You don’t always need to share your phone number with everyone you call. Your iPhone can usually withhold it from outgoing cellular calls, either until you change a setting or for one call at a time. This is how to hide caller ID on iPhone.
1. How to Hide Caller ID on iPhone for All Calls
Apple’s built-in Show My Caller ID switch is how to hide your caller ID on iPhone for regular calls. On supported networks, turning it off withholds your number on outgoing cellular calls without entering a code each time.
How to turn off Show My Caller ID:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Apps.
- Select Phone.
- Tap Show My Caller ID.
- Turn Show My Caller ID off.
On eligible calls, your number should no longer appear.
The setting stays off until you return to the menu and enable it again. With Dual SIM, carrier support may differ between lines. For instructions on how to hide caller ID on iPhone, the best check is to make a test call to someone you trust. Ask whether your number appeared. A call placed through a separate app follows that app’s own rules.
On iOS 17 and earlier, the setting was generally under Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID. Newer iOS versions place Phone inside Settings > Apps. Older tutorials may therefore point to the wrong screen.
For iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, follow the path matching your installed iOS version. If the switch is missing, check with your carrier.
2. How to Hide Your Number for Just One Call
For one private call, the guide on how to hide caller ID on iPhone is simple. Use *67 before the phone bumber.
On supported U.S. networks, follow these steps:
- Open the Phone app and select Keypad.
- Enter *67 immediately before the complete number, including its area code.
- For example, dial *672125550123 for the sample number (212) 555-0123.
- Tap Call.
The prefix temporarily blocks your number for that call. Repeat the prefix for each call you want to hide. For saved contacts, enter the full prefixed number manually on the keypad. Tapping a contact to call will not automatically add *67. A quick test call can confirm the result.
Note: *67 is not universal. Codes vary internationally.
Test the prefix with someone you trust. If your number appears, check carrier instructions; how to hide caller ID on iPhone depends on network support.
3. What Does Someone See When You Hide Your Caller ID?
When hiding your caller ID works as intended, the recipient normally doesn’t see your phone number. Instead, their screen may display one of several labels, depending on the phone, carrier, and call-identification service:
- No Caller ID
- Private
- Unknown
- Private Number
Some devices show Anonymous or Restricted instead. None of these labels identifies the caller.
The receiving network and handset choose the wording; your iPhone cannot force one label. Ask a trusted recipient what appeared if you need to check how to hide caller ID on iPhone in practice.
Hiding caller ID does not hide your identity from the telephone network. Your carrier still routes the call, and certain destinations may receive your number. How to hide caller ID on iPhone is therefore about just on-screen privacy.
4. Why Is Show My Caller ID Missing or Grayed Out?
The Show My Caller ID option may be missing or dimmed when your carrier restricts it. Contact your provider in either case.
The network decides whether caller ID can be withheld. Some providers support the iPhone switch; others manage blocking at account level. Dual SIM lines may have different support. If you use a work-managed or prepaid line, the account owner may also need to approve a change. Ask the carrier which options are available for your particular number, not just for the iPhone model.
What to do if you cannot change the setting? Start with a few practical checks:
- Confirm you opened Settings > Apps > Phone, not Call Blocking & Identification, which manages incoming-call identification.
- Check which cellular line you are using if your iPhone has Dual SIM.
- Restart your iPhone and check for iOS or carrier settings updates. These may not resolve network restrictions.
- Ask whether your plan supports outgoing Caller ID blocking.
- If your carrier allows per-call blocking, try its documented dialing code as an alternative.
For “how to hide my caller ID on iPhone” troubleshooting, check carrier support before considering any third-party app.
5. Does Hiding Caller ID Work for Every Call?
No, carrier rules and destination numbers can override how to hide caller ID on iPhone using either method.
In the U.S., Caller ID blocking does not apply to 911. Toll-free numbers, including 800 numbers, can also receive your number. Never call 911 to test privacy settings. In an emergency, provide accurate contact and location details.
Besides, people may screen unfamiliar calls, and some phones or carrier services filter private numbers. If a private call goes unanswered, leave a voicemail, use an agreed contact method, or temporarily show your number.
Hiding your caller ID on iPhone won’t bypass someone else’s call screening. Some organizations handle calls through switchboards or automated systems and may keep call-related information even if the handset shows a private label. Your identity can also be revealed by what you say in a voicemail or share in another message.
When reaching a doctor, employer, or delivery driver, decide whether hiding your number is worth making a callback harder.
6. Does Hiding Caller ID Hide Your Number in Text Messages or Apps?
The switch to hide caller ID on iPhone applies only to eligible outgoing cellular calls. It does not automatically anonymize messages, FaceTime, WhatsApp, or other internet calling services. Those services use different accounts and identifiers.
SMS and iMessage
For SMS and RCS, your phone number ordinarily identifies the sending line.
Turning off Show My Caller ID does not replace it with “Private.” With iMessage, you may be able to start new conversations from an Apple Account email address instead of a phone number.
Check Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive, then review Start New Conversations From. Using an email address does not make your message anonymous. The recipient can still see that address, and existing conversations may continue using their original identifier.
FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Other Calling Apps
FaceTime has its own caller ID choice under Settings > Apps > FaceTime. You may be able to select your phone number or an Apple Account email address for outgoing FaceTime calls. This changes the identifier shown; it does not create a hidden cellular call.
WhatsApp handles identity separately. Its optional username feature is rolling out during 2026. Where available, it can hide your number from people who do not already have it. Check each app’s privacy settings.
7. FAQs
Can I hide my Caller ID when calling 911?
No. Caller ID blocking does not apply to 911. Emergency services may receive your number and other information needed to respond. Never use emergency lines to test how to hide caller ID on iPhone.
Does hiding Caller ID also hide my number in texts or iMessage?
No. SMS and RCS normally identify the sending number. In iMessage, you can choose an email address for new conversations when supported, but recipients may see that email. The phone’s calling privacy toggle does not control messaging identity.
How to hide caller ID on iPhone 15?
Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Show My Caller ID on recent iOS versions and switch it off. On iOS 17, use Settings > Phone. Your carrier must support the option.
How to hide caller ID on iPhone 16?
To hide caller ID on iPhone 16, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Show My Caller ID, then turn the switch off. If the control is missing or disabled, contact your carrier or check its per-call blocking code.
Does *67 still work in 2026?
Yes, *67 remains documented by popular U.S. carriers for eligible U.S. calls in 2026. It is not guaranteed on every carrier, country, or destination. To hide caller ID on iPhone for a single call, check with your provider before relying on it.
8. Conclusion
You now have two clean ways to keep your number private. Use Show My Caller ID for an always-on block, or dial *67 when you only need it once. With how to hide caller ID on iPhone settled, test your method once.
Looking for more practical tips and mobile guides? Browse the latest articles on the AirTalk Wireless blog for more ways to get the most from your devices and service.