How to Hide an ID on a Cell Phone

You can hide your cell phone ID when making calls.

Every cell phone has its own unique ID, which is the cell phone number that is assigned to the handset at activation. Caller ID technology makes it possible for others to see what phone number an incoming call is coming from before answering the call. Hiding your cell phone ID is possible when you do not want the person you call to know your cell phone number by following the directions your cellular provider gives to you.

Things You'll Need

• Cell phone instructions
• Internet access (optional)

Instructions

1. Read through the instructions that came with your cellular account. If you do not have it available, log on to your cellular provider's website and look up your "Calling Features" or specifically search for "Block Caller ID." If you do not have Internet access, call your cellular provider's customer service number and follow the directions they provide.

2. Dial "*67" before you dial the number you are trying to reach. This will cause your cell phone number to appear as "Blocked" or "Private" on the other person's caller ID. This will only work for the one phone call you are making.

3. Call your cellular provider's customer service department and ask for a permanent block to be added to your cell phone account, which will block your phone number from showing up from every call you make outside of emergency services.

Tips & Warnings

• Cell phones also have a unique serial number or electronic identification number that belongs to the hardware itself. The serial number or electronic identification number cannot be erased or changed and is necessary for the cellular provider to activate, deactivate or change cellular service to a phone.

• Do not use your cell phone to participate in threatening, abusive, harassing or any other illegal activity. Hiding your cell phone ID in these cases will not provide you the same right to privacy when it comes time for authorities to investigate illegal activity. Fees vary among cellular providers for adding a permanent blocking feature to your account.

References

• Switched: How to Hide Your Cell Phone's Identity