How to hide your number to protect your privacy?
August 4, 2025 | 6 mins read
Let’s be real… You care about your privacy, right? 😎 So let me give you some tips to ensure your number doesn’t become the star of marketing databases. More specifically, learn how to keep your phone number to yourself, away from prying eyes. Gone are the days when your phone number roamed free like a celebrity without bodyguards! 🕵️♂️ Let’s dive into the world of hidden numbers!
🤫 How to hide your number to protect your privacy? The ultimate guide!
As you know today, we live in a hyperconnected world... Well that's great, but it also has its downsides. Our personal information, especially our phone number, has become a true currency. According to a recent study, over 53% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, showing just how central our smartphones are to our lives. It's more important than ever to know how to hide your number.
Whether you want to avoid harassment, protect yourself during online sales, or simply keep a clear separation between your work and personal life, hiding your phone number is an essential skill to master. And the good news? It's super simple!
✨ The art of the one-time caller ID block: The famous #31#
This is THE basic technique, the foundation of anonymous calling. Do you have one call to make without revealing your precious number? No worries, the solution is just as simple...
The magic code: #31#
Imagine: you need to call a somewhat persistent customer service, or respond to an online ad without wanting to be called back at all hours. That's where the prefix #31# comes in handy.
How does it work in practice? It's child's play!
- Grab your phone (it'll be better with 😅)
- Dial #31# followed, without spaces, by the phone number you want to contact
- For example, to call 0612345678, you would dial: #31#0612345678
- Make the call, and there you go! ✨
Your contact will see "Private number", "Unknown", or "Blocked call" displayed on their screen. It's quick, effective, and totally free. It works on all smartphones, whether you're on Android or a die-hard iPhone fan, and with any carrier.
Anecdote: I’ve lost count of the times I’ve pranked my friends or family by calling from a blocked number, using an app that changes my voice 😂
It’s the ideal solution for a one-time need, but be careful, you have to remember to do it every time. One slip-up, and your number shows up! If you’re looking for a more "permanent" solution, keep reading, the rest should interest you.
🥷 Go ninja mode: permanently hide your number
Tired of dialing #31# every time? Want ALL your calls to be private number by default? It’s completely possible, and you can do it directly in your smartphone settings.
📱 How to call from a hidden number on Android?
The steps may vary slightly depending on the brand of your phone (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.), but the principle remains the same. In general:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three little dots at the top right to access Settings.
- Look for an option like "Phone accounts," "Call settings," or "Additional services".
- Find the line "Show my caller ID" or "Caller identity."
- Select Hide number. And there you go, it’s done!
Now, all your outgoing calls will be anonymous. Say goodbye to the stress! 😎
📱 How to hide your number on iPhone?
With Apple, it’s even simpler; hiding your phone number is even more direct:
- Go to the Settings of your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Phone.
- Select Show my number.
- Simply toggle the switch off.
When it’s grey, you’re in hidden number mode. Easy, right?
Quick comparison of solutions
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| #31# (one-time) | Quick, simple, universal | Must be repeated with every call |
| Settings (permanent) | "Set it and forget it," constant protection. | Could be a barrier to being called back |
🛡️ Alternatives: apps and services for tailored privacy
Do you need to go even further? Maybe you have a professional activity that requires juggling multiple numbers, or you just want an extra layer of protection. I have solutions for you!
Virtual number apps
Apps like our site Anonymous SMS, TextNow, or UnCall allow you to get a second phone number, often for free or at a low cost. This is definitely the best way to mask your main phone number.
The benefits:
- Work/personal life separation: Use one number for work and keep your personal number for loved ones.
- Online protection: Sign up for websites or services without ever giving your real number.
- Flexibility: Change your virtual number whenever you want.
It’s like having a disguise for your phone! 🦸♂️
VoIP services (Voice over IP)
Services like Viber Out or TextNow also allow you to make calls to landlines and mobile phones. By purchasing a bit of credit, you can call anywhere in the world, and your temporary number will display instead of your personal number.
