How to Block Caller ID in the UK

Many cell phones display the caller number.

When calling a number in the UK, the person you're contacting may be able to see your number on her cell phone or land-line display screen. You can mask your number, however, by inputting a few digits before you make a call, putting the call through the operator or requesting a permanent block.

Instructions

1. Press "141" before you enter the full telephone number of the person you're calling. This is the UK equivalent of pressing "*67" in the U.S. to hide caller display. If you're phoning the UK from the U.S., then use "*67" to hide your ID. However, this method is single-use only. The next time you make a call from the same phone and want to hide the ID, you need to enter "141."

2. Dial "100" from a UK land line to connect with a UK telephone operator and request to be transferred to a UK number. It will show up as a different number at the other end. In the U.S., dial "0" to reach the operator.

3. Contact your telephone service and ask for a permanent block on your caller ID. Most networks should be able to comply.

Tips & Warnings

• Using "141" to hide your number doesn't work on all UK cell phones. Some use "#31#" instead. Check with your provider.

References

• Telephones UK: Network Service Codes
• British Telecom: 1471