.
In this case:
- Contact your mobile provider’s customer support.
- Ask them to enable “Caller ID blocking” on your account.
- This can be set up permanently or selectively, depending on your plan.
Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others offer support for number blocking, but features vary.
Method 4: Use a Secondary Number or App
If you’re frequently making private or business-related calls, you might want a separate number instead of hiding your main one.
Some users prefer using services like:
- VoIP calling apps
- Burner numbers
- Google Voice (in supported regions)
These options allow you to keep your real number private while maintaining communication.
✅ Best For:
- Business professionals
- Freelancers
- Online transactions
- Temporary conversations
What Happens When You Call with a Blocked Number?
When your number is blocked, the person you’re calling will see one of the following, depending on their phone and carrier:
- “Unknown Caller”
- “Private Number”
- “No Caller ID”
They will not be able to identify your phone number, return the call, or trace it through regular call logs.
Can Someone Still Answer a Blocked Call?
Yes. Blocking your caller ID does not block the call itself. The phone will still ring on the recipient’s end. However, some people use apps or settings to auto-decline unknown callers—so your call might be ignored.
How to Show Your Number Again
If you’ve turned off caller ID and want to start displaying your number again:
🔹 Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone
- Tap Show My Caller ID
- Toggle the switch on
Now, your number will show up as usual when you make calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I block my number when texting?
A: No. Hiding your number only works for calls. Text messages (SMS or iMessage) will always show your number or Apple ID.
Q: Can I block my number when calling internationally?
A: Yes, but make sure you include the correct dialing code (like +1 for the U.S.) and prefix #31# only before the actual number—not the country code.
Q: Does this work for FaceTime calls?
A: No. FaceTime displays your Apple ID or phone number. Caller ID blocking doesn’t apply to FaceTime.
Q: Can someone trace a call from a blocked number?
A: Not easily. While your number is hidden from the recipient, authorities or telecom providers may still have access in case of legal investigations.
Tips for Better Privacy While Calling
- Use “Do Not Disturb” for unknown calls – To avoid spam or callbacks.
- Keep your number private on websites and public profiles.
- Use apps that allow anonymous calling for sensitive interactions.
- Consider a dual SIM iPhone if you want to separate business and personal calls.
- Disable Caller ID only when needed to avoid unnecessary call screening.
Summary – Blocking Your Number on iPhone
| Method | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Settings > Phone > Caller ID | Hides number for all calls | Frequent privacy seekers |
Dial #31# + number |
Hides number for one call | Occasional private calls |
| Carrier Settings | Ask your provider to block caller ID | If “Show My Caller ID” is missing |
| Secondary Number/App | Use a different number entirely | Business and side projects |
Final Thoughts
So, how do you block your number on iPhone? It’s easier than ever in 2025. Whether you’re protecting your privacy, avoiding unwanted callbacks, or just don’t want your number displayed, Apple gives you multiple ways to make anonymous calls—from changing a simple setting to dialing a quick code.
While it’s a powerful feature, remember to use it responsibly. Some people may not answer blocked calls, and in rare cases, it could be misinterpreted as spam. Always consider the context before hiding your number.
That said, if privacy matters to you, these tools are here to help. With just a few taps, your caller ID can stay invisible—giving you more control over who sees your number.
Would you like a follow-up article on how to block incoming unknown calls on iPhone?