Maintaining privacy while using an iPhone involves managing how your caller ID is shared with the people you call. Caller ID is the feature that allows the person receiving the call to see the caller’s number. For iPhone users concerned with privacy, Apple provides options to block caller ID, ensuring that your number appears as ‘Unknown’ or ‘Private’ when making outgoing calls. This feature can be useful for various reasons, from making anonymous calls to maintaining privacy when contacting unfamiliar numbers.
The iPhone offers both permanent and temporary methods to suppress caller ID. Users can choose settings that will block their number for all calls, or apply a simple code for a single call if they wish to hide their number intermittently. Understanding how to navigate these settings empowers users to take control of their telephone privacy and avoid unwanted visibility.
How to Block Your Number From Showing on Caller ID on iPhone (2025 Guide)
Sometimes you don’t want your phone number to appear when calling — whether it’s for privacy, business, or security reasons. On an iPhone, you can hide your Caller ID permanently or on a call-by-call basis.
1. Hide Your Caller ID in iPhone Settings (Permanent Option)
If your carrier supports Caller ID blocking, you can turn it off directly in Settings.
Steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Tap Show My Caller ID.
- Toggle Show My Caller ID off.
📌 Note: If this option is grayed out, your carrier may not allow changes from the iPhone. You’ll need to contact your carrier or use Method 2.
2. Use a Prefix Code Before Dialing (One-Time Option)
You can block your number for a single call by adding a special code before the phone number.
- In the U.S., dial:
*67 + phone numberExample:*67 555-123-4567 - In the U.K., dial:
141 + phone number - In Australia, dial:
1831 + phone number
💡 Tip: This method works immediately and doesn’t change your default Caller ID settings.
3. Ask Your Carrier to Block Caller ID (Long-Term Option)
If you want all outgoing calls to hide your number, your carrier can apply a permanent block.
- AT&T (U.S.) – Call
611or use the myAT&T app. - Verizon (U.S.) – Call
*67for one-time or request permanent block via My Verizon. - T-Mobile (U.S.) – Use the T-Mobile app or call
611. - International carriers – Check your carrier’s website for Caller ID blocking instructions.
4. Use Third-Party Calling Apps
Some apps (like Skype, Google Voice, or Signal) let you choose whether to show your number for each call. This is useful if your carrier doesn’t support blocking or you want more control.
5. Important Things to Know
- Caller ID blocking does not work for emergency services (911 in the U.S.) — your number will still be sent.
- Some businesses and toll-free numbers can bypass Caller ID blocking.
- If you hide your number and the recipient has “Silence Unknown Callers” enabled, your call may go straight to voicemail.
Quick Comparison Table
| Method | Permanent or One-Time? | Works Everywhere? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone Settings | Permanent | Carrier-dependent | Easy |
| Prefix Code (*67, 141, etc.) | One-Time | Country-specific | Very Easy |
| Carrier Request | Permanent | Yes | Medium |
| Calling Apps | Both | Yes | Easy |
✅ Bottom Line:
If you need to hide your number occasionally, use the prefix code method. If you want it hidden all the time, change it in Settings or contact your carrier.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone allows users to manage their caller ID and privacy settings.
- There are ways to block your number for all outgoing calls or just one.
- Controlling these settings increases call privacy for iPhone users.
Understanding Caller ID and Privacy Settings on iPhone
This section explains how iPhone users can manage their caller ID to ensure privacy during phone calls.
What Is Caller ID and How Does It Work?
Caller ID is a phone feature that shows the receiver the calling number’s details. On an iPhone, when someone calls, the receiver’s screen displays the caller’s information if available. The feature relies on the network to pass the caller’s ID information to the handset. Users can choose whether to show their number or not through settings.
Importance of Privacy for Phone Calls
Maintaining privacy during calls is a priority for many. Blocking caller ID can protect one’s number from unknown or unwanted receivers. It helps users control who sees their number and may boost confidence when making sensitive calls.
Differences Between iPhone and Android Caller ID Settings
iPhone and Android have different pathways for altering caller ID settings. For iPhone, one can go to the Settings app, select ‘Phone’, then ‘Show My Caller ID’, and toggle it off. This stops one’s number from being shown to others. Android users will find this option within the Phone app, under ‘Settings’ and ‘Calling Accounts’ or a similar subsection named ‘More Features’. Settings might vary slightly depending on the carrier.
How to Block Your Number on iPhone for All Calls and Individual Calls
When making calls on an iPhone, users can choose to block their number for all outgoing calls or do so for individual calls. This feature maintains privacy and avoids sharing one’s number with recipients.
Blocking Your Number for All Outgoing Calls
To block your number for all outgoing calls, go to the iPhone’s Settings. Scroll down and tap Phone to find Show My Caller ID. Turning this setting off will hide your number for all calls you make. This works for AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and most other service providers.
Temporarily Hiding Your Number for Individual Calls
If you want to block your number for just one call, use a code before dialing. Enter *67, then the phone number you’re calling. This temporarily blocks your Caller ID for that specific call. This method works with various carriers and does not require changes in Settings.
Managing Blocked Contacts and Unknown Callers
iPhone provides options to manage blocked contacts in the Phone App. Users can block specific numbers or contacts, preventing them from calling or texting. To add a contact to your blocked list, open a contact in your Contacts List, scroll down, and select Block This Caller. For unknown callers, enable Silence Unknown Callers in Settings under the Phone section, reducing unwanted calls.
