Does 141 Still Work? – Detailed Information

Have you ever called someone using 141 to keep your phone number private? This simple code has been a useful tool for privacy for a long time, but with new technology, its relevance is now in question. Does 141 still work in 2025, or are there better options?

In this blog, we will look at how 141 works and how it fits into today’s phone systems. If you want to manage your caller ID or are just curious about how well it works, we have the answers.

By the end, you’ll know how to use 141 or if you should try something new.

So, let’s get started! 🚀

What is 141, and How Does It Work?

141 is a prefix code that is used in multiple countries, including the UK, to withhold your phone number when you are calling someone.

When you dial 141 before entering the receiver’s number, your caller ID is hidden, and the recipient will see “Private Number,” “Unknown Number,” or “No Caller ID” on the display.

How Does 141 Work?

Let’s look at how 141 works, the step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Dial 141 before entering the phone number you want to call.

• Step 2: Enter the recipient’s phone number.

• Step 3: Press the call button.

Result: You won’t be able to see your phone number from the recipient because it will be concealed for privacy and safety purposes.

141 code is a very useful prefix code for maintaining privacy, especially when you are calling businesses or individuals you don’t know.

Does 141 Still Work in 2025?

Yes, 141 still works in 2025 in most countries, including the United Kingdom. However, its availability and functionality may differ depending on your service provider, mobile carrier, or landline provider.

Some providers may have updated their systems, and 141 might not work as one would expect. It is always a good idea to call your service provider to make sure your service providers support the code.

Here is a table containing some of the most commonly encountered codes:

Why Might 141 Not Work?

Here’s why 141 is not working sometimes:

• Network Restrictions: Some networks may block the use of 141 for specific reasons.

• International Calls: 141 may not work when calling international numbers.

• Recipient’s Settings: If the recipient has blocked calls from withheld numbers, your call may not go through.

How to Dial 141 Correctly?

Dialing 141 to hide your phone number is a simple and effective way to maintain your privacy when making calls.

• Calling a UK Mobile Number: If the number of the caller is 07123 456789, you need to dial 141 07123 456789 and then click on the call button. The caller will receive “Unknown” or “Private Number” in place of your real number.

• UK Landline Number: If the recipient’s number is 020 8123 4567, you would type in 141 02081234567 and press the call button. The recipient will get “No Caller ID” or “Private Number.”.

• Calling an International Number: To call a US number like +1 212 555 1234, you would dial 141 +12125551234 before pressing the call button.

Note: 141 may not work for international calls on all networks. Check with your provider before dialing.

How to Hide Your Number Using 141?

This is so simple and easy to hide your number using 141. Let’s see the steps that you can follow to hide your number using 141. Let’s look at the straightforward steps:

A. For Mobile Phones:

• Step 1: Open your phone’s dialer.

• Step 2: Dial 141 followed by the recipient’s number (e.g., 141 07XXXXXXXXX).

• Step 3: Press the call button.

B. For Landlines:

• Step 1: Pick up the receiver.

• Step 2: Dial 141 followed by the recipient’s number.

• Step 3: Wait for the call to connect.

C. For International Calls:

• Step 1: Check if your network supports 141 for international calls.

• Step 2: Dial 141, followed by the country code and the recipient’s number.

Alternative Methods to Hide Your Number

If 141 isn’t working or you’re looking for other ways to hide your phone number when calling, there are several alternative methods you can use to hide your caller ID. These options ensure that your privacy is maintained while making calls.

I. Use Phone Settings to Disable Caller ID

In today’s modern days, most smartphones have lots of advanced features, and most smartphones have a built-in option to hide your number.

If you’re using an iPhone, 

• Go to Settings > Then Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off.

For Android users, 

• Go to Call Settings > Additional Settings > Caller ID and select “Hide Number.”

Note: This setting doesn’t always work for every call, especially when dialing toll-free numbers or emergency services.

II. Dial a Different Prefix

There are various ways to block your number; one of them is by using *67 for USA. In the U.S., you can simply dial *67 before entering the phone number. If you’re calling internationally, the prefix may vary depending on the country.

For example:

• Calling John? Dial *67 555-123-4567, and your number will show up as “Unknown” or “Private.”

III. Request a Permanent Caller ID Block

If you want every call you make to be anonymous, contact your mobile carrier and ask for a permanent caller ID block. Major providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer this service, often for free.

However, if you ever need to unblock your number for a specific call, you can override the setting by dialing *82 before the number.

