How to Call From a Blocked Number

In today’s world, privacy and security are more important than ever, and there are times when you might need to make a call without revealing your identity or phone number. Whether it’s to maintain anonymity, protect your privacy, or for another reason, knowing how to call from a blocked number can be useful. This blog post will guide you through various methods to make a call from a blocked number, discuss the implications, and offer insights into when and why you might want to use these techniques.

Why Would You Want to Call From a Blocked Number?

Before diving into the steps on how to call from a blocked number, it’s important to consider why someone might want to do this. There are several legitimate reasons why you might want to hide your number when making a call:

Protecting Your Privacy: You may not want the person you are calling to have your phone number, especially if you are calling a business, a service provider, or someone you don’t know well.
Avoiding Unwanted Callbacks: Sometimes, you might need to make an inquiry or contact someone but don’t want to be harassed by follow-up calls.
Conducting Business: Certain professionals, like journalists or investigators, may need to contact sources or subjects without revealing their personal contact information.
Making a Surprise Call: In some cases, you might want to surprise a friend or family member, and blocking your number can help maintain the element of surprise.

Understanding these scenarios can help you decide when and how to use the techniques described in this guide on how to call from a blocked number.

Method 1: Dialing *67 Before the Number

One of the simplest and most widely known methods for how to call from a blocked number is to use the *67 code. This method works on most mobile and landline phones in the United States and Canada. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Block Your Number with *67

Open Your Phone’s Dialer: Start by opening the dialer on your phone, just as you would for any other call.
*Dial 67: Before entering the phone number you want to call, type *67. This code tells the phone network to block your number for that specific call.
Enter the Phone Number: After typing *67, enter the full phone number you wish to call, including the area code.
Place the Call: Press the call button. The person on the other end will see “Private,” “Blocked,” or “Unknown” on their caller ID instead of your phone number.

Limitations of *67

While *67 is a quick and easy way to call from a blocked number, it has its limitations. For instance, some recipients may not answer calls from blocked numbers, especially if they are wary of telemarketers or scam calls. Additionally, *67 only works on a per-call basis, so you’ll need to remember to dial it each time you want to block your number.

Method 2: Using Your Phone’s Settings to Block Your Number

Another effective method for how to call from a blocked number is to adjust the settings on your phone so that your number is blocked for all outgoing calls. This is a more permanent solution compared to dialing *67 for individual calls.

How to Block Your Number on an iPhone

Open Settings: Tap on the “Settings” app on your iPhone’s home screen.
Navigate to Phone Settings: Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
Select Show My Caller ID: Tap on the option labeled “Show My Caller ID.”
Toggle Off the Option: Switch the toggle to the “Off” position. This will block your number on all outgoing calls until you turn it back on.

How to Block Your Number on an Android Phone

Open the Phone App: Start by opening the phone app on your Android device.
Access Settings: Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner and select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
Go to Call Settings: Depending on your phone model, you may need to select “Call Settings” or “Additional Settings.”
Select Caller ID: Tap on “Caller ID” or “Hide Number.”
Choose Hide Number: Select “Hide Number” to block your number on all outgoing calls.

Pros and Cons of Blocking Your Number Permanently

The advantage of using your phone’s settings to block your number is that you don’t have to remember to dial *67 before every call. However, this method can be inconvenient if you need to unblock your number for certain calls, as you’ll need to go back into your settings to toggle the feature on and off.

Method 3: Using a Burner App

If you want to maintain a higher level of anonymity, using a burner app is another effective way to learn how to call from a blocked number. Burner apps allow you to create temporary phone numbers that you can use for calls and texts without revealing your actual number.

Popular Burner Apps

Burner: The Burner app is one of the most popular options for creating temporary phone numbers. It allows you to generate a new number quickly, which you can use for calls, texts, and even picture messages. When you’re done with the number, you can “burn” it, meaning it will be deleted and no longer linked to your identity.
Hushed: Hushed is another popular burner app that offers temporary phone numbers. With Hushed, you can choose numbers from various area codes, making it look like you’re calling from a different location. The app also offers encrypted messaging for added security.
Google Voice: While not a traditional burner app, Google Voice allows you to create a secondary phone number linked to your Google account. You can use this number to make calls and send texts, keeping your primary number private.

Advantages of Using a Burner App

Complete Anonymity: Burner apps provide a higher level of anonymity than simply blocking your number. Your real phone number is never displayed, and you can choose when to discard the temporary number.
Multiple Uses: Burner apps are useful not only for calling but also for texting, which can be helpful if you need to maintain contact without revealing your identity.
Control Over Privacy: With a burner app, you have full control over when and how your temporary number is used. Once you’re done with the number, you can delete it without any trace.

