You're about to call back a Craigslist seller, but handing over your real phone number feels like a bad idea. The standard phone system doesn't give you an easy out—your number shows up whether you want it to or not.
Calling with an unknown number means hiding your caller ID so the recipient sees "Private," "Unknown," or "No Caller ID" instead of your actual digits. This guide covers the fastest methods for any phone, how to make anonymous calls from your computer, and what to do when basic tricks like *67 don't work.
Key Takeaways
- Dialing *67 before a phone number hides your caller ID for that single call, but only works in the U.S. and Canada—not for international calls.
- Both iPhone and Android allow permanent caller ID blocking through settings, though some carriers don't support this feature and may gray out the option.
- Browser-based VoIP services let you call anonymously from any device with WiFi, bypass *67 limitations for international calls, and typically cost a few cents per minute compared to $1–$3 per minute for carrier roaming.
- 80% of consumers avoid answering unknown calls, so anonymous calls often go straight to voicemail—using an alternate number instead of blocking your ID increases the chance recipients will answer.
What it means to call with an unknown number
You're selling a couch on Facebook Marketplace, and a stranger wants to call you about it. The problem? Giving out your real number means they can call back anytime—or worse, your number ends up on a spam list. Calling with an unknown number solves this by hiding your caller ID so the recipient sees "Unknown," "Private," or "No Caller ID" instead of your actual digits.
This is about making calls anonymously, not receiving mysterious ones. The distinction matters because the methods differ entirely.
People hide their numbers for straightforward reasons: keeping business and personal calls separate, avoiding callbacks from one-time contacts, or simply maintaining privacy when reaching out to strangers. None of this requires special equipment or technical knowledge.
The labels recipients see can vary, and each one means something slightly different:
- Private Number: You deliberately blocked your caller ID before dialing
- Unknown Caller: The network couldn't retrieve your information, which often happens with international or internet-based calls
- No Caller ID: You disabled caller ID transmission through your phone settings or carrier
From the recipient's perspective, all three accomplish the same thing—they can't see who's calling. The label just depends on how you blocked the information and how their carrier interprets it.
How to call anonymously from your phone
The quickest way to hide your number takes about five seconds. Several methods exist, ranging from one-time fixes to permanent settings changes. The right choice depends on how often you want to call anonymously.
1. Dial *67 before the phone number
This prefix temporarily hides your number for a single call. You dial *67, then the full phone number including area code, and your caller ID disappears for that call only. The next call you make shows your real number again.
The limitation here is geographic. This code works reliably in the U.S. and Canada but does nothing for international calls. Also, some recipients have call-blocking features that automatically send unknown callers to voicemail, so your call might not ring through at all.
2. Turn on caller ID blocking in settings
Both iPhone and Android let you hide your number on every outgoing call through a single toggle. On iPhone, the path is Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID, then switch it off. Android varies by manufacturer—Samsung, Pixel, and others organize menus differently—but typically it's Phone app > Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID > Hide number.
Once enabled, every call goes out anonymously until you turn the setting back on. However, not all carriers support this feature. Some prepaid plans and international carriers don't allow caller ID blocking at all, and the toggle may appear grayed out.
3. Ask your carrier to hide your number permanently
You can contact your carrier directly—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or whoever provides your service—and request permanent caller ID blocking at the account level. This makes anonymous calling your default without touching any phone settings.
Some carriers charge a small monthly fee for this service. Others don't offer it. A quick call to customer support clarifies what's available on your specific plan.
4. Use a second number app
Apps like Google Voice give you a separate phone number unconnected to your real one. The recipient sees that alternate number rather than "Unknown"—so it's not truly anonymous, but it still protects your primary number from exposure.
Browser-based VoIP services offer another approach. With a service like CallTuv, you can call directly from Chrome or Safari without downloading anything, and you control whether to display a different number or block your caller ID entirely. This works particularly well for international calls where *67 doesn't apply.
How to make an anonymous call online
Calling from your computer or tablet bypasses your phone entirely. This approach works well when you're traveling, your phone battery is dead, or you want complete separation between your device and the call you're placing.
Call from your browser without downloading an app
VoIP—Voice over Internet Protocol—routes your voice through the internet instead of cellular networks. You open a website, enter the number you want to reach, and the call connects to real landlines and mobiles worldwide. The person you're calling answers on their regular phone without downloading anything.
Many browser-based services let you configure exactly what the recipient sees. You can display a different number, block your ID completely, or let the service assign a temporary number. This flexibility goes beyond what your phone's built-in settings offer.
Make an anonymous call without a SIM card
Internet-based calling doesn't require a SIM card or carrier plan. Any device with WiFi works: an old phone sitting in a drawer, a tablet, a laptop. Travelers often use this approach to avoid roaming fees while maintaining privacy—calling over hotel WiFi instead of expensive international cellular networks.
The cost difference can be significant. Browser-based VoIP services typically charge a few cents per minute to most destinations, while traditional carrier roaming can run $1–$3 per minute. For someone making multiple calls abroad, the savings add up quickly.
