How To Make A Private Call: Master the Art of Privacy

by

Making a private call is a simple and effective way to hide your phone number when reaching out to someone.

Whether you’re protecting your privacy, making a professional call, or avoiding unwanted callbacks, hiding your caller ID ensures your number remains confidential.

This guide will walk you through various methods to make private calls, including using special codes, adjusting phone settings, or leveraging third-party apps, so you can maintain control over your personal information while staying connected.

HOW TO HIDE YOUR NUMBER IN OUTGOING CALLS |Private Number | Ghana |New - YouTube

How to Make a Private Call

Privacy has become a priority for many in the digital age, and there are times when you might want to make a call without revealing your phone number.

Making a private call allows you to hide your Caller ID, ensuring the recipient sees “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller” instead of your actual contact details.

Whether you’re safeguarding your privacy, making a surprise call, or protecting sensitive information, the process is straightforward and accessible to everyone.

In this guide, we’ll cover the steps to make a private call, methods across different devices and networks, and tips for using this feature responsibly.

Why Make a Private Call?

Hiding your number can be useful in several situations:

  • Privacy Protection: Prevent your number from being misused or shared.
  • Professional Calls: Keep your personal contact information confidential.
  • Surprises or Sensitive Discussions: Use it when planning a surprise or discussing private matters.
  • Avoiding Callbacks: Ensure the recipient cannot return your call directly.

Regardless of the reason, knowing how to make private calls can be a handy skill.

Methods to Make a Private Call

1. Using a Caller ID Blocking Code

The simplest and most common way to hide your phone number is by dialing a specific code before the recipient’s number.

This method works on most mobile and landline networks.

  • Steps:
    1. Open your phone’s dialer.
    2. Enter the code #31# before typing the recipient’s number.
      Example: Dial #31#0722123456.
    3. Press the call button.
    4. Your number will be hidden for that specific call.
  • Important Notes:
    • The code varies by country and network. For example:
      • In the United States, use *67 before the number.
      • In Kenya, use #31#.
    • This method only works for individual calls and needs to be entered each time you want to make a private call.

2. Adjusting Phone Settings

If you frequently make private calls, you can configure your phone to hide your Caller ID for all outgoing calls.

Here’s how to do it on different devices:

Android:
  1. Open the Phone/Dialer app.
  2. Tap the Menu (three dots) in the top-right corner.
  3. Go to Settings or Call Settings.
  4. Select Additional Settings or Supplementary Services (this may vary by device).
  5. Tap on Caller ID.
  6. Choose Hide Number.
iPhone:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
  3. Select Show My Caller ID.
  4. Toggle off the switch to hide your number.
On Landlines:
  • Contact your service provider to activate the Caller ID blocking feature for your landline.
  • Alternatively, dial *67 (or the code applicable in your country) before the number.
  • Important Notes:
    • Hiding Caller ID for all calls may not work for emergency services or certain organizations.
    • Some carriers may charge a fee for activating this feature.

How to Hide Your Phone Number When Calling

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Contacting Your Network Provider

If the manual methods don’t work, your network provider can assist in hiding your Caller ID.

Most carriers offer this as a free or paid service.

  • Steps:
    1. Call your carrier’s customer service.
    2. Request Caller ID blocking for your line.
    3. Confirm if the feature will hide your number for all calls or only specific ones.
  • Popular Network Providers:
    • Safaricom (Kenya): Use the code #31# or contact customer service.
    • Airtel: Request Caller ID blocking or use the same code.
    • US Carriers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T): Contact support to activate private calling options.

4. Using Third-Party Apps

For advanced privacy options, third-party apps can be a great alternative.

These apps allow you to make private calls using a temporary or alternate number.

  • Popular Apps:
    1. Google Voice: Generate a virtual number to make private calls.
    2. Skype: Offers Caller ID customization, allowing you to block your number.
    3. Burner: Provides temporary numbers for anonymous calling.
    4. TextNow: Lets you make calls without revealing your primary number.
  • How It Works:
    • Download the app from your phone’s app store.
    • Sign up and follow the instructions to generate a temporary number.
    • Use the app to make calls, and your original number will stay hidden.

Key Considerations When Making Private Calls

  • Not All Numbers Accept Private Calls: Some businesses, organizations, and individuals block anonymous calls. In these cases, you may not be able to connect unless you reveal your number.
  • Emergency Calls: Hiding your number may not work when dialing emergency services. Most countries require Caller ID for emergency responses.
  • Legal and Ethical Use: Use private calling responsibly. Harassing, spamming, or scamming someone using this feature is illegal and unethical.
  • Recipient’s Trust: Many people hesitate to answer calls from private or unknown numbers. If you need someone to answer, consider informing them beforehand.

Advantages of Making a Private Call

  1. Enhanced Privacy: Keeps your phone number confidential.
  2. Control Over Communication: Avoid unwanted callbacks or misuse of your contact details.
  3. Professionalism: Helps maintain a boundary between personal and professional communication.
  4. Safety: Protects against identity theft or unauthorized contact.

Disadvantages of Making a Private Call

  1. Limited Acceptance: Some people or organizations may block calls from private numbers.
  2. Missed Connections: Recipients might ignore calls from unknown numbers.
  3. Inconvenience: Dialing codes before every call can be time-consuming.

How to Turn Off Private Calling

If you’ve hidden your number and wish to reverse it, you can easily restore Caller ID visibility:

  • Using a Code: Dial *31# (or the relevant code for your region) to disable Caller ID blocking.
  • Adjusting Phone Settings:
    • On Android: Navigate to Caller ID settings and select Show Number.
    • On iPhone: Toggle Show My Caller ID back on in the Phone settings

Leave a Comment