3 Ways to Make Private Phone Calls

There are times when keeping your phone number private makes sense. Fortunately there are options for short term anonymous "burner" numbers, virtual phone lines and caller ID blocking. Here's what I recommend.

1. Use a Temporary "Burner" Number

For a temporary disposable number, I like Burner (available in your browser and as an app for iOS and Android). You get 20 minutes of talk time and 60 texts over a week for free and then you need to buy credits to extend service and buy new burner numbers. There's a Mini Burner ($1.99 or 3 credits) for 14 days or 20 minutes or 60 texts, whichever comes first, a Standard Burner ($3.98 or 5 credits) for 30 days or 150 texts or 50 minutes, whichever comes first, or you can pay $4.99 (8 credits) for 30 days of service with unlimited texts and calls (or $47.99 if you commit to a year of service). If you want to be able to send photos, there's a Picture Burner package (8 credits or $4.99) for 100 messages (with or without photos), 50 minutes or 30 days, whichever comes first. There's a text-only plan with 250 texts (no pictures) for $3.98 (5 credits). Credits can be bought in packs of 3 ($1.99), 8 ($4.99), 10 ($5.99), 15 ($7.99) and 25 ($11.99).

2. Use a Free Long-Term Private Number

For a more permanent calling solution, I recommend Google Voice. You get unlimited calling within the U.S. for free as well as voicemail, call screening and do not disturb, among other features. To receive a call or text, you'll need a smartphone or computer with Internet access and the Google Voice app (free for iOS and Android). Or, you can choose to forward all of your Google Voice calls and texts to an existing number. Outbound calls made with the Google Voice app will show your Google Voice number, instead of your real number.

3. Block Your Outbound Caller ID

If you don’t want to use your disposable phone number minutes, you can block your outbound Caller ID by turning it off in your phone’s call "settings" on your mobile phone, setting it up in your phone management software if you use a digital phone service or dial *67 before the number on a regular landline phone or cell phone (for both you'll need to use the country code, so it would look like *6712125551212). Your number will appear as unavailable. Here are steps to block your number permanently on Android, iPhones and landline phones. However, you may not want to permanently block your caller ID because some people choose to set up their phones to automatically block incoming private numbers or choose to not answer calls when the caller is listed as "Private."

Block your cellphone number from caller ID with this one trick

People know it is you calling when your caller ID pops up on their phone, but it doesn’t have to be like that. There are two ways to keep your identity secret while making a call: one is permanent; the other is temporary on a call-by-call basis.

Blocking your number temporarily only works while calling businesses and individuals. Your phone number cannot be blocked while calling toll-free numbers or emergency services.

Keep reading and I’ll show you both ways to block your number.

Temporarily block your number

The temporary way of keeping your mobile number invisible from caller ID is as easy as 1,2,3. Actually, it’s more like *67 (star 67) and it’s free.

Dial that code before the phone number, and it will temporarily deactivate caller ID. On the receiving end, caller ID will usually display “private number” because it has been blocked.

The process is a little more in-depth if you want to permanently disable the feature. Just call your cellphone carrier and ask for a line block. Once it’s done, your phone number will never appear, no matter who you call. But don’t choose this option lightly because it is permanent and irreversible.

The code to call your mobile carrier can vary, but customer service in the United States can usually be reached by calling 611.

If you temporarily want your mobile number to appear from a private number, you can dial *82 (star 82) before dialing the number you’re calling. This can come in handy, as some people automatically decline calls from phones that block caller ID.

Here are the instructions on hiding your phone number through your phone’s settings. This feature is not available with all mobile carriers, but it is for most.

Hide your number on an iPhone

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap ‘Phone‘

3. Press Show My Caller ID

4. Use the toggle switch to show or hide your number

Hide your number on an Android device

1. Open the Phone app

2. Open the Menu

3. Select Settings

4. Click on Call settings

5. Click on Additional settings

6. Click on Caller ID

7. Choose “Hide number” and your number will be hidden

8. Choose “Show number” or “Network default” to resume showing your number