Have you ever needed or wanted to make an anonymous phone call but were unsure how? There may be occasions when you wish to conceal your identity during a phone call, whether for professional or private reasons. However, how can you do this without giving away who you are?
It can be challenging to stay anonymous in today's sophisticated technology and constant connectivity. You may, nevertheless, occasionally need to speak with someone while keeping your true identity a secret. You may be worried about your safety or want to stay anonymous even though you have vital information to share. You can feel more at ease if you know how to make an anonymous phone call.
Although placing an anonymous call may seem complicated, it is possible to do so successfully if you have the appropriate strategy and resources. This article will walk you through making an anonymous phone call to communicate effectively without disclosing who you are. These guidelines will enable you to make unknown calls with assurance and security, regardless of whether you handle a delicate situation or respect your privacy.
What Is an Anonymous Call?
An anonymous call is one in which your identity is hidden. When you make one of these calls, the recipient's caller ID does not display your phone number.
As a substitute, the display might say something like “private number,” “unknown caller,” or “unknown numbers,” indicating that the call is coming from an unidentified source. This anonymity guarantees that your phone number remains confidential, so the other party cannot call you back unless you choose to share it.
In this day and age, when our phone numbers are associated with our professional and social media accounts, anonymous calls serve as a means of maintaining privacy and limiting access to our contact details. These calls are compatible with all phone platforms, including iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, Android phones, Samsung phones, and regular landlines.
The fundamental idea stays the same, regardless of whether you are using different area codes or making international calls: your identity is concealed, enabling you to speak freely and with assurance.
Reasons to Call Someone Anonymously
1. Reporting a Crime or Suspicious Activity
Notifying the authorities is critical if you see suspicious activity or witness a crime. But occasionally, you might fear reprisals or wish to hide your identity. You can give important information over the phone without putting yourself in danger by calling anonymously.
2. Expressing Concern for Someone's Safety
Making an anonymous call to the relevant authorities can be a safe way to report someone you believe is being abused or in danger but are unsure of the circumstances or possible outcomes. It lets you put their safety first without getting in your own way.
3. Sharing Sensitive Information
Sometimes, you have essential information that could solve a problem or assist someone, but you would rather stay anonymous. This may be pertinent when someone is blowing the whistle on corruption, disclosing private information that could have dire consequences.
4. Seeking Advice or Support
You may occasionally require direction or emotional support but be reluctant to disclose your identity. Making an anonymous call to a helpline or support center can help you get the help you need without giving away personal information. It enables you to voice your worries and openly get the assistance you need.
5. Maintaining Privacy in Business Matters
In the corporate world, confidentiality can be vital. Until you feel comfortable disclosing your identity, calling anonymously can help you negotiate a deal, discuss sensitive information, or enquire about a job opportunity. This enables you to handle work-related situations without risking unwelcome attention or jeopardizing your standing.
6. Resolving Personal Conflicts
You might need to talk to someone about a personal conflict or issue in some circumstances, but you would instead not do so publicly. This lets you voice your concerns without making things worse or endangering your safety, which can be helpful when interacting with challenging or combative people.
7. Conducting Market Research
Anonymity can be helpful when collecting consumer feedback or performing market research. By calling them anonymously, you can ensure that people give you honest, unbiased opinions without worrying about consequences or swaying their answers.
Method 1: Applying a Prefix
Prefixes can be used to make anonymous calls. To use a prefix, enter the prefix first, then the ten- or eleven-digit phone number (if you use the country code). Then, to begin your anonymous call, you must press the dial button.
Typical prefixes are as follows:
- *67: This prefix is used by most landlines, mobile phones, and landlines in North America and Canada.
- #31#: This prefix is used by certain Canadian and North American mobile phones (AT&T).
- Most landlines and mobile phones in the UK use the prefix 141.
Follow these steps to enter the prefix in any of your smartphone devices:
Step 1: Open the phone app on your smartphone.
The app is primarily located on your smartphone's home screen and appears as a phone receiver on a colored background.
- It would be best to get ready to dial using a landline or a primary cell phone.
Step 2: Press the Dial Pad Icon.
If the phone app on your smartphone does not launch a keypad, look for and tap the Dialpad icon. The icon's shape is primarily similar to a keypad.
- If you use a basic landline or cell phone, skip this step.
Step 3: Put your Prefix here.
Enter your area's prefix now. For instance, you should typically enter *67 when calling from a phone in North America.
- Avoid using the call button.
