How to Make a Genuinely Secure Private Call?

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve wanted to make a private call, whether it was for a quick work situation, avoiding a telemarketer’s callback, or just keeping my personal number from floating around. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually make calls without revealing your identity, or what’s really going on behind that mysterious unknown caller screen, you’re in the right place.

I’ve tested the built-in phone settings, fiddled with carrier codes like *67, tried apps, and even checked my private call history on both Android and iPhone. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping your real phone number hidden, when it makes sense, and the fine print nobody tells you.

What’s a Private Call?

A private call is when your caller ID doesn’t show your personal number to the person you’re calling. Instead, the receiver sees Private Number, Unknown Caller, or just Blocked.

This isn’t new tech, it’s been around since landlines with caller ID blocking, but now it’s built into iPhone, Android, and even carrier services like T-Mobile and Verizon. People also use apps and second phone number tools when they want more confidentiality or secure communication.

Why People Use Private Calls?

From what I’ve seen (and done myself), private calls aren’t always about being sneaky. Most of the time, it’s just practical stuff:

• Keeping work and life separate: If you’re making work-related calls from your personal phone, you probably don’t want every client storing your personal number. Using a quick caller ID blocking trick lets you make outgoing calls without tying them to your real phone number.
• One-off or sensitive situations: Think about when you’re buying something off Craigslist or scheduling a repair. Those are perfect times for a one-off call or a single outgoing call where your number doesn’t need to live in someone’s contacts forever.
• Protecting your privacy: Not everyone deserves access to your private number. Using anonymous calls or hidden calls gives you that bit of discretion and helps keep your confidentiality intact.

How to Make Private Calls on Android and iOS?

There are three main ways I use to make calls without revealing your personal number: built-in phone settings, carrier codes, and apps.

1. Built-In iPhone Settings

Apple keeps it straightforward.

• Go to Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → toggle it off as suggested by Apple Support.
• Every call you place after that will go out as a private number call.

For a quick shortcut, just dial *67 + the phone number. This hides your caller ID for that one call. I’ve used this when I only need to hide a single outgoing call, it was super quick, no settings needed.

2. Built-In Android Settings

On Android, the menus vary by brand, but the path looks like this:

• Open the Phone app → Settings → Additional Settings → Caller ID → Hide Number (Red more on Asurion Guide and Lifewire)

I tested this on Samsung and it works, but some call it Additional Settings/ More Settings/ Supplementary Services. Once set, all your outgoing calls are hidden until you flip it back.

3. Carrier Codes (Works on T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, etc.)

If you’re in the U.S., every major carrier supports this.

• *67 before a number = hides your caller ID for one call.
• *82 = unblocks it if you usually have caller ID blocking turned on.

Here’s T-Mobile’s official guide confirming it. Verizon and AT&T list the same codes in their support docs.

Carrier-Level Caller ID Blocking

Verizon: You can stop your number from appearing on every outgoing call through the My Verizon app or website:

• Open My Verizon → go to Manage Blocks → toggle Caller ID Blocking ON.
  This prevents your number from showing unless you manually unblock it.

AT&T: AT&T offers a setting for Hide My Caller ID on all outgoing calls:

• Sign in to the AT&T Phone portal → go to Features → Outgoing Calls → toggle Hide My Caller ID ON.
  Once activated, your number is hidden by default on every call.

4. Using Apps

Sometimes built-in tools aren’t enough. That’s where apps come in.

1.DailyNewstalk App

DailyNewstalk (Android, iOS) is a privacy-first communication app disguised as a news app. Notifications appear as breaking news alerts, so outsiders never realize you’re receiving calls or chats. The app supports private calls, voice, and video conversations within its hidden chat window which can be only accessed by biometric (long press on reload button). Unlike traditional dialers, messages, calls and media never store in your gallery they stay locked inside the app.

We tested the app and found that calls only connect when both users are inside the chat window, adding an extra layer of security. Sign-up is minimal just a username and password without requiring your phone number. This makes it suitable for people who want private calls without tying them to their SIM card or carrier identity. (No public audit yet, but app policies are designed around anonymity and privacy.)

2. Google Voice

Google Voice( Android, iOS) gives you a secondary phone number that you can use for calls, texts, and voicemail. Your real number stays hidden while all communication routes through your Google Voice ID. It’s part of Google’s ecosystem, meaning it follows Google’s privacy and compliance policies.

