Caller ID has been a real boon to the communications field, to be sure. Caller ID allows you to screen calls on your cell phones, for example, so that you can avoid racking up a bunch of charges talking to someone during peak hours. (It also lets you avoid getting stuck on the phone with someone you really don’t want to talk to at the moment, but we’ll just assume there’s no one like that out there.)
However, caller ID is a double-edged sword. When you make calls with your cell phones, the person on the other end gets your caller ID information as well. There are times when you just don’t want this to happen. Maybe you’re calling a bill collector and don’t want them to have your cell phone number in their database. Maybe you’re calling a friend or relative to surprise them.
Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy process to block caller ID on cell phones. You can do it on either a temporary basis or on a permanent basis, depending on your need.
One-time caller ID blocking
Blocking caller ID on a call-by-call basis is fairly straightforward. First of all, you need to understand that you can only do this when you’re calling individuals and businesses. When you call a toll-free number or emergency services, caller ID will never be blocked.
To block caller ID on a single call, you simply need to dial *67 before you dial the phone number. This is a universal code used by the vast majority of carriers in order to deactivate your caller ID. Signal. There is no confirmation that it’s been successful, but simply using it does work. On the other end of the line, the recipient will usually see the words “private number†when you block caller ID in this way.
Permanent caller ID blocking
IF you never want your caller ID number to show up, you need to proceed differently. You need to contact your cell phone provider and let them know that you want a line block on your phone for caller ID. This is a permanent change, and with most carriers it’s also an irreversible change. Make sure it’s what you really want. Your provider’s customer service representative may ask you to change your mind about it, as well.
Once you’ve got a permanent block on your line, you may be able to temporarily allow it for a certain phone call. You can dial *82 before you dial the phone number, which temporarily allows your caller ID information through.