IV. Use a VoIP Service or Third-Party App

Apps like Google Voice, Dialaxy, Burner, or Hushed let you make calls from a different number or hide your identity completely. These options are great if you don’t want to mess with your phone’s settings or carrier restrictions.

• Google Voice: Gives you a second number that you can use for calls and texts.
• Burner: This generates temporary numbers for short-term use.
• Dialaxy: This is one of the trusted VoIP providers with advanced features to block caller ID.

Common Problems Users Face with 141

While 141 is a simple way to hide your caller ID, users often encounter issues that prevent it from working as expected.

Some may find that the code doesn’t work on certain networks, while others may experience problems with international calls or specific phone settings.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems users face with 141 and how to resolve them.

1. Calls Blocked by Recipients

• Problem: Some callers or businesses may block or withhold numbers.

• Solution: If your call does not go through, attempt calling without withholding the number or try a different route like a third-party app temporary number.

2. Network Restrictions

• Problem: Some mobile or landline networks are not 141-compatible or may not support 141.

• Solution: You can contact your network provider to confirm if 141 is supported. If not, use permanent number withholding or alternative methods.

3. International Call Issues

• Problem: 141 may not work when calling international numbers.

• Solution: Use country-specific codes (e.g., *67 for the USA) or third-party apps for international calls.

4. Incorrect Dialing

• Problem: If you don’t dial 141 correctly, your number may not be hidden.

• Solution: Ensure that you type 141 and then the recipient’s number (e.g., 14107123456789) straight away. Avoid adding pauses or spaces.

5. Temporary Network Errors

• Problem: Network issues may prevent 141 from working temporarily.

• Solution: Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists, contact your network provider.

How to Troubleshoot When 141 Doesn’t Work?

If dialing 141 doesn’t hide your number, don’t worry; there are a few ways to troubleshoot the issue and keep your outgoing calls private.

Here are the steps that help you troubleshoot when 141 doesn’t work:

Step 1: Check if your mobile carrier supports 141 by visiting their website or contacting customer support.

Step 2: Open your phone’s settings and manually turn off caller ID.

1. For iPhone 

Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off.

1. For Android

Go to Settings > Calls > Additional Settings > Caller ID and select Hide Number.

Step 3: Try an alternative prefix like #31# before the number (standard in Europe) or *67 (used in the U.S.).

Step 4: Restart your phone to refresh network settings.

Step 5: Dial 141 followed by a different number to check if the issue is specific to one contact.

Step 6: Contact your carrier and request a permanent caller ID block if you want all calls to appear as private.

Step 7: Use a third-party app like Google Voice, Dialaxy, or Burner if no other method works.

How Does 141 Hide Your Number?

If you dial 141 before a number, it requests your network operator to block your caller ID for the specific call. Then, the recipient of the call will see “Private Number,” “Unknown Caller,” or “No Caller ID” on their display instead of your number.

This is because 141 overrides your phone’s standard caller ID for a short while. It doesn’t change your number permanently, though; it just has an impact on the call you’re making currently. Once you hang up, your caller ID returns to standard for the next call unless you call 141 again.

It should be pointed out that 141 is compatible with the majority of UK networks but may not be available in certain circumstances, such as for international calls or business numbers. Recipients may also have call-blocking capabilities that block anonymous calls automatically.

Conclusion

Therefore, 141 remains a reliable and widely used method for hiding your phone number when making anonymous calls. While it may not work in every situation or with every network, it’s still a valuable tool for maintaining privacy.

If you encounter issues with code 141, there are plenty of alternative methods to ensure your number stays hidden.

Whether you’re using a mobile phone, landline, or business service like Featureline, understanding how to use 141 and its alternatives can help you stay anonymous and protect your privacy.

FAQs

Does 141 work on all networks?

Yes, 141 works on most UK mobile and landline networks. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your provider to confirm.

Can I use 141 for international calls?

No, 141 may not work for international calls. Check with your network provider for the correct code, or use alternative methods like third-party apps.

What happens if someone blocks withheld numbers?

If the recipient has blocked calls from withheld numbers, your call won’t go through. They won’t see your number, but they also won’t receive your call.

Is 141 free to use?

Yes, 141 is free to use. However, standard call charges may apply, depending on your phone plan.

Can I permanently hide my number?

Yes, you can permanently hide your number by contacting your network provider and requesting permanent number withholding. This hides your number for all outgoing calls.

Can a 141 Number be Traced?

Yes, the 141 number can be traced. While *141 hides your number from the recipient, it does not make you completely anonymous. Law enforcement, telecom providers, and authorized entities can still trace the call if necessary. For true anonymity, additional measures may be required.