In the current world full of digitalization and proactive communication, private conversation is one method of keeping your personal identity confined, especially your personal contact information, such as the primary phone number of the people you want to connect with in your maintained relationship.

Sometimes, if you do not want to be disturbed and contacted by unknown people or restricted calls, or if you want to connect with a certain person or for a specific business purpose without exposing your real identity, you must search for methods and wonder about making such private calls. 

Read this blog and discover comprehensive guidelines on how to make a private call using cloud communication solutions, third-party apps, landlines, and block codes.

What are private calls?

how to make a private call

A private call is a method of concealment that passes through the caller ID. This strategy allows a person or organization to disguise their contact details while ensuring they may be contacted if they contact them. This may still be effective in limited circumstances if they are on the caller’s no-call list.

In most cases, private calls are made in response to illegal telemarketing, irritated ex-partners, or scared stalkers who seek to contact or connect with you.

Despite this, it can be handy for people who wish to make covert calls, hide their footprints, or employ private telecommunications.

However, if there is a risk and creepy factor, it is safe to ignore these calls because anybody important may leave a message. It is also possible to return a restricted call if you feel it is required.

Most carriers’ service providers display a “False Alarm” when you receive an unexpected phone call to caution you against spam calls.

If you have an Android phone, you may turn on “Caller ID and Spam Protection” to acquire information about callers and businesses not on your contact list. This will assist in detecting potential spam calls. 

Methods to make private calls, permanent or temporary blocking of Caller ID

Multiple techniques exist for masking or blocking caller identification during a private call to safeguard your number permanently or temporarily on the recipient’s screen.

One common technique for hiding the phone number on the receiver’s display when making calls is to enter a code.

 Also, you can go to “call settings” in your phone management program to disable Caller ID on your mobile phone if you do not want to use your temporary phone‘s private number for calls.

Method 1: Use block codes to make your phone number private

how to make a private call

One of the easiest and first ways to make your phone number private involves using a blocking code to make a secret call using any phone, including Android devices, iOS/iPhones, and even landlines.

It is the most widely used way to make a secret call, disguise Caller ID, and protect oneself from spam calls.

Understanding Blocking codes

The blocking code, often known as the Star Code, is a unique code or number of digits that varies by nation and must be entered before placing a private call on any phone device or smartphone.

Here’s an example: The US blocking code “67” enables anyone to make anonymous calls instantly, making their phone number private to the recipient’s device screen.

How do you use these blocking codes to make private calls?

To make private calls using a blocking code, follow the methods outlined below:

For example, to make a private call in the United States:

Step 1: Input the blocking prefix or star code “67” before the destination phone number. It is preferable to try this with a buddy before contacting the target phone number. If the number is 555-6451, dial *675556451.

Step 2: Look at your testing friend’s phone screen to see whether your caller ID number appears. The screen should read “Unknown,” “N/A,” or “Private.”

Step 3: Add a “1” and the relevant area code after the star code “67” to make a long-distance private call. For example, if their number is 555-6451, call *6718125556451 (where 812 is the area code for Southern Indiana).

Identifying Your Blocking Code

Various nations’ banning codes vary depending on the phone device. 

Follow the unique country blocking codes below before the destination phone number to make a private phone conversation.

Codes Nations
*67 Virtually every North American provider
*67 United States (except AT&T), Canada (landline), New Zealand (Vodafone phones)
*67# Italy (landline)
067  Spain (landline)
#31# United States (AT&T phones), Australia (mobile)[2], Albania, Argentina (mobile), Bulgaria (mobile), Denmark, Canada (mobile), France, Germany (some mobile providers), Greece (mobile), India (only after network unlock), Israel (mobile), Italy (mobile), Netherlands (KPN phones), South Africa (mobile), Spain (mobile), Sweden, Switzerland (mobile)
*31* Greece (landline), Iceland, Netherlands (most service provider), Romania, South Africa (Telkom phones)
*31# Argentina (landline), Germany, Switzerland (landline)
1831  Australia (landline)
3651 France (landline)
133 Hong Kong
*43 Israel (landline)
184 Japan
0197 New Zealand (Telecom or Spark phones)
1167  Rotary phones in North America
*9# Nepal ( Only for NTC prepaid/postpaid phones)
*32#  Pakistan (PTCL phones)
*23 or *23# South Korea
141 United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland

Note: GSM network users (e.g., most Android phones) can block their caller ID by dialing #31#.

Method 2: Make your phone number private via your phone service carrier

Another method to make your phone number private when calling is to request your phone service provider to make your number private so you can make private calls. You can contact your carrier provider by calling customer service, which is free of charge even outside the country in most cases.

If you’re looking for US-based carrier vendors, most of them, including Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T, provide users with private number alternatives.

Generally, service providers do not charge you anything to make your number private for a private call; this functionality is permanent unless you deactivate it.

Contact them for assistance or visit their official website for detailed information and instructions. Alternatively, you can call “611” to avoid having to dial the blocking code each time you input a number.

After successfully enabling this feature, you can temporarily disable it while calling your family. To see your telephone number, dial “*82” before the number you wish to contact.

Method 3: Make a private call using any phone

Almost every mobile phone has an option to mask your phone number, allowing you to make private calls. However, it differs depending on the brand, model, and operating system version.

Most Android smartphones on most mobile phone networks allow you to disguise your phone number by default, eliminating the need to dial code *67 each time you make a call. 