Real-life anecdote: I have a freelance friend who uses a virtual number for all his clients. This allows him to avoid disturbances on weekends and keep his personal number private. Clever, right?
An important point to note: Using a private number is an excellent way to protect yourself. Many apps focus on securing and encrypting your communications, which is a real plus in our digital world.
🔎 The other side of the mirror: managing masked calls we receive
Now that you are a pro at making masked calls, let's talk about the opposite situation. What to do when YOU receive a call from a masked number? It’s sometimes intriguing, often very annoying.
Can you call back a masked number?
In general, the answer is no. If someone took the effort to hide their number, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for an individual to call them back directly.
However, some carriers offer a service that allows you, within minutes of the call, to call back a masked number. But this is not a universal solution and its effectiveness may vary.
How to unmask masked numbers? Mission (almost) impossible!
Let's be clear: it is nearly impossible to unmask hidden numbers reliably. Services that promise to do so are often ineffective. Only the appropriate authorities can potentially trace the origin of a masked call within a specific legal framework.
So, what should you do?
The best strategy is prevention. Most smartphones allow you to automatically block calls from unknown or hidden numbers.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > and enable Silence Unknown Callers.
- On Android: Open the Phone app > Settings > Blocked Numbers and enable the option to block unknown callers.
These calls will be sent directly to your voicemail without your phone even ringing. Pure bliss! 🧘♀️️
💪 Why hiding your number is crucial for your privacy
Beyond the technical aspects of how to hide your number, it’s important to understand the tangible benefits for your peace of mind.
The advantages of phone anonymity:
- Protect your personal data: Your number is the key to many of your online accounts. Protecting it means safeguarding your digital identity.
- Avoid telemarketing and spam: This is the number one reason for many of us. By not sharing your number freely, you significantly reduce the amount of unsolicited calls.
- Secure your online transactions: When selling an item on a classifieds site, using a private or temporary number prevents you from being contacted months later.
- Maintain a professional distance: Ideal for professionals contacting clients from their personal mobile.
- Keep control: Ultimately, you decide who can reach you and when. That’s the real luxury!
Protecting your privacy is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental right in the digital age. By learning how to hide your phone number, you take a big step toward regaining control of your data.
🕵️♀️ Conclusion: Your move, secret agent!
And there you have it! You now have all the tools at your disposal to master the art of masked calling. We’ve covered together:
- The ultra-simple #31# technique for occasional needs.
- How to set up your iPhone or Android for permanent masked calling.
- Apps and services that provide even more flexibility and security.
- How to react to blocked calls you receive and the inability to unmask hidden numbers.
- All the benefits you gain by hiding your phone number to protect your privacy.
Hiding your phone number is no longer a secret to you. It’s a powerful and easy-to-use tool to navigate more confidently in our connected world.
So, the next time you hesitate to make a call, remember these tips. Take back control of your privacy, one call at a time! Don't hesitate to share this guide with your friends, they too have the right to be secret agents! 😉
🤔 FAQ: Questions everyone is asking
Does masking my number also work for SMS?
No, unfortunately. Tricks like #31# or phone settings only work for voice calls. Your SMS will always display your number. For anonymous SMS, you need to use dedicated apps, and that's exactly what our Anonymous SMS service offers.
If I call anonymously, can the person still leave me a voicemail?
Absolutely! If you reach their voicemail, you can definitely leave a message. The only difference is that the person won’t see your number display.
How can I tell if #31# worked properly?
The best way is to test it on a friend's phone (with their permission, of course!). You'll immediately see if the call shows as "Private Number."
Is there a difference between "masked number" and "private number"?
For the person receiving the call, there’s no practical difference. Both terms mean that the caller’s identity is not displayed.
Is it possible to unblock the "Show my number" feature if it's greyed out on my iPhone?
Sometimes, certain carriers may block this option. If that's the case for you, a quick call to your customer service could resolve the issue.