How to call no caller ID by default
Setting up permanent caller ID blocking takes about a minute on most devices. Once configured, every outgoing call hides your number automatically without any extra steps.
On iPhone
Navigate to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. If the option appears grayed out or missing, your carrier doesn't support the feature. In that case, you'll want to contact them directly or use an alternative method like a VoIP service.
On Android
Open your Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, then follow Settings > Calls > Additional settings > Caller ID > Hide number. The exact menu path varies between Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, and other manufacturers, so you might find it under slightly different labels.
Some carriers override phone settings entirely. If your calls still show your number after enabling the toggle, the carrier-level block or a browser-based calling service becomes your next option.
What the recipient sees when you call anonymously
Different methods produce different labels on the recipient's screen. The distinction is mostly technical, but understanding it helps you know what to expect.
Private number vs unknown vs no caller ID
| Display | What It Means | How It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Private Number | Caller intentionally blocked their ID | *67, settings toggle, or carrier block |
| Unknown Caller | Network couldn't retrieve caller info | International call, VoIP, or technical issue |
| No Caller ID | Caller disabled ID transmission | Phone or carrier setting |
All three accomplish the same goal from a practical standpoint. The label depends on your method and how the recipient's carrier interprets the incoming call data.
When your anonymous call gets blocked
Many people have call-blocking features enabled—80% of consumers avoid answering unknown calls. iPhone's "Silence Unknown Callers" setting and various third-party apps automatically send unidentified calls to voicemail without ringing. Your call might connect on the technical level but never actually ring through.
If you're calling someone who likely screens unknown numbers, consider texting first to let them know a call is coming. Alternatively, using a second number—rather than blocking your ID entirely—increases the chances they'll answer since they see an actual number instead of "Unknown."
Comparison of anonymous calling methods
| Method | Hides Your Number | Works Internationally | Requires App | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *67 prefix | Yes | U.S./Canada only | No | Free |
| Phone settings toggle | Yes | Varies by carrier | No | Free |
| Carrier-level block | Yes | Varies | No | May have fee |
| Google Voice | Shows alternate number | Limited countries | Yes | Free for U.S. |
| Browser-based VoIP | Configurable | Yes | No | Pay-per-call |
For occasional domestic calls, *67 works fine and costs nothing. For regular international calling with privacy controls, browser-based VoIP offers more flexibility and typically lower per-minute rates than carrier alternatives.
Common mistakes when calling someone anonymously
A few pitfalls catch people off guard. Knowing them in advance saves frustration when you're trying to make a call quickly.
- Forgetting *67 only works per call: Your next call shows your real number unless you dial the prefix again each time
- Assuming all carriers support ID blocking: Some prepaid plans and international carriers don't allow it, and the setting simply won't work
- Not considering that recipients block unknown callers: Your call may go straight to voicemail without ever ringing
- Using *67 for international calls: The code doesn't function outside the U.S. and Canada
- Expecting callbacks: If you call anonymously, the recipient can't call you back directly—that's the point, but it surprises some people
How to choose the best way to call anonymously
Your situation determines the best method. Here's a quick framework:
- One-time call in the U.S.: Dial *67 before the number—free and instant
- All calls hidden by default: Enable caller ID blocking in your phone settings
- International calls or calling from a computer: Use a browser-based VoIP service
- Separate number instead of "Unknown": Get a second number through Google Voice or a VoIP provider
- Traveling without a SIM card: Use WiFi calling from your browser—no SIM required
For travelers and international callers specifically, browser-based options solve multiple problems at once: privacy, cost, and device flexibility.
Why anonymous calling matters for privacy and travel
You're responding to a job listing, calling back a Craigslist seller, or reaching customer support from overseas. In each case, exposing your personal number creates friction—unwanted callbacks, potential spam, or simply mixing contexts that work better kept separate.
Anonymous calling is about controlling what you share and when. Browser-based VoIP services make this straightforward: you call from any device with internet, you control what appears on the recipient's end, and you see transparent per-minute rates before connecting.
Make your first call — no app download, works from any browser, and reaches real phone numbers worldwide.
FAQs about calling with an unknown number
What is the difference between *67 and *69?
*67 hides your number before you dial. *69 calls back the last person who called you. They serve opposite purposes—one controls outgoing privacy, the other returns missed calls.
Does *82 hide your number when calling?
No—*82 does the opposite. It unblocks your caller ID for one call if you have permanent blocking enabled. Use it when you want your number to appear despite having default blocking turned on.
Can you make an anonymous call to an international number?
Yes, but *67 won't work for international destinations. A VoIP service or browser-based calling tool that supports international calls with caller ID blocking handles this situation. The call routes over the internet, bypassing the limitations of carrier-based prefix codes.
Will your anonymous call go through if the recipient blocks unknown callers?
Usually not. The call may go straight to voicemail or fail to connect entirely. If you suspect the recipient screens unknown calls, consider texting first or using an alternate number instead of blocking your ID completely.
Is it legal to call someone with your number hidden?
In most countries, yes—the FCC confirms hiding your caller ID is legal for personal calls. However, using anonymity for harassment, fraud, or threats is illegal regardless of the method.
