How to Call With a Private Number

Whether you want your number to be displayed or remain private when you call someone, there are simple ways to achieve either.
Why would you want your private number to be revealed to the person you are calling? Some people have a "call blocking" feature that allows them to block any "unknown" or "private number" calls. Unless you display your private number, your call simply cannot go through.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If you want to hide your phone number so that it will not show up on a caller ID display, you have two options. The first option is permanent: Call your phone service provider and ask to have your number changed to a private listing. There is a difference between unlisted and unpublished. But either will make your number "private."
   Have the customer-service rep explain the different features of each, and the prices involved. Choose the one that best fits your needs and your budget. Once the service is set up, your number will not show on caller ID displays.

2. The second option for hiding your phone number is temporary. (Some phone companies charge for this function and some do not. Call your company's customer-service number and ask about any charges that may apply.) Dial * 67 and wait for the dial tone. Then dial the phone number as you normally would. Once you hang up, it will clear, and you will need to re-enter *67 for each call you make when you want your number to be private.

3. If you have a private number and you want or need it to display in order to make a phone call, you also have two options. The first is permanent: Call your phone company and ask to have your private listing changed to a public one. This will save you a little bit of money on your phone bill each month, and will display your phone number when you make outbound calls.
   The call-blocking feature that others use to block "unknown" or "private" calls will no longer prevent your call from getting through.

4. The second option for displaying your private number is temporary. When you call a phone number that has the blocking feature attached, a recording should come on with instructions. To avoid that and get through the first time, simply dial *82. Wait for the dial tone, then dial the phone number as you normally would. This works on a call-by-call basis, so after you hang up the phone, it will "clear" and make your phone number private again for your next call.

Tips & Warnings

• Your phone-service provider may or may charge you to use the block and unblock features. If possible, ask them in advance. If you will need to use the feature a lot, ask about alternatives.
• The information in this article is geared toward land-line telephones. Cell-phone numbers are displayed in a variety of ways on caller-ID boxes. Talk to your service provider about how your phone displays, how you want it to display and what you need to do in order to block and unblock your number. You may be able to use the steps above, or you may need to do something different. Some phones have a feature in their settings that allows the user to hide his phone number.