When we tested it, the number worked seamlessly for both incoming and outgoing calls. Caller ID displayed the Google Voice number, not the real SIM card. For people wanting long-term private calls tied to a consistent second line, Google Voice is one of the safest options. Full details on compliance can be found in Google’s policies.

3. Burner

Burner specializes in temporary phone numbers that forward to your main line. Burner currently works only in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Once you no longer need the number, you can delete it instantly cutting off that connection. According to its privacy policy, Burner numbers are designed for short-term use cases like online selling, dating, or one-off business interactions.

In our tests, setup took less than two minutes, and calls routed through the Burner number with no issues. Deleting a number immediately made it unreachable, ensuring no leftover metadata linked to the account. Burner also makes it clear that t will comply with valid law enforcement requests when legally required (Wikipedia).

4. Hushed

Hushed (Android, iOS) works much like Burner but with international calling support across 40+ countries. You can create a local number in another region for temporary or long-term use. According to the Hushed Privacy Policy, the app does not store call metadata beyond what’s necessary for routing.

Hushed works almost anywhere in the world because it runs on Wi-Fi or mobile data, but here’s the catch: the numbers it gives you are tied to the U.S., Canada, or U.K. only. So yes, you can install and use Hushed in India, but the temporary number you’ll get will still be from one of those regions.

When tested, the app worked seamlessly for both local and international private calls. Numbers can be set to auto-delete after a specific period, which makes it ideal for travelers, freelancers, or anyone who wants a disposable international line without revealing their main SIM card.

How to Block Private Numbers (When You’re Receiving Them)

If you’re tired of private calls, anonymous numbers, or hidden calls going through, here’s how to block them on your device with real, trusted resources:

On iPhone

1. Open Settings → Phone.
2. Scroll to the Calls section and tap Silence Unknown Callers.
3. Toggle it on—calls from numbers not in your contacts will go straight to voicemail, but still show up in your Recent list. (Apple Support)

Additional options:

• Use Do Not Disturb (now in iOS’s Focus settings) to allow calls only from saved contacts. All others, including private numbers, go silent.(Business Insider)

You can also block specific private callers after you’ve seen their number in your Recents log—tap the info icon next to the call and select Block this Caller.

On Android (Pixel, Samsung, and standard Dialers)

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap More (three dots) → Settings → Blocked numbers.
3. Turn on Unknown—this blocks calls from private or unidentified numbers, while letting numbers not saved in your contacts still through.(Google Help)

For Samsung users with Smart Call:

• Go to Phone app → More → Settings → Block numbers.
• Turn on Block calls from unknown numbers to block calls lacking caller ID.(Samsung)

What These Features Mean

These settings don’t require you to guess the private number you simply block all incoming calls without caller ID. That means:

• No more disruptions from anonymous calls.
• You still receive calls from legitimate services or contacts without caller ID if they’re saved in your phone.

Carriers also step in. For example, T-Mobile has Scam Shield (T-Mobile Scam Shield) that can block spam and private number calls at the network level.

Risks and Limitations of Private Calls

I’ve learned the hard way private calls aren’t bulletproof.

• Some people don’t pick up unknown callers at all.
• Carriers still log your calls, even if your caller ID is hidden.
• Apps may require access to contacts or call logs, check their privacy policies first.

If you’re looking for confidentiality, know the limits. Hiding your number ≠ total invisibility.

Alternatives to Private Calls

If you want more than just caller ID blocking, here’s what works better:

• DailyNewstalk for private calls that don’t show up in your phone’s regular call history.
• Second phone number apps like Google Voice, Burner, Hushed.
• Internet phone services (VoIP) that let you create disposable lines.
• A cheap prepaid SIM for work-related calls or side hustles.

Sometimes these alternatives give you more secure communication and better control over your private call history than toggling settings alone.

FAQs

Is it Possible to Trace or Reveal a Private Number?

Not easily. You can’t do it yourself, but carriers can trace them if law enforcement requests it.

Do Private Calls Show Up on Phone Bills?

Yes. Your bill shows the number you dialed, even if the receiver saw “Unknown Caller.”

Can I Block All Private Numbers Automatically?

Yes. iPhone and Android both have settings to silence or block anonymous calls. Carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile also offer filters.

Do Apps Like Whatsapp Support Private Calls?

No. When you call over WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, the recipient always sees your profile info. Private calls only apply to traditional phone calls.

Can I Make Calls Without Revealing My Number Internationally?

Yes, but codes vary. In the U.K. you’d dial 141 before the number. In the U.S. it’s *67. Always check your carrier’s support page before trying.