How to Block/Unblock Your Cell Phone Number
By Mandy Slake
Sometimes you need to make calls to people you don't want to have your phone number. If you are worried about someone getting your phone number and are dialing a regular phone, you can block your caller ID and prevent your number from showing up on the other end. The person receiving your call will see the word "Unavailable," "Private" or "Restricted" instead of your phone number.
Blocking Your Number Temporarily
Dial *67 on your phone's keypad.
Enter the number you want to call.
Press the "SEND" button to initiate the call.
Blocking Your Number Permanently
Call your carrier by dialing *611 from your cellular phone. If you are calling from another phone, dial the carrier's toll-free number. You can find the number on your bill, and on the carrier's website.
Select the option to speak with customer care.
Validate your account with the customer care agent. You may need to supply an account password or the last four digits of your social security number.
Advise the representative you want a permanent caller ID block on your account.
Unblocking Your Number Temporarily
Dial *82 on your phone keypad.
Enter the number you want to call.
Press the "SEND" button to place the call.
References
Tips
- Some carriers allow you to add a permanent block to your account through the company website.
- Some carriers also allow you to block caller ID on specific numbers, so you don't have to dial *67 before every call. Dial *82 and the number to turn on this type of block.
Warnings
- Unblocking with *82 only works if you have permanent caller ID block enabled.
- Caller ID blocking does not work when you dial toll-free numbers, 900 numbers or 911.