How to Maintain Anonymity When Making Phone Calls

In the digital age, where communication is predominantly facilitated through smartphones, there are instances where one might wish to maintain anonymity during phone calls. Whether for personal privacy or professional discretion, the ability to hide one’s phone number can be a valuable tool. Both Android and iOS devices offer methods to conceal your caller identification, ensuring that your number remains undisclosed to the recipient. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this on both platforms.

Hiding Your Number on iOS Devices

For iPhone users, concealing your caller ID is a straightforward process:

1. Navigate to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Access Phone Settings: Scroll down and select the “Phone” option.
3. Adjust Caller ID Settings: Within the Phone settings, locate and tap on “Show My Caller ID.”
4. Disable Caller ID: Toggle off the option for “Show My Caller ID” to hide your number from recipients.

Hiding Your Number on Android Devices

The steps to hide your caller ID on Android devices may vary slightly depending on the device and version of Android you’re using. However, the fundamental process remains consistent:

1. Access Phone Settings: Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Settings: Look for the settings menu, usually accessible by tapping on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
3. Locate Caller ID Settings: Depending on your device, find the “Call” or “Calling Accounts” option within the settings menu.
4. Adjust Caller ID Settings: Select “Caller ID” or “Show Your Caller ID” and choose the option to hide your number, often labelled as “Hide Number” or “Never.”

Using Star Codes to Block Your Number

An alternative method, applicable across various devices and networks, involves using star codes:

• Enter Star Code: Before dialling the recipient’s number, input *67 on your phone’s keypad. This action conceals your caller ID, displaying your number as “Unknown Number” or “Unknown Caller” to the recipient.
• UK and Ireland Users: For those in the United Kingdom or Ireland, the code to use is 141 instead of *67.

Blocking Your Number Through Your Carrier

Another option for hiding your caller ID involves contacting your mobile carrier:

• Reach Out to Your Carrier: Contact your carrier’s customer service and request to activate a blocking setting in their system.
• Carrier-Specific Instructions: Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer varying methods to hide your caller ID, including online account management and app-based settings.

Limitations and Considerations

While these methods offer a degree of anonymity, it’s essential to acknowledge their limitations:

• Partial Anonymity: Certain organisations, businesses, and emergency services may still be able to view your phone number despite attempts to hide it.
• Alternative Solutions: For those seeking comprehensive anonymity, utilising calling apps such as Google Voice or Burner can provide enhanced privacy features.
• Spam Call Protection: Despite hiding your number, it’s crucial to implement measures to combat spam calls, such as utilising built-in blocking features on Android devices.

In conclusion, the ability to hide your phone number on both Android and iOS devices provides users with a level of control over their privacy during phone calls. Whether for personal or professional reasons, understanding these methods empowers individuals to communicate securely and discreetly. However, it’s vital to remain vigilant against potential privacy breaches and implement additional measures as needed to safeguard personal information.