How to Hide Phone Numbers on a Cell Phone Bill

Cellphone bills display a list of outgoing and inbound calls according to the numbers. The record is not often looked at or considered, but there are reasons to hide calls from phone bill records. In many cases, concealing calls is a privacy desire, and in others, the act is a matter of legal protection. Regardless of motive, there are several simple ways to prevent phone numbers from showing on a cellphone bill.

Blocking caller ID is the best method of quickly concealing phone numbers from the bill. On outbound calls, dial *67 before the number to remove caller ID, creating a private call. If the calls are inbound, inform the caller to use the same method to ensure the calls are always listed as private numbers on the phone bill.

Android users can change the phone settings to always use a private number on outbound calls. Access the phone settings menu and the call settings to change to a private number. It will show the option for Caller ID followed by Hide Number. Choose the hide option and save the settings to keep your number private on all calls.

Your cellphone provider can also set up a permanent caller ID block through customer service. Some providers provide this service for free while others charge a small fee for caller ID privacy. Contact your provider directly through its customer service number, visit a store location, or use your web-based account to change the status of listed numbers. This is an effective way to ensure all outbound calls are listed as private, but it doesn't change the status of received calls if the caller doesn't use the same process.

Apps are created specifically to add a layer of privacy to text messaging and calls. Some also do this incidentally. Google Voice is one such app, and it can act as an intermediary for calls and messages, removing the records for your actual number. However, the records for the Google voice number that links to your real number will still show on the cellphone records.

Set up a Google Voice account and connect it to your phone number. Set up call and message forwarding and voicemail to route everything through the Google Voice account. This not only creates a handy management system for your cellphone, but it also adds a layer of privacy by moving all messages and calls through a different number.

Do a quick search for privacy apps, and you will discover an entire world of call and message security systems that protect your information. Many apps house your messages and calls through a cover to ensure you control the records without revealing calls and messages on your phone bill.

Buying a second, disposable-style phone is another good method of hiding phone records. Often referred to as a burner phone, the temporary line is prepaid and does not attach to a traditional phone bill. Purchase the prepaid phone with cash, and it is already loaded with minutes for phone calls.

After using the phone plan on the burner line, keep the physical phone but remove the SIM card. If you purchase more minutes with a credit card, the phone will have a record of your name. Instead, buy a new prepaid SIM, and you will have a new number without any record of attachment to your name. Repeat this process as needed to maintain a private phone number without any official records.