How to Unblock a Home Phone Number
By Ryan Haas
Modern technology allows you to hide your identity when placing almost any call from your home. However, at times it is practical to allow your dialed party to know that you are calling before she picks up the phone. You can unblock your home phone number on caller-ID devices on a per-call or a permanent basis, depending on your need.
Per-Call Unblocking
Dial *82 on your phone. This is the universal code for unblocking your number if you have a per-line blocking service from your telecommunications provider.
Dial the number of the party you wish to reach. Once the unblocking short code is entered, you may call your party as normal, and he will be able to view your number via caller ID. If your dialed party's caller ID also displays the name of the caller, then he will see that in addition to your phone number.
Repeat as necessary. Because the *82 universal code is only a temporary way to reveal your number, you will need to enter it before each call you would like to unblock.
Per-Line Unblocking
Call your service provider. Only your telecommunications provider will be able to permanently unblock any line that you have requested to remain hidden on caller IDs.
Ask the customer service representative to remove per-line blocking on any line that you want to be known by your called parties.
Inquire whether there are charges associated with ending the blocking service. Because the Federal Communications Commission does not regulate intrastate blocking and unblocking of telephone calls, charges for the addition or removal of this service vary by carrier.
References
Tips
- Your home phone number will be automatically unblocked when you call 800, 888, 877 and 866 numbers, as well as when you call emergency services and 911.
- Though toll-free numbers can always see your phone number through Automatic Number Identification technology, they are barred by the FCC from reusing or selling the information without your consent.
Writer Bio
Writing professionally since 2005, Ryan Haas specializes in sports, politics and music. His work has appeared in "The Journal-Standard," SKNVibes and trackalerts. Haas holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing from the University of Illinois.