How To Call Anyone With Unknown Number UN
Calling someone with an unknown number means concealing your caller ID, so the person you're calling cannot see your phone number. There are various reasons why someone might want to make a call with an unknown number. It could be to protect privacy, surprise someone, or avoid potential spam calls. This guide will explore different methods to call anyone with an unknown number and provide insights into their usage, benefits, and limitations.
Understanding Unknown Numbers
When you call someone with an unknown number, the recipient's phone display will typically show "Unknown," "Private," or "Blocked" instead of your actual phone number. This feature is commonly available on smartphones and can be activated using specific techniques.
Reasons to Use an Unknown Number
- Privacy: Safeguard your personal information from strangers or unwanted contacts.
- Surprise: Maintain secrecy for surprise calls on special occasions.
- Security: Prevent your number from being saved or traced by unknown parties.
Methods to Call with an Unknown Number
There are several methods to make calls with an unknown number. Here are the most common and effective approaches:
1. Using *67 Before Dialing
The simplest and most widely used method to hide your number on a per-call basis is by dialing *67 before entering the recipient's phone number.
How to Use *67:
- Open your phone's dialer app.
- Dial *67 followed immediately by the phone number you wish to call.
- Press the call button to initiate the call.
For example, if you intend to call (123) 456-7890, you would dial *67 123 456 7890. The recipient will see "Unknown," "Private," or "Blocked" instead of your actual phone number.
2. Changing Phone Settings
You can permanently hide your caller ID through your phone's settings. This will block your number for all outgoing calls until you revert the setting.
On Android:
- Open the Phone app on your device.
- Tap on the three-dot menu or settings icon.
- Select "Settings" or "Call settings."
- Tap on "Additional settings" or "More settings."
- Choose "Caller ID" or "Show my caller ID."
- Select "Hide number" or a similar option.
On iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on "Phone."
- Tap on "Show My Caller ID."
- Toggle the switch to turn off "Show My Caller ID."
3. Contacting Your Mobile Carrier
If you prefer to hide your number for all outgoing calls or encounter issues with the above methods, you can contact your mobile carrier. They can assist in blocking your number on their network.
Steps to Contact Your Carrier:
- Dial customer service from your mobile phone.
- Request to have your number blocked for outgoing calls.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by the customer service representative.
4. Using Third-Party Apps
Several apps are available that enable you to make calls with an unknown number. These apps often provide additional features beyond just hiding your caller ID.
Popular Apps:
- Burner: Offers temporary phone numbers for calls and texts.
- Hushed: Provides disposable numbers that can be used for calls and texts.
- Dingtone: Allows users to make calls using a generated number.
5. Google Voice
Google Voice is a versatile service that allows you to create a new phone number and use it to make calls without revealing your actual number.
How to Use Google Voice:
- Sign up for a Google Voice account.
- Choose a new Google Voice number during setup.
- Use this number to make calls through the Google Voice app or website.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an Unknown Number
Advantages:
- Privacy Protection: Safeguards your personal information from being accessed or misused.
- Avoiding Spam Calls: Helps prevent potential spam callers from obtaining your number.
- Surprise Calls: Useful for maintaining secrecy when planning surprise calls for birthdays or other special occasions.
Disadvantages:
- Reduced Trust: Recipients may be hesitant to answer calls from unknown numbers, potentially leading to missed connections.
- Emergency Situations: In emergency situations, it may be crucial for emergency responders to identify your number quickly.
- Technical Limitations: Some phones and services may automatically block calls from unknown numbers, affecting reachability.
Ethical Considerations
While calling with an unknown number can be convenient, it's essential to use this feature responsibly and ethically.
Responsible Use:
- Inform Contacts: Let your close contacts know about your preference for using an unknown number.
- Avoid Misuse: Refrain from using unknown numbers for prank calls or malicious purposes.
- Professional Settings: If using for work-related calls, inform clients or colleagues about the use of an unknown number.
Conclusion
Calling with an unknown number offers a practical solution for maintaining privacy and security in various situations. Whether you opt for *67, change your phone settings, use third-party apps, or employ Google Voice, each method provides distinct advantages and considerations. By understanding the different methods and their implications, you can make informed decisions regarding your communication preferences.
FAQs
*Q: Can I use 67 for international calls? A: Yes, *67 can be used for international calls, but its effectiveness may vary by country and carrier.
Q: Does hiding my number cost extra? A: Generally, using *67 or hiding your number through settings does not incur additional charges, but check with your carrier to confirm.
Q: Can emergency services trace calls made with an unknown number? A: Emergency services typically have the capability to trace calls, even if the caller's number is hidden.
Q: Can I use an unknown number for texting? A: No, hiding your number primarily affects voice calls. For anonymous texting, consider using messaging apps with privacy features.
Q: Will recipients know I'm calling with an unknown number? A: Recipients will see "Unknown," "Private," or "Blocked" displayed instead of your actual phone number when you call with an unknown number.