How do you use *67 on a cell phone?

Taking Control of Your Caller ID: Using *67 on Your Cell Phone

In a world where privacy is increasingly valued, knowing how to control the information shared when you make a phone call can be incredibly useful. One simple but powerful tool in your privacy arsenal is the *67 prefix. This short code allows you to temporarily block your phone number from appearing on the recipient’s caller ID for a specific outgoing call. It’s a quick and effective way to maintain anonymity when reaching out to someone you don’t necessarily want to have your number.

*How 67 Works Its Magic**

The 67 code works by instructing your cellular provider to suppress your number from being transmitted to the recipient’s phone system. This is a temporary measure, meaning it only applies to the call you’re currently making. Your number will display as usual on subsequent calls unless you dial 67 again. Think of it as a temporary invisibility cloak for your phone number.

The Simple Steps to Anonymity

Using *67 is incredibly straightforward:

1. Unlock your cell phone and access the phone dialer.
2. *Dial 67** before entering the full phone number you wish to call.
3. Enter the full phone number, including the area code, as you normally would. For example, you would dial *67-1-555-123-4567.
4. Press the call button just as you would for any regular phone call.

That’s it! The person you are calling will see “Private Number,” “Blocked Number,” or something similar on their caller ID instead of your actual phone number.

Important Considerations and Limitations

While *67 offers a convenient way to protect your privacy, it’s important to understand its limitations:

• One-Time Use: Remember that *67 only works for the specific call you dial it with. It doesn’t permanently block your number.
• Not Guaranteed on All Systems: While generally effective, *67 may not work on all phone systems, particularly those used by government agencies or emergency services. Emergency services are often equipped to override blocked caller IDs for safety reasons.
• Not a Substitute for Call Blocking: If you consistently receive unwanted calls from a particular number, using *67 won’t prevent them from calling you again. You’ll need to explore call blocking or other options for dealing with unwanted calls.
• Ethical Use: It’s important to use *67 responsibly. While it can be helpful for legitimate purposes, it shouldn’t be used to harass or deceive others.

*When Might You Use 67?**

There are several legitimate reasons why you might choose to use *67:

• Calling a new business: You might want to inquire about services without immediately sharing your personal information.
• Contacting someone you met online: Initial calls can be made anonymously until you feel comfortable sharing your number.
• Reporting a concern anonymously: When contacting a landlord or other authority to report a concern, you might prefer to remain anonymous.
• Calling a number you don’t fully trust: In situations where you’re unsure about the recipient’s intentions, *67 can provide a layer of protection.

In conclusion, *67 is a valuable tool for controlling your privacy on a call-by-call basis. Understanding how it works and its limitations allows you to use it effectively and responsibly, empowering you to manage the information you share with others during phone calls. While not a foolproof solution for complete anonymity, it offers a quick and simple way to add a layer of protection to your personal information in specific situations.