How to Become an iPhone Ghost: Hiding Your Number Like a Pro

Want to dial incognito? You’re not alone. Hiding your number on an iPhone is surprisingly straightforward, granting you a layer of privacy and control over your communications. There are a couple of primary methods, and this guide will break them down along with everything you need to know to master the art of the anonymous call.

The Two Main Methods for Anonymous Calling

There are two main methods to hide your number:

• Using Prefix Codes: This method involves adding a special prefix before the phone number you’re calling.
• Changing Settings: For more permanent call hiding, you can adjust your iPhone’s settings.

Let’s dive into each of these methods, looking at how to do them effectively.

1. Prefix Codes: *67 and #31

The most universally recognized prefix code is *67. Simply dial *67 followed by the number you want to call, and your number will appear as “Blocked,” “Private Number,” or “Unknown” on the recipient’s caller ID.

Alternatively, in some regions, #31# performs the same function. The key here is that it’s a one-time cloak of invisibility. You’ll have to add *67 or #31# before each call you want to make anonymously.

2. Adjusting Your iPhone’s Settings

For a more permanent solution, you can adjust your iPhone settings to hide your caller ID for all outgoing calls. This is a more comprehensive approach, but remember that it applies to every call you make until you revert the setting.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Phone.
3. Look for the “Show My Caller ID” option and tap on it.
4. Toggle the switch to Off.

By toggling this switch to off, your number will be blocked by default for all outgoing calls. If you want to reveal your number again, simply toggle the switch back to the “On” position.

Important Considerations Before Hiding Your Number

While hiding your number can be useful, there are important things to consider:

• Emergency Services: Hiding your number might interfere with emergency services being able to identify your location in case of an emergency. It’s generally recommended to have your caller ID visible when calling emergency services.
• Call Blocking: Some people automatically block calls from “No Caller ID” or “Unknown Number.” Be aware that hiding your number might result in your calls not getting through.
• Legality: While hiding your number is generally legal, using it for malicious or harassing purposes is not. Ensure you are using this feature responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
• Effectiveness: Although *67 and other methods are generally very effective, modern systems may occasionally be able to trace calls even when the number is hidden. It’s crucial to understand that while these methods provide a high degree of privacy, they do not guarantee complete anonymity.

When is Hiding Your Number Useful?

There are various legitimate reasons why someone might want to hide their number:

• Calling Businesses: When calling a business, especially for initial inquiries, you might prefer to keep your number private.
• Online Classifieds: If you’re selling items online, you may want to avoid sharing your personal number with potential buyers.
• Avoiding Harassment: In situations where you’re experiencing unwanted calls or messages, hiding your number can provide a temporary shield.
• Protecting Privacy: For individuals who prioritize their privacy, hiding their number can be a standard practice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, hiding your number might not work as expected. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• The Recipient Still Sees Your Number: This could be due to the recipient’s phone service overriding your settings. It’s also possible that the recipient has you saved in their contacts, and their phone is configured to display the contact name regardless of caller ID.
• The *67 Code Doesn’t Work: Check that you’re dialing the code correctly. If it still doesn’t work, contact your mobile carrier, as some carriers might not support this feature.
• You Can’t Find the “Show My Caller ID” Setting: Make sure you’re running the latest version of iOS. If the setting is still missing, contact Apple Support for assistance.
• Calls are Automatically Being Rejected: Some people have their phones set to automatically reject calls from unknown or blocked numbers. There is nothing you can do on your end to resolve this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 Frequently Asked Questions with comprehensive answers to provide additional valuable information for the readers:

1. Is it legal to hide my number when making calls?

Generally, yes, it’s legal to hide your number for ordinary calls. However, it’s illegal to use this feature for malicious purposes like harassment, stalking, or making threats. Always ensure your actions are within legal and ethical boundaries.

2. Will hiding my number work on all phone networks?

The *67 prefix and the “Show My Caller ID” setting usually work on most major phone networks. However, some smaller or older networks might not support these features. Contact your mobile carrier for confirmation.

3. Can I hide my number when sending text messages?

No, the methods discussed here primarily focus on voice calls. Hiding your number when sending text messages is a different process and might involve using a third-party app or service that provides a temporary or masked phone number.

4. Will hiding my number block the recipient from calling me back?

Yes, if you successfully hide your number, the recipient won’t be able to directly call you back using the number that appeared on their caller ID. They’ll either have to manually enter your number (if they know it) or won’t be able to reach you.

5. Does *67 work on landlines as well as cell phones?

Yes, *67 typically works on both landlines and cell phones within regions where it’s supported.

6. Are there any apps that can permanently hide my number?

While there are apps that offer masked phone numbers for enhanced privacy, there isn’t a single app that can permanently alter your iPhone’s default caller ID setting beyond what’s available in the native settings. Apps offering masked numbers provide a temporary, separate number to use for calls and texts.

7. What does the recipient see when I hide my number?

The recipient will typically see “Unknown,” “Blocked,” “Private Number,” or something similar on their caller ID screen. The exact wording depends on their phone service provider and device settings.

8. Is there a way to block my number from appearing on specific phone numbers only?

Unfortunately, the built-in features on an iPhone don’t allow you to selectively block your number from appearing on specific numbers only. It’s an all-or-nothing setting for all outgoing calls.

9. How can I unblock my number if I’ve previously blocked it in settings?

Simply go back to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle the switch to the “On” position. This will restore your number to be visible for all outgoing calls.

10. What are the risks of using third-party apps to hide my number?

Using third-party apps for this purpose can carry risks. Some apps might collect your data, display intrusive ads, or even be malicious. Always choose reputable apps from trusted developers and carefully review their privacy policies before use.

11. Can emergency services still see my number if I have it hidden?

While hiding your number can provide privacy in most situations, emergency services may still be able to see your number and location for safety reasons. It’s important to understand that emergency responders prioritize life-saving measures, and access to your information is critical in those situations.

12. Why is the ‘Show My Caller ID’ setting greyed out on my iPhone?

The ‘Show My Caller ID’ setting may be greyed out if your carrier doesn’t support this feature or if there’s a configuration issue on their end. Contact your mobile carrier’s customer support to inquire about this and request assistance in enabling the setting. They may need to adjust your account settings to allow you to control your caller ID.