How to Make an Anonymous Phone Call (Step-by-Step Guide)

Posted on February 12, 2026

You want to hide your number before calling someone. Maybe it’s for privacy. Maybe it’s for safety. Or maybe you just don’t want your number saved.

Here’s exactly how to make an anonymous phone call, when to use it, and what to avoid.

Direct Answer: How to Make an Anonymous Phone Call

To make an anonymous phone call, you can:

Dial *67 before the phone number (US and Canada).
Turn off caller ID in your phone settings.
Use a temporary or secondary number app.
Use a VoIP or internet calling service.
Ask your carrier to permanently block caller ID.

When you do this correctly, the receiver will see:

“Private Number”
“No Caller ID”
“Unknown”

That’s the short answer.

Now let’s break it down clearly.

What Does “Anonymous Phone Call” Mean?

An anonymous phone call is a call where your real phone number is hidden from the person you are calling.

It does NOT mean:

You cannot be traced.
Law enforcement cannot identify you.
Your carrier cannot see your number.

It simply means the person receiving the call does not see your number on their screen.

That’s an important difference.

How to Anonymously Call Someone (All Methods Explained)

If you’re wondering how to anonymously call someone, you have several options. Each method works differently.

1. Use *67 (Fastest Method)

This is the easiest way.

Before dialing the number, type:

*67 + Phone Number

Example:

*67 5551234567

What happens?

The receiver sees:

“Private”
“Unknown”
“No Caller ID”

This works on:

Most US carriers
Landlines
Mobile phones

It works per call. So you must enter *67 every time.

If you want a quick solution, this is it.

2. Turn Off Caller ID in Settings

If you want to know how to make a call anonymous without typing a code every time, this is better.

On iPhone:

Go to Settings
Tap Phone
Tap “Show My Caller ID”
Turn it OFF

On Android:

Open Phone app
Tap Settings
Go to Caller ID
Choose “Hide Number”

Now all outgoing calls are anonymous.

But remember:
Some carriers block this feature unless you enable it from their side.

3. Use Anonymous Calling Apps

If you need more privacy, apps are useful.

Popular types:

Burner number apps
VoIP services
Temporary number providers

These give you:

A second phone number
Disposable calling
Masked identity

This method is ideal if:

You’re selling something online
You’re contacting strangers
You don’t want your personal number shared

This is one of the safest ways to how to make a anonymous call without exposing your real number.

4. Ask Your Carrier to Block Caller ID

You can call your mobile provider and request permanent caller ID blocking.

This makes every call anonymous automatically.

Best for:

Long-term privacy needs
Business confidentiality
Sensitive communication

How Do You Call Anonymously on Different Platforms?

If you’re asking how do you call anonymously, it depends on the platform.

Regular Mobile Call

Use *67 or hide caller ID in settings.

You cannot hide your number inside WhatsApp.
Your number is tied to your account.

Alternative:
Use a secondary number to register.

Instagram

Instagram calls require your account.
They don’t display phone numbers but show your profile.

So it’s not truly anonymous.

Snapchat

Voice calls show your username, not phone number.
Still not fully anonymous.

Landline

Use *67 before dialing.

Real Conversation Examples

Let’s make it practical.

Example 1: Selling Something Online

You’re selling a laptop.

You don’t want random buyers saving your number.

So you:

Use a burner app
Or dial *67

Now they cannot store your real number.

Smart move.

Example 2: Reporting a Complaint

You want to report noise issues.

You don’t want your neighbor knowing it’s you.

You use:
*67 + the complaint hotline

They see “Private.”

Example 3: Business Owner Testing Customer Service

You own a company.

You want to test how your team answers calls.

You hide your caller ID.

Now they treat you like a real customer.

When Should You Use Anonymous Calling?

Use it when:

Protecting personal privacy
Contacting strangers from online marketplaces
Reporting sensitive information
Avoiding unwanted callbacks
Testing services anonymously

Privacy is normal.

But intent matters.

When NOT to Use Anonymous Calls

You should NOT use anonymous calls for:

Harassment
Threats
Scam activity
Pranks that cause fear
Evading legal issues

Important fact:

Even if your number is hidden, your carrier still logs it.

Law enforcement can request those records.

Anonymous does NOT mean invisible.

Common Misunderstandings About Anonymous Phone Calls

Let’s clear confusion.

Myth 1: Anonymous Means Untraceable

False.

Your phone company still sees your number.

Myth 2: *67 Works Internationally Everywhere

Not always.

Different countries use different codes.

Examples:

UK: 141
Some regions: #31#

Check your carrier.

Myth 3: Anonymous Calls Always Go Through

Some people block private numbers.

If they enabled:
“Silence Unknown Callers”

Your call may not ring.

Risks of Making an Anonymous Phone Call

You should know the downsides.

People may ignore private calls.
It reduces trust.
Businesses often reject unknown numbers.
Repeated anonymous calls can look suspicious.

Privacy is useful.

But transparency builds credibility.

Is It Legal to Make an Anonymous Phone Call?

In most countries, yes.

It is legal to hide your caller ID.

It becomes illegal when used for:

Threatening behavior
Fraud
Harassment
Criminal activity

Always use responsibly.

1. How to make an anonymous phone call on iPhone?

Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and turn it off.
Or dial *67 before the number.

2. How to anonymously call someone without *67?

You can:

Turn off caller ID in phone settings
Use a burner number app
Request permanent blocking from your carrier

3. Can anonymous phone calls be traced?

Yes.
Phone companies and law enforcement can trace them.
Only the receiver cannot see your number.

4. Why does my anonymous call not go through?

The receiver may have:

Blocked unknown numbers
Enabled spam protection
Set phone to reject private calls

5. Is there an app for anonymous phone calls?

Yes.
Burner number apps and VoIP services allow you to call without showing your personal number.

Featured Snippet Summary

To make an anonymous phone call, dial *67 before the number, disable caller ID in your phone settings, or use a secondary number app. This hides your number from the receiver but does not make you untraceable.

Final Thoughts: Should You Make Anonymous Calls?

Now you know exactly how to make an anonymous phone call.

It’s simple.

But use it wisely.

Anonymous calling is about privacy, not secrecy.

Ask yourself:

Are you protecting yourself?
Or avoiding responsibility?

Technology gives you options.

How you use them defines your intent.

If you value privacy, these tools are helpful.

If you misuse them, they create problems.

Choose wisely.