How to Block Your Cell Number Without it Showing Up As Restricted

Instant cell number blocking involves pressing a few digits on the keypad.

When you call someone with your phone, your number will typically get displayed on the receiver's phone if that one has a digital display unless you block it proactively. For a cell phone, there are generally two options for blocking your number from being displayed. One option is permanent: you call the cell phone service provider and ask for a permanent block. The second option is temporary and you can exercise it whenever you desire per phone call. This second option avoids having to restrict your line.

Instructions

1. Turn your cell phone on if it is not already functioning. Select the phone call option to dial a phone number or pull the number from one of your choices already existing in your address book.

2. Before dialing the desired phone number, press three digits first: *67. Then dial the phone number that won't have your number displayed on the other end. Wait for the phone to connect and perform your conversation.

3. Use your computer and an Internet access to go to your cell phone provider's website if *67 does not work on your phone. Search their website for a link discussing caller ID. Find the code your cell phone provider offers to temporarily block your number from being displayed when calling. Use this code in lieu of the *67 option discussed in Steps 1 and 2.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a more permanent blocking of your phone number, most cell phone service providers can establishing this feature on your account for a small fee (typically $3 to $6 a month).

• The *67 or provider-specific calling code only works for the active call being made. It is not permanent. So if you don't use it on your next call, your phone number will be displayed on the receiver's phone display.

References

• Switched: How to Hide Your Cell Phone's Identity: Tim Stevens: 2008.
• AT&T Wireless: Caller ID

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish