In today’s digital age, privacy has become a major concern for many individuals. With the rise of telemarketing and spam calls, having the ability to block your outgoing number can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind. If you’re an Android user, you may be wondering how to do just that. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for blocking your outgoing number on Android, along with some additional tips and considerations to keep in mind.
Why Block Your Outgoing Number?
Before we dive into the “how-to” aspect, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind blocking your outgoing number. Here are a few scenarios where keeping your number private might be beneficial:
- Stopping telemarketers and spam calls: By blocking your outgoing number, you can prevent telemarketers and spammers from obtaining your contact information.
- Maintaining personal privacy: If you’re calling someone you don’t want to share your number with, blocking it can help you maintain your privacy.
- Business or professional purposes: In some cases, you may want to keep your personal number private for business or professional reasons.
Method 1: Using the *67 Code
The simplest way to block your outgoing number on Android is by using the *67 code. This method works for both Android and iPhone devices.
- How it works: Dial *67 followed by the phone number you want to call. This will temporarily block your outgoing number for that specific call.
- Example: If you want to call 555-1234, you would dial *67-555-1234.
- Note: This method only works for the specific call you’re making. You’ll need to dial the code each time you want to block your number.
Method 2: Using the Android Phone App
Most Android devices come with a built-in Phone app that allows you to block your outgoing number. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the Phone app: Open the Phone app on your Android device.
- Tap the three-dot menu: In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the three-dot menu.
- Select “Settings”: From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
- Toggle “Additional settings”: Scroll down and toggle the “Additional settings” option.
- Toggle “Caller ID”: Look for the “Caller ID” option and toggle it to “Hide number.”
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App
If you’re not comfortable using the *67 code or modifying your Phone app settings, you can use a third-party app to block your outgoing number. Here are a few popular options:
- Truecaller: A popular caller ID app that also allows you to block your outgoing number.
- Hiya: A caller ID and spam blocking app that offers the option to hide your number.
- Calls Blacklist: A call-blocking app that also allows you to block your outgoing number.
Method 4: Contacting Your Carrier
If you’re not comfortable using any of the above methods, you can contact your carrier to request that they block your outgoing number. Here’s how to do it:
- Contact your carrier’s customer service: Reach out to your carrier’s customer service department via phone or online chat.
- Request to block your outgoing number: Let them know that you want to block your outgoing number, and they’ll guide you through the process.
Things to Consider
Before you start blocking your outgoing number, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Emergency calls: When you block your outgoing number, it may not work for emergency calls, such as 911 in the United States. Your carrier may still be able to trace your location, but it’s essential to be aware of this limitation.
- Caller ID services: Some caller ID services, like Truecaller, may still be able to display your number even if you’ve blocked it.
- Legal implications: In some jurisdictions, blocking your outgoing number may be illegal or subject to Certain restrictions. Make sure you’re aware of the laws in your area before proceeding.
Conclusion
Blocking your outgoing number on Android can provide an added layer of privacy and security in today’s digital age. Whether you’re looking to stop telemarketers, maintain personal privacy, or keep your number private for business purposes, there are several methods to choose from. By using the *67 code, modifying your Phone app settings, using a third-party app, or contacting your carrier, you can take control of your privacy and keep your number hidden from prying eyes. Just remember to consider the potential limitations and legal implications before making the change.
Can I block my outgoing number on Android permanently?
Blocking your outgoing number on Android is a temporary solution that can be turned on and off as needed. You can’t block your outgoing number permanently, but you can set it to be blocked by default. To do this, go to your phone’s settings, click on “Call settings,” and then toggle on “Additional settings” where you’ll find the option to “Show my caller ID.” From there, you can choose to hide your number for all outgoing calls.
Keep in mind that even if you set your number to be blocked by default, you can still choose to show it for individual calls. This can be done by adding a code to the beginning of the phone number you’re dialing. For example, in the United States, you would add “*67” before the phone number to show your number for that specific call. This can be useful if you need to make a call to someone who requires your number to be displayed, such as a business or a government agency.