Most Android phones come with a built-in “Hide Caller ID” option, which can be used to hide or prevent your Name and Phone Number from appearing on the screen of the people that you are calling.
However, you need to be aware that this feature can also be disabled/locked by certain service providers, in which case you won’t be able to hide your Caller ID, without paying an extra fee to use this feature.
However, you can always block your Caller ID on per call basis by placing Caller ID blocking codes in-front of the phone number of the person that you are trying to Call (Second method as provided below).
Hide Caller ID On Android Phone
While the default setting on most Android Phones is to Show Caller ID, they also provide the option to Hide Caller ID by simply moving the “Hide Caller ID” toggle to ON position.
If this feature has been blocked by your mobile service provider, you can make use of Caller ID blocking codes to Hide your Callers ID from specific phone numbers that you are trying to call.
Note: You won’t be able hide your Caller ID when you call Toll free numbers (1-800) and emergency numbers (911).
Your Phone Number will always be displayed when you call 911 or 1-800 numbers, even if you have setup the “Caller ID Blocking” feature on your phone.
1. Steps to Hide Caller ID On Android Phone
The steps to Hide Caller ID as provided below may vary, depending on the make/model of your Android device.
1. Open the Phone App on your Android Phone > tap on More (or 3-dots Icon) and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
2. From the Settings screen, go to More Settings > Show My caller ID
3. On the pop-up, select the Hide Number option.
After this setting, you phone number should be hidden and appear as Anonymous or Private, when you call anyone from your device.
2. Hide Caller ID for Specific Calls on Android Phone
In case you want to Hide Caller ID for specific calls, you can do so by using *67 and #31# which works in North America and 141 which works in United Kingdom.
1. Find the Temporary Caller ID disabling code for your area.
As mentioned above, codes *67 and #31# work with many mobile service providers in North America, while 141 works in United Kingdom and Ireland.
2. Make a call from your Android Phone by prefixing the Caller ID disabling code for your area.
For example, if you are calling AAA-555-5555 – You will be dialing *67AAA 555-5555 or #31#AAA-555-5555 in order to hide your Caller ID during this specific call.
Disadvantages of Hiding Caller ID
While hiding Caller ID may help you protect your identity and give you a sense of security while dealing with unknown people, there are certain disadvantages of hiding Caller ID that you need to be aware of.
1. You may not be able to reach people who have trained themselves not to answer Private or Anonymous calls.
2. It is not uncommon for people to setup their phone on “Auto reject” for Anonymous and Private Number calls.
3. When you hide Caller ID, you too won’t be able to see the phone number of people that are calling on your device.
4. You may have to pay a fee to use the Caller ID blocking feature, in case your Android Phone is locked to a carrier.