Why anonymous calling is more than you think
Hiding your number when making calls. It feels sneaky, almost suspicious. Like you have something to hide. That awkward silence when someone asks why you're calling anonymously. The hassle of settings you never use. Yet, anonymous calling with your iPhone turns out to be one of the most underrated features.
Not for shady practices, but for smart privacy protection in a world where your phone number is the key to all your accounts. From arranging surprises to protecting yourself from spam after that one time you had to leave your number with an online store—anonymous calling gives you back control . And the best part? You don't have to buy any extra accessories or apps. It's already built into your iPhone, ready to protect your privacy whenever you want.
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When is anonymous calling really useful?
Hiding your number while calling has more practical applications than you might think. Think of contacting a potential buyer through Marktplaats without immediately revealing your personal number. Or the first phone call with a new customer where you'd rather gauge the situation before reaching out on your personal number.
This feature is also useful when arranging surprises. For example, if you're organizing a birthday party and need to call several vendors, you can prevent your number from being stuck in their systems for months. This will save you from unwanted sales calls later.
How caller ID works on your iPhone
The technology behind anonymous calling is surprisingly simple. Your device normally automatically sends your phone number when you call someone. This information is passed on to the recipient via the telephone network. By disabling caller ID, you instruct your provider not to transmit this information.
The recipient will then see "Anonymous," "Unknown Number," or "Private Number" on the screen. This varies by provider and the recipient's device. Important: your call will not be handled differently, and the quality will remain exactly the same.
Step-by-step: activate anonymous calling
Setting up anonymous calling on your iPhone is done as follows:
- Open the Settings app on your home screen
- Scroll down and tap 'Phone'
- Select 'Show Caller ID' (on some models this is called 'Caller ID')
- Slide the switch to the left to turn off the function
Your number is now hidden from all outgoing calls. If you want to display your number temporarily, you can enter *31# before the phone number for a specific call. This will override your setting for a one-time only.
Alternative method: call anonymously per call
Do you find it inconvenient to constantly adjust the settings? Then you can also choose the opposite approach. Simply leave caller ID enabled and use #31# before the phone number when you want to make anonymous calls. This code works for that specific call, and you don't need to change anything in your settings.
What should you take into account?
Not everyone accepts anonymous calls. Many people have their phones set to automatically block unknown numbers or forward them to voicemail. This is especially true for business numbers and those who experience a lot of spam.
In addition, with a hidden number, you cannot contact emergency services like 112. This is a safety measure so that emergency services can always return your call. Some companies and government agencies also do not accept anonymous calls to prevent fraud.
Privacy versus accessibility
Permanently anonymous calling also has its drawbacks. People are less likely to return calls to an unknown number, especially if they don't get voicemail. This can appear unprofessional for business contacts. Therefore, consider carefully when using this feature.
Smart use of anonymous calling in practice
A practical approach is to simply use caller ID as standard, but switch to anonymous calling in specific situations. Some examples:
- Online advertisements: When responding to second-hand advertisements, you protect your privacy.
- First business contact: Test whether a potential customer is serious before sharing your direct line
- Information requests: When requesting prices or information, you avoid follow-up phone calls.
- Temporary contacts: For one-time appointments such as delivery services or repairers
Alternatives for better privacy
Besides hiding your number, there are other ways to protect your privacy while calling. Consider using a dedicated business phone line or a prepaid SIM card for specific purposes, for example. This gives you more control without having to constantly switch between settings.
For international calls or contact with strangers, apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram are often a better option. These services use internet connections instead of your phone number and offer end-to-end encryption for added security.
Temporary numbers for extra protection
For situations where you need to be reachable but don't want to share your real number, there are services that offer temporary phone numbers. These virtual numbers forward calls to your iPhone without the caller knowing your real number. Ideal for online sales or dating apps.
Tips for safe calling
Whether you call anonymously or not, there are some basic rules for safe phone use:
- Never provide personal information such as passwords or PIN codes by phone
- Be careful with unknown numbers that call you and hang up immediately
- Install a spam filter app if you receive a lot of unwanted calls
- Block numbers that harass you through the phone app
- Report suspicious calls to your provider
The future of telephone privacy
With the rise of new technologies, privacy is becoming increasingly important. Apple is continuously working on improvements for the iPhone to give users more control over their personal information. These include features like "Ring Silence for Unknown Callers" and improved spam detection.
It's therefore wise to regularly check your privacy settings and adjust them to your current needs. What's a good setting today may be different tomorrow due to changing circumstances or new threats.
Conclusion: Privacy with one click
Anonymous calling with your iPhone turns out to be much more than just a feature for people with something to hide. It's a practical tool for protecting your privacy in specific situations—from responding to Marktplaats ads to making initial contact with new customers. The best part is that this feature is already built into your refurbished iPhone , so you don't need any additional accessories .
The trick is to consciously choose when to share your number. Use anonymous calling wisely and purposefully, not as a default setting, but as a conscious choice for moments when privacy truly matters.
