You want privacy.
Maybe you are calling a business. Maybe you are protecting personal information. Or maybe you just do not want your number saved.
Whatever the reason, knowing how to hide your number when calling and texting can save you from unwanted callbacks, spam, or exposure.
Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
Direct Answer: How to Hide Your Number When Calling and Texting
To hide your number when calling, dial *67 before the phone number. This blocks your caller ID for that specific call.
Example:*67 555-123-4567
Your number will show as Private, No Caller ID, or Unknown.
However:
👉 *67 does NOT work for texting.
Text messages cannot be hidden using *67.
If you want to send anonymous texts, you must use:
- A secondary number app (Google Voice, TextNow, Burner)
- A VoIP service
- Encrypted messaging apps
Now let’s go deeper.
What Does “Hide Your Number” Actually Mean?
Hiding your number means:
- The recipient cannot see your phone number
- Caller ID shows “Unknown” or “Private”
- Your real number stays hidden
It does not mean you are untraceable.
Phone carriers, emergency services, and law enforcement can still see the number.
This is privacy — not invisibility.
How to Hide Your Number When Calling and Texting
This is where confusion happens.
Calling and texting work differently.
Let’s separate them.
How to Hide Your Number When Calling
Method 1: Use *67 (Per Call Basis)
This is the most common method in the US and Canada.
Steps:
- Dial *67
- Enter the full phone number
- Tap call
That’s it.
It works on:
- iPhone
- Android
- Landlines
It hides your number for that single call only.
When Should You Use *67?
Use it when:
- Calling back unknown numbers
- Contacting online sellers
- Returning classified ad calls
- Calling businesses without sharing personal info
Avoid using it for:
- Emergency calls
- Professional networking
- Job interviews
Many people ignore private numbers.
Method 2: Hide Caller ID in Phone Settings (Permanent Option)
Instead of dialing *67 every time, you can disable caller ID in settings.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Phone
- Tap Show My Caller ID
- Turn it OFF
On Android:
- Open Phone app
- Tap three dots
- Settings
- Caller ID
- Choose Hide Number
This hides your number for all outgoing calls.
Be careful. Some networks override this setting.
Can You *67 a Text?
Short answer: No.
Many people search:
- can you *67 a text
- does *67 work for texting
- does *67 work on text
- can you star 67 a text
- can you text with *67
The answer is always the same:
❌ *67 only works for voice calls.
❌ It does not hide your number in SMS or MMS.
❌ It does not apply to iMessage or RCS.
Texting uses different network routing.
Caller ID blocking works only for live voice connections.
Why Doesn’t *67 Work for Texting?
Voice calls use real-time caller ID signaling.
Text messages use stored routing through SMS servers.
When you send a text:
- Your number is embedded in the message metadata
- The carrier identifies the sender
- The recipient sees the originating number
There is no built-in short code to mask it.
So if you are wondering:
Does *67 Work on Text?
No.
Can You Text With *67?
No.
Can You Star 67 a Text?
Still no.
It simply is not designed for texting protocols.
How to Hide Your Number When Texting (Real Methods That Work)
If *67 does not work, what does?
Here are actual options.
1. Use a Secondary Number App
Apps like:
- Google Voice
- TextNow
- Burner
- Hushed
They give you a second phone number.
You send texts from that number instead of your real one.
This is the safest and easiest option.
Good for:
- Online dating
- Marketplace listings
- Temporary conversations
- Business separation
2. Use Encrypted Messaging Apps
Apps like:
- Signal
- Telegram
- WhatsApp (partially)
- Snapchat
- Instagram DMs
These do not show your number publicly in chats.
Some still require number registration, but the recipient may not see it.
For example:
On Instagram or Snapchat, users communicate through usernames, not phone numbers.
That is indirect number privacy.
3. Use a Business VoIP Line
If privacy matters long term:
- Get a VoIP number
- Use a cloud phone system
- Forward calls and texts
Many entrepreneurs do this.
It protects personal identity.
Real Conversation Examples
Example 1: Using *67 for a Call
You: “I found your listing online.”
Seller: “Who is this?”
Their phone: Shows “Private Number”
Your real number stays hidden.
Example 2: Trying *67 for Texting (Doesn’t Work)
You: *67 Hey is this still available?
Recipient: Sees your full number.
Because *67 does nothing in SMS.
Example 3: Using Google Voice Instead
You text from your Google Voice number.
Recipient sees that number only.
Your real SIM number stays private.
Where People Commonly Try to Hide Their Number
Let’s look at search intent patterns.
Users often want to hide their number when:
- Selling items on Facebook Marketplace
- Using Craigslist
- Online dating
- Contacting strangers
- Calling businesses
- Avoiding spam callbacks
On platforms like:
- Snapchat
- Telegram
- Dating apps
Most messaging happens inside the app. That removes the need to share your number.
But once you switch to SMS, your number becomes visible.
When You Should NOT Hide Your Number
Sometimes hiding your number hurts you.
Do NOT hide your number when:
- Applying for jobs
- Contacting clients
- Calling medical providers
- Calling government offices
- Making emergency calls
Many organizations automatically reject private numbers.
Trust decreases when identity is hidden.
Use privacy wisely.
Common Misunderstandings About *67
Myth 1: *67 Makes You Anonymous Forever
False.
Carriers still see your number.
Myth 2: *67 Works for Texting
No. It only works for voice calls.
Myth 3: You Cannot Be Traced
Wrong.
Legal authorities can trace calls if necessary.
Myth 4: Airplane Mode Tricks Can Hide SMS Identity
No.
SMS requires network authentication.
Is Hiding Your Number Legal?
Yes, in most countries, blocking caller ID is legal.
However:
- Harassment laws still apply
- Fraud laws still apply
- Threatening messages are traceable
Privacy tools are for protection, not abuse.
Quick Comparison Table
| Method | Works for Calls | Works for Texts | Permanent Option | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *67 | Yes | No | No | One-time call privacy |
| Caller ID Settings | Yes | No | Yes | Ongoing call privacy |
| Google Voice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Secondary identity |
| Burner App | Yes | Yes | Temporary | Short-term privacy |
| Instagram/Snapchat | N/A | Yes (in-app) | Yes | Social messaging |
FAQ Section (SEO Optimized)
1. Can you *67 a text?
No. *67 only works for voice calls. It does not hide your number when sending SMS or MMS messages.
2. Does *67 work for texting on iPhone or Android?
No. It works on both devices for calls only. It does not apply to text messages.
3. Can you text with *67?
No. Texting requires sender identification through your carrier. Use a secondary number app instead.
4. How do I hide my number permanently when calling?
Disable “Show My Caller ID” in your phone settings. This hides your number for all outgoing calls.
5. What is the safest way to text anonymously?
Use a secondary number app like Google Voice or Burner. This separates your real number from conversations.
Featured Snippet Summary
To hide your number when calling, dial *67 before the phone number or disable caller ID in your phone settings. However, *67 does not work for texting. To send private texts, use a secondary number app like Google Voice or a VoIP service.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to hide your number when calling and texting.
Here is the simple truth:
- *67 works for calls
- It does NOT work for texts
- Apps are the real solution for SMS privacy
Privacy is about control.
Use the right method for the right situation.
If you want quick call blocking, use *67.
If you want texting privacy, use a second number.
Clear. Simple. Effective.