If these features are unavailable under your device’s call settings, then your carrier or phone does not support them.

Further down, we’ve detailed how to use your device’s built-in Hide Number function to completely private your phone number.

How to make a private call on Iphone?

The following steps will guide you through making a private call on your iPhone:

Step 1: Open your iPhone’s Settings,

Step 2: Choose Phone from the menu.

Step 3: Choose Show My Caller ID from the drop-down option.

Step 4: To hide your caller ID, slide the toggle button to the left.

How to make a private call on an Android?

Here are the steps you need to follow to make a private call on your Android smartphone:

Step 1: Click the Phone app icon in your device’s bottom app bar.

Step 2: Tap the two-dot (or three-dot) menu icon in the top-right corner of your phone’s screen.

Step 3: Navigate to Settings.

Step 4: Select the Carrier call setting (or Calls on some devices).

Step 5: Select Additional Options from the drop-down menu that opens.

Step 6: For dual SIMs, select the number that needs to be concealed, followed by My Number or (Caller ID).

Step 7: From the pop-up menu, choose Hide Number.

If you choose the conceal number option, your phone number will not be displayed when you call someone. The receiver’s display will show alternatives, such as Private, Blocked, Unknown, Unwanted, or No Caller ID.

If you wish to share your phone number with someone soon, dial *82, add their number, and make a call. You may restore default settings by following the steps above and selecting Network Default or Show Number from the pop-up menu at the end.

Entering the code each time (as described above) may be cumbersome for specific users; in this case, following the instructions will permanently enable the conceal number option via the device’s settings. 

How to make a private call from a landline?

There is no configuration option for making a private call on your landline; therefore, you must follow the above-mentioned procedures.

Method 1: Ask your phone service provider to make your number private. You can then make private calls to any number.

Method 2: As an example, how to make a private call in the United States:

Enter the US blocking code or star code “67” before the destination phone number. It is preferable to try this with a buddy before contacting the target phone number. If the number is 555-6451, dial *675556451.

Observe your friend’s phone screen to determine whether your caller ID number appears. The screen should read “Unknown,” “N/A,” or “Private”.

Add a “1” and the particular area code after the star code “67” to make a long-distance private call. For example, if their number is 555-6451, call *6713325556451 (332 is the New York City area code).

Method 4: Third-party apps to make phone numbers private 

There are various third-party softphone apps that can mask caller ID, disguise a phone number, or make it private. These applications change your phone number to a temporary one while on the phone. However, this program makes calls utilizing your internet data.

Third-party apps can assist if you can’t figure out how to change your phone settings or contact your carrier to make your number private. Some are free, while others require dollars. 

Unlike the other third-party platforms, Google Voice does not require a monthly fee. It utilizes your existing phone minutes and data. Nevertheless, the number displayed will be your Google Voice number.

You can download and use several Android and iOS applications online. Here is a list of some third-party apps to make private calls with your existing phone number and device:

  • Google Voice: A free service from Google assigns you a second phone number that you can use to make calls, send text messages, and leave voicemail.
  • Burner: Allows you to create temporary numbers for short periods of time.
  • Hushed: Similar to Burner, Hushed provides disposable numbers for calling and texting.
  • CoverMe: Offers a free plan with limited features for making private calls and texts, including disappearing messages, a secure photo vault, and encrypted calls.
  • Line2: Designed specifically for business use, allowing you to add multiple numbers and switch between them easily.
  • CloudSIM: Use a secondary number to make and receive calls and texts, keeping your primary phone number private via cloud-based communication technology.

Method 5: Using a cloud communication solution

how to make a private call

Cloud-based communication solutions, or VoIP telephony, are modern communication network systems that use Internet technology to connect people around the globe. They consolidate the world’s telecommunication practice into a single platform, making it a more flexible, reliable, convenient, and versatile communication system today.

These Cloud telephony services providers provide number masking features or hide number features, allowing you to get a virtual phone number, which typically covers up your original phone number to make it private and facilitate users with a private communication permanent or temporary number solution.

Businesses can benefit from these communication systems, as they can effectively handle high-volume, modern communication features for both internal and external business communication.

Dialaxy Cloud Communication Solutions provides private calling services, such as call blocking, call queuing, number masking, and many more features, allowing your business to leverage business potential to the next level remotely or in the global market. Here are some of the top-rated contact center features from the Dialaxy for your business:

  • Private Number
  • Number Masking
  • Call Blocking
  • Number Porting
  • Global Calling
  • Caller ID
  • Call History
  • Call Filters
  • Call Monitoring
  • Call Transferring
  • Call Recording
  • Call Management
  • Voicemail
  • Ring Strategy

For more details, visit the Dialaxy website or pricing page and try the free trial for 7 days.

FAQs

Can I always use a private number?

The answer is necessarily no. In some cases, blocking your number can be helpful, but it must be used correctly. There is a possibility that some individuals may be hesitant to answer a call from an unknown number.

Are there any legal restrictions on using private calls?

In most circumstances, there are no legal consequences for using private calls. However, they should not be used to make harassing or threatening calls.

Are there apps that can make private calls?

Yes, Dialaxy apps offer private calling or number masking features, ensuring the best trusted private calling service with multiple virtual phone number options worldwide. Install and use apps from the Apple Store and Google Play. 

Does *67 still work?

Yes, *67 still works. It temporarily disguises your phone number from the recipient’s caller ID. Both landlines and cell phones are supported.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.