Step 4: Enter the Number.
To make an anonymous call, type the number you wish to call. Upon completion, the entire number should have the appearance of *678098657890.
Step 5: Hit the Call button.
You can hide your number and call the number in question by pressing the call button. The recipient's phone screen will display a message like “caller ID unavailable” or “restricted.”
- Be aware that many individuals have unmasking apps loaded on their phones. It implies that, despite the prefix, those individuals can still see your number.
Method 2: Using DialerHQ Private Phone Number App
Follow these steps so that you will be able to use the DialerHQ Private Phone Number Application properly.
Step 1: Launch the private phone number app DialerHQ.
Press the DialerHQ symbol, which looks like a colored background with a white receiver.
- You will need to download the DialerHQ private phone number app from the app store if you do not already have it. It has a free version.
- Upon registering for the app, you will receive an invitation to create your account for the first time. Follow the instructions on the screen to accomplish this.
Step 2: Choose the preferred country code for you.
After downloading, installing, and registering the app, you can choose the country number you want to call anonymously from.
Step 3: Launch the private phone number app DialerHQ.
Press the DialerHQ symbol, which looks like a colored background with a white receiver.
- You will need to download the DialerHQ private phone number app from the app store if you do not already have it. It has a free version.
- Upon registering for the app, you will receive an invitation to create your account for the first time. Follow the instructions on the screen to accomplish this.
Step 4: Choose the preferred country code for you.
After downloading, installing, and registering the app, you can choose the country number you want to call anonymously from.
Step 5: Put in the phone number of the recipient.
Enter the recipient's phone number to initiate an anonymous call.
Step 6: Press Call
Press and hold the call button. This is how to call someone secretly without giving them your phone number.
Method 3: Using Settings on Android
Follow these steps so that you will be able to use the setting on your Android smartphone properly.
Step 1: Get the app on your Android phone open.
Select the phone icon that has a colored background and looks like a phone receiver icon.
Step 2: Tap
It's located in the upper right corner of the display. A drop-down menu will appear when you tap it.
- There may be a “more” option available on some smartphones in its place.
Step 3: Press the Settings button.
There is a drop-down menu with the settings option. When you click on it, the phone's settings page will open.
Step 4: Press Calls or Related Menu Items
To finish the procedure, tap the call, call settings, or outgoing phone calls option in the menu.
Step 5: Press Caller ID.
The private call menu will have the option. You should tap additional settings or another opportunity to view this setting.
Step 6: Select “Hide Number.”
The caller ID settings menu will have the option. You cannot use your Android settings to make an anonymous phone call if you don't have the opportunity.
- The option might be titled differently (HIDE, for example).
- If your Android device's settings do not support anonymous calling, you can buy the ability to deactivate outgoing caller ID. Call or visit your carrier's website to see if call masking is an additional fee-based feature.
Method 4: Using Settings on iPhone
Follow these steps so that you will be able to use the setting on your iPhone smartphone.
Step 1: Go into Settings on your iPhone.
Press and hold the settings icon, a gray box with gears. Usually, the iPhone's home screen is where you can find it.
Step 2: Select the phone by swiping down.
Around a third of the way down the page is the option. It is located to the right of an icon that resembles a green and white phone receiver.
Step 3: Click “Show my Caller ID.”
Typically, the caller ID appears in the center of the screen. If you don't see the option, you can't use the iPhone settings app to make an anonymous call.
NB: If your iPhone does not allow anonymous calling, you can check if call masking is a paid feature by visiting the website or giving them a call.
Step 4: Toggling the “Show my Caller ID” green switch
They show that my caller ID switch will turn white when you press it.
- You might get a prompt from your iPhone to finish the action.
Step 5: Close the Settings app.
When you make outgoing calls from the built-in app on your iPhone, your number will be hidden rather than visible on the other person's screen.
- On the other hand, your phone number is visible to the person you call if they have a call-unmasking app installed.
Method 5: Use a Prepaid Phone
If you want to make an anonymous call without giving out your phone number, this is one of the better options to consider. To start, buy a prepaid phone from the local market. Pay for it when you make the call. You have successfully placed an anonymous call to the recipient with no complications.
In markets and stores, prepaid phones are widely accessible. That way, you can find them without looking into it further. So the next time you want to call someone anonymously, buy a prepaid phone from the store.
Method 6: Call from a Payphone
In the last ten years, payphone usage has increased dramatically. But they are now difficult to obtain. However, you can use the payphone to call if you can find one inside the market.
