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 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.
