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How to Disable Caller ID on Verizon: A Deep Dive

Want to maintain your privacy and control who sees your phone number when you make a call? Disabling Caller ID on Verizon is a straightforward process with a few options available to suit your needs. Let’s cut to the chase:

How to Disable Caller ID on Verizon:

The simplest way to block your number on a per-call basis is by dialing *67 before the phone number you intend to call. This works for both landlines and mobile phones. Alternatively, you can request Verizon to permanently block your Caller ID. This is typically done by contacting Verizon’s customer service and requesting the Caller ID Blocking feature to be activated on your account. Keep in mind that permanent blocking might require additional verification and might not be available in all areas due to legal or technical restrictions.

Understanding Your Caller ID Options

Caller ID is a ubiquitous feature that allows recipients to see your phone number (and sometimes your name) when you call them. While convenient for identification, there are legitimate reasons to protect your privacy by blocking or disabling it. Before diving into the “how,” let’s clarify the different ways you can manage your Caller ID on Verizon.

Per-Call Blocking vs. Permanent Blocking

Understanding the distinction between these two is crucial. Per-call blocking, using the *67 code, is a temporary solution. It blocks your number only for the specific call you’re making. It offers a quick and easy way to maintain privacy on a call-by-call basis. Permanent blocking, on the other hand, is a setting applied to your Verizon account. It blocks your number by default for all outgoing calls. This requires contacting Verizon and having them configure your account accordingly.

Caller ID Spoofing: What You Need to Know

While we’re discussing Caller ID manipulation, it’s important to touch upon Caller ID spoofing. Spoofing involves deliberately falsifying the Caller ID information displayed to the recipient. This is often used for malicious purposes like scams or phishing attacks. It is illegal in many jurisdictions to spoof Caller ID with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain anything of value. Be aware that Verizon, like other carriers, actively works to combat Caller ID spoofing to protect its customers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking Your Number

Now, let’s break down the practical steps you need to take to block your Caller ID on Verizon, using both methods.

Blocking on a Per-Call Basis Using *67

This is the simplest and most common method.

Unlock your phone’s keypad.
Dial *67 (or, in some areas, 1167 – check your local regulations).
Enter the phone number you wish to call (including the area code).
Press the call button.

The recipient’s phone will display “Private Number,” “Blocked Number,” or something similar, indicating that your number is being withheld.

Permanently Blocking Your Caller ID via Verizon

This method requires contacting Verizon directly.

Gather your account information. This includes your Verizon account number and any personal information required for verification.
Contact Verizon Customer Service. You can call their customer service line (check the Verizon website for the current number) or use their online chat feature.
Request Caller ID Blocking. Explain that you want to permanently block your Caller ID for all outgoing calls.
Verify your identity. Be prepared to answer security questions or provide other information to verify that you are the account holder.
Confirm the change. Once Verizon activates the Caller ID Blocking feature, confirm that it’s working by making a test call to a friend or family member.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, blocking your Caller ID doesn’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them.

*67 Not Working

If *67 isn’t working, here are a few things to check:

Incorrect dialing: Ensure you’re dialing *67 before the phone number, not after.
Service restrictions: Some phone plans or business lines might have restrictions that prevent the use of *67. Contact Verizon to confirm.
Network issues: In rare cases, there might be temporary network issues preventing the code from working. Try again later.

Permanent Blocking Not Effective

If you’ve requested permanent blocking but your number is still showing up, consider the following:

Confirmation from Verizon: Double-check that Verizon has actually activated the Caller ID Blocking feature on your account.
Delay in activation: It might take some time for the change to propagate through the network. Wait a few hours and try again.
Recipient’s Caller ID settings: Some recipients might have call-blocking apps or devices that override Caller ID blocking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of disabling Caller ID on Verizon.

Does blocking my Caller ID cost extra with Verizon? The cost, if any, can vary depending on your Verizon plan and location. Per-call blocking (*67) is typically free. Permanent blocking might incur a small monthly fee, so it’s best to confirm with Verizon customer service.
Can I block my Caller ID on my Verizon VoIP (FiOS Digital Voice) service? Yes, the process is generally the same. You can use *67 for per-call blocking. Contact Verizon to explore permanent blocking options.
Will blocking my Caller ID prevent emergency services (911) from seeing my number? No. Emergency services have the ability to override Caller ID blocking to ensure they can identify your location in case of an emergency.
Is it legal to block my Caller ID? Generally, yes, it is legal to block your Caller ID. However, as mentioned earlier, spoofing Caller ID for fraudulent purposes is illegal.
Does Caller ID blocking work when calling international numbers? In most cases, yes, the *67 code will work for international calls. However, some international networks may not honor Caller ID blocking requests.
How long does it take for permanent Caller ID blocking to be activated on my Verizon account? The activation time can vary, but it usually takes effect within 24 to 48 hours.
Can I unblock my Caller ID after requesting permanent blocking? Yes, you can contact Verizon customer service to have the Caller ID Blocking feature removed from your account.
Does Caller ID blocking prevent my name from appearing on the recipient’s Caller ID? Yes, Caller ID blocking prevents both your phone number and name (if associated with your number) from being displayed.
What happens if the person I’m calling has a call-blocking service that blocks anonymous calls? If the recipient has a service that blocks calls from unknown or private numbers, your call might be rejected. They will typically receive a message stating that the call was blocked due to the caller withholding their number.
Can I block my Caller ID from a business phone line with Verizon? Yes, the process is similar, but you might need to contact Verizon’s business customer service for specific instructions and options. Business lines often have different features and settings.
Are there any apps that can automatically block my Caller ID on every call? While there are third-party apps that claim to offer this functionality, it’s generally recommended to use the methods provided directly by Verizon (*67 or permanent blocking) for reliability and security.
I have Verizon Wireless FamilyBase. Can I block Caller ID for my child’s phone? Yes, you can manage Caller ID settings for each line on your Verizon account through FamilyBase or the My Verizon app. Check the app’s settings for specific instructions on blocking outgoing Caller ID for individual lines.

By understanding these options and following the steps outlined above, you can effectively manage your Caller ID on Verizon and control your privacy when making phone calls. Remember to always use these features responsibly and ethically.