Once the Payphone number is provided, the recipient can return the call. It does not, however, divulge who you are. This is an additional option if you need a different approach to suit your requirements.
Method 7: Change the caller ID settings in Windows phone (for Windows phone users)
The feature that blocks ID on outgoing calls is also present on Windows phones, Android, and iOS devices. The process will resemble this in some way.
Give my caller ID to > No One > Done under Settings > Phone > Caller ID.
Though the steps differ slightly, they will be the same as in the previous sections.
Caller ID blocking works only if the laws and regulations of your nation allow it. If not, call operators might show your information alongside the recipient's mobile number.
How to Make a Single Anonymous Call?
If you prefix your phone number with a small code, you can make private calls. One benefit of creating an anonymous call is changing the settings without going through them whenever you want to see your number again.
To make a single private phone call, you only have to find the code that applies to your nation.
| CODE | COUNTRIES THAT WORK WITH THE CODE |
| *23 or *23# | South Korea |
| 1831 | Australia (landline) |
| *31* | Greece (landline), Iceland, Netherlands (most carriers), Romania, and South Africa (Telkom phones) |
| *9# | Nepal (NTC prepaid/postpaid phones only) |
| #31# | Greece (mobile), India (only after network unlock), Israel (mobile), Italy (mobile), Netherlands (KPN phones), South Africa (mobile), Spain (mobile), Sweden, Switzerland (mobile) |
| *31# | Argentina (landline), Germany, Switzerland (landline) |
| 184 | Japan |
| *67 | United States (except AT&T), Canada (landline), New Zealand (Vodafone phones) |
| 3651 | France (landline) |
| 133 | Hong Kong |
| 141 | The United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland |
| *43 | Israel (landline) |
| 0197 | New Zealand (Telecom or Spark phones) |
| *67# | Italy (landline) |
| *32# | Pakistan (PTCL phones) |
| 067 | Spain (landline) |
| 1167 | Rotary phones in North America |
How To Handle Incoming Anonymous Calls?
As useful as knowing how to call anonymously, knowing how to answer calls from anonymous sources is just as crucial. The ease of calling anonymously can occasionally result in unsolicited or prank calls.
You can choose if an unknown number or blocked caller ID appears on your phone. Your phone can be configured to reject incoming calls:
- For instance, open the Settings app on an iPhone, select “Phone,” and then choose “Silence Unknown Callers.”
- The procedure differs for Android users, but it's usually located under “Block numbers” in the Call settings.
You can file a report if you receive spam calls from unidentified numbers. Features for reporting spam calls are integrated into Android and iPhone devices, which may help reduce the number of unsolicited contacts. In addition, you can report to the FCC any illegal calls or texts you believe you have received or any spoofing scams you think you have fallen for.
How to Get an Anonymous Phone Number?
The steps listed below can help obtain an anonymous phone number:
1. A fresh SIM card and phone
You can purchase a new phone and SIM card not associated with your name to obtain an anonymous phone number. You can also deactivate caller ID in the phone's settings. But it's a laborious procedure.
2. Google Voice
For those focused on business, Google Voice offers virtual phone numbers that can be used anywhere. However, the expense mounts up quickly and is prohibitive for many companies. Furthermore, it is not anonymous because it can sometimes be traced back to a Google account.
3. The DialerHQ Private App
Using an app with a second phone number is the best choice. And in this instance, a private app for a second phone number is a wise decision. You can obtain the second phone number without purchasing a SIM card or a new phone. The software effectively modifies your number and has a free version. You don't need to worry about making anonymous calls.
FAQs
Q. Can an anonymous number be traced?
No, an anonymous number cannot be tracked. Restricted, blocked, and private numbers can usually be tracked down. However, since they need the information needed to create a meaningful trace, calls that are anonymous, unavailable, or outside of the area cannot be traced.
Q. How do I stop anonymous phone calls?
By blocking the number on your phone, you can prevent calls from unknown parties. If blocking the number is still not working, you can download some paid blocking apps.
Q. What's the difference between an anonymous and a no-caller ID?
A caller may be trying to hide his phone number if you receive a call with a no-caller ID. An anonymous call, on the other hand, suggests that your mobile device has yet to decode the number.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, you can call someone anonymously. Make sure to prioritize privacy and abide by the law whether you use a disposable phone, block your caller ID, use a third-party app or website, use a public phone, or think about voice-changing technology. Always use anonymous calling morally and responsibly.