Considerations When Using Burner Apps

While burner apps are effective, they often come with a cost. Many apps offer free trials, but you may need to pay for additional numbers or features. Additionally, while burner apps are generally secure, it’s important to choose reputable apps to ensure your privacy is protected.

Method 4: Using a VoIP Service

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services provide another method for how to call from a blocked number. VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom allow you to make voice calls over the internet, often without displaying your phone number.

How to Use VoIP Services to Block Your Number

Skype: Skype allows you to make calls without displaying your phone number. If you don’t add your phone number to your Skype profile, the recipient will only see your Skype username or “Unknown Caller.”
WhatsApp: When making a voice call through WhatsApp, your phone number is displayed, but you can avoid this by not granting WhatsApp permission to access your contacts. Alternatively, you can use a secondary number for WhatsApp that isn’t linked to your main phone number.
Zoom: Zoom offers VoIP calling through its app. Similar to Skype, if you don’t provide your phone number, the recipient won’t see your personal contact information.

Benefits of Using VoIP Services

No Phone Number Required: VoIP services allow you to make calls without linking them to your phone number, providing a higher level of privacy.
Global Reach: VoIP services are ideal for international calls, as they often provide cheaper rates or free calls compared to traditional phone services.
Integrated Features: Many VoIP services offer additional features like video calling, screen sharing, and messaging, making them versatile tools for communication.

Drawbacks of Using VoIP Services

Internet Dependency: VoIP services rely on a stable internet connection. If your connection is poor, call quality may suffer.
Account Linking: While VoIP services don’t require a phone number, they often link to an email address or username, which could still identify you if you’re not careful.

Method 5: Asking Your Carrier for a Permanent Block

For those looking for a more permanent solution on how to call from a blocked number, contacting your phone carrier is an option. Most carriers can block your number on all outgoing calls if you request it. This method ensures that your number is never displayed unless you specifically unblock it for a call.

How to Request a Permanent Block from Your Carrier

Contact Customer Service: Call your carrier’s customer service line and request a permanent block on your outgoing caller ID.
Confirm the Block: The carrier may ask you to confirm your request and may inform you about the implications, such as not being able to display your number for any calls unless you unblock it manually.
Test the Block: After the block is in place, make a test call to ensure that your number is indeed blocked.

Advantages of a Carrier-Based Block

Set and Forget: Once the block is in place, you don’t need to worry about dialing special codes or adjusting settings for each call.
Universal Application: The block applies to all outgoing calls, providing consistent privacy across all your communications.

Potential Downsides

Lack of Flexibility: If you need to unblock your number for specific calls, you’ll need to either enter a code or contact your carrier to temporarily lift the block.
Caller ID Services: Some caller ID services can still display your number or location based on network data, even with a block in place.

Considerations and Ethical Implications

While knowing how to call from a blocked number can be useful, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of doing so. Blocking your number can be seen as suspicious or intrusive, especially if the person you’re calling is wary of unknown or blocked numbers.

When to Use Blocked Number Calls

Sensitive or Confidential Calls: If you’re making a call that involves sensitive or confidential information, blocking your number can protect your privacy.
Avoiding Harassment: If you’re concerned about receiving unwanted callbacks or harassment, blocking your number is a reasonable precaution.
Professional Communications: Certain professions, like journalists or investigators, may require anonymity for ethical reasons.

When to Avoid Blocking Your Number

Personal Calls: Blocking your number for personal calls can be seen as impersonal or suspicious, leading to mistrust or confusion.
Business or Customer Service Calls: Many businesses may not answer calls from blocked numbers, assuming they are spam or telemarketing.
Emergencies: In emergency situations, it’s crucial to allow your number to be seen so that responders can contact you if needed.

Conclusion

Learning how to call from a blocked number can be a valuable tool for protecting your privacy and managing your communications. Whether you choose to use *67, adjust your phone settings, use a burner app, or rely on VoIP services, there are multiple ways to ensure your number remains hidden.

However, it’s essential to use these techniques responsibly and consider the potential ethical implications. Blocking your number should be done with care, ensuring that it doesn’t lead to misunderstandings or mistrust.

By understanding the various methods available and when to use them, you can maintain control over your privacy while making the calls you need. Whether for personal or professional reasons, knowing how to call from a blocked number ensures that you can communicate securely and effectively.