The caller ID may be a crucial part of our phone systems, letting us know who’s calling before we have to pick up and find out for ourselves. However, you don’t always want to share your number, especially if you’re just getting to know someone or are worried about spam calls.
Whatever the reason, we’ve got your back — you can easily stop your caller ID from appearing on the recipient’s screen by using the trusty *67 vertical service code. This unique code was first seen in the ’60s, and believe it or not, it still works today.
In the following sections, we’ll uncover the inner workings of Star 67 to learn the depths of its usefulness and realize how it’s survived the ever-advancing technological times.
What Does Star 67 Do?
Star 67 is a vertical service code — one of many codes you can input to unlock certain tried-and-test features on your phone. Originally developed in the 1960s and 1970s by The Bell System and American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), the original usage of this particular code is the same as today — to block your caller ID from the recipient.
Generally speaking, your name or number will appear on the phone of whoever you’re calling. However, adding the *67 vertical service code before dialing their number stops it from appearing. In its place, they may see “Blocked,” “Unknown Caller,” “No Caller ID,” or other like phrases.
How Does Star 67 Hide Your Caller ID?
Like we mentioned, *67 is designed to block your outgoing caller ID. When you dial star 67 followed by your contact’s number, your phone system asks your carrier for privacy for that call. Then, your carrier processes this request, separating your number from the data sent with your call. As a result, the recipient receives modified data, ensuring your ID doesn’t appear on the screen. Instead, phrases such as, “Private Number,” “Blocked,” “Unknown,” or “Restricted” will appear.
Just keep in mind that this is only a temporary change. Unless you use *67 every time you dial, your number will be visible again during your next call.
Is *67 Still Effective Today?
The modern world has a bunch of communication devices that many never thought possible. However, the age-old *67 trick still works on both landlines and cell phones. Regardless of the device you’re using, you can hide your phone number during any call.
Unlike other processes, using *67 is the same across all devices. Here’s how to use it effectively (it’s as easy as you think):
- Using a cell phone? Head to your phone’s dialer. Using a landline? Just lift the handset and wait until you hear the dial tone.
- Dial *67 followed by the number you wish to call, ensuring you include the area code!
- Hit Call.
When Does Star 67 Not Work?
As we’ve established, star 67 works to hide your caller ID in 2024. However, that doesn’t mean it works in all scenarios. In reality, its effectiveness varies based on the circumstances, and by understanding them, you can make better decisions.
Here are a few common reasons *67 will not work:
- Carrier — Star 67’s functionality depends on your phone service provider. Some carriers set specific rules or implement settings that impact how *67 works. Make sure you check with your carrier for information pertaining to its functionality on your network.
- Blocked number — If the recipient has already blocked your number, *67 won’t make a difference. Your call will remain blocked since the recipient has chosen to not receive your number’s calls. Typically, it will send you straight to voicemail.
- Toll-free numbers — Toll-free numbers are set up to get caller’s information — it’s part of their service. So, when you call these numbers (e.g., 888, 800), *67 won’t hide your number.
- Emergency services — Emergency numbers, like 911, are set up with safety in mind. To provide immediate, effective responses, they must access your number. Therefore, using *67 when calling emergency services doesn’t hide your number.
Star 67 Alternatives
Unless you’re dealing with any of the above-mentioned scenarios, *67 is an effective way to freely prevent your number from appearing on the recipient’s screen. But it certainly isn’t the only way to keep your identity a secret — there are multiple ways. Depending on the method, the alternatives may even offer a permanent or more versatile solution to guarantee privacy across all phone calls without the hassle of dialing extra digits.
From using the default settings on your Android or iOS device to working with your carrier to using VoIP platforms, there’s definitely an alternative ID-blocking method available for you.
#1 Use Default Settings on iOS or Android
Unbeknownst to the masses, you can actually hide your caller ID on both Android and iOS devices. While this feature is one of the lesser-discussed settings, it’s easily accessible on any smartphone in 2024.
Below, we’ve outlined how to hide your caller ID on iOS and Android — it’s the same outcome, but you go through a different process to get there.
| How to Hide Your Caller ID on Android | How to Hide Your Caller ID on iOS |
| Open the Phone app. Select Menu. Choose Settings. Tap Call Settings. Hit Additional Settings. Select Caller ID. Tap Hide Number. | Open Settings. Tap Phone. Select Show My Caller ID. Toggle it off. |
#2 Coordinate with Your Carrier
If you want to go a step further, you can ask your carrier to block your number. Most carriers provide this service free of charge. However, that isn’t always the case, so be sure to check with your specific provider before going ahead with the switch. Otherwise, you may be lumped with a charge you weren’t expecting.
Consider this a more consistent solution to caller anonymity; it stops you from the mind-numbing task of dialing star 67 every single time you call somebody.
To ask your carrier to block your caller ID, contact their customer service team. They will connect you with the right department for swift, effective care.
#3 VoIP Platforms
VoIP (also known as Voice over Internet Protocol) platforms are a modern alternative to traditional phone lines (and arguably the whole star 67 ordeal). You can use leading VoIP providers to hide your real phone number with ease, ensuring your calls always appear as “Unknown” or “Private” and eradicating the need to dial *67 repeatedly.
Some services give you a non-identifying number, rather than spitting out bog-standard “Unknown” phrases. You can think of this virtual number as your second cell number — one that doesn’t link to all your personal details!
Depending on the phone system you use, you can turn this feature off whenever you like, giving yourself more flexibility than carrier-provided solution.
Conclusion
Star 67 (a.k.a., *67) is a vertical service code that first appeared in the 1960s. By dialing it before the number you want to call, you’ll block your identity from appearing on your recipient’s phone screen, protecting your privacy.
While it works in most cases, toll-free numbers and emergency services automatically prevent its use. So, if you’re looking for a permanent ID blocker, you should consider using your phone’s built-in settings, VoIP platforms, or requesting anonymity from your carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does star 67 still block caller ID?
Absolutely! Dialing *67 before a phone number blocks your number for that one call.
Does dialing *67 really work?
Yes, dialing *67 does work to keep your number concealed. As of June 2024, it works on both cell phones and landlines.
Why does *67 not work anymore?
Star 67 should still work. However, its success varies on a few factors, including when dialing emergency numbers, calling toll-free numbers, your phone service provider, and whether the recipient has blocked your number.
Will *67 block my number?
Dialing *67 before calling somebody will block your number from being seen by your contact for that call. If you call back without dialing *67, they will be able to see your number.
What is the difference between *67 and *69?
*67 shields your caller ID when making a phone call. *69, on the other hand, is used to call the last number that called you, even if you don’t know the number.
Can a *67 call be traced back to you?
Yes, a *67 call can be traced back to you by your phone carrier or legal channels, if necessary. Star 67 blocks your caller ID (i.e., so the recipient doesn’t see your number), but it will still appear on their call log. Additionally, people can trace it back to you by dialing *69 to call the last number that rang them or *57 to pass the phone number and caller information along to the police. The latter is only used when they believe a scam or spam caller is harassing them.
Can someone call you back if you use *67?
Yes, the recipient of your *67 call can ring you back by dialing *69, provided you’re the last person who called them.
Does star 67 hide your number?
Dialing star 67 before calling somebody prevents your caller ID (i.e., your number) from appearing on their phone screen. Just keep in mind that this information will still be available to their phone carrier and legal channels.
Does star 67 cost money?
No, dialing *67 does not cost money. Regardless of your carrier, it’s a free service for you to use.
Can you text from *67?
Texting from *67 will not hide your caller ID. You can use online texting websites or virtual phone number applications to take advantage of anonymous texting.