You make the call. Their phone says, Private. Yours still writes a row in Recents. If you need to know how to make a private call, you are usually trying to hide the number on their screen. You are not trying to hide the Phone app on yours.
*67 can blank Caller ID for one call. The call is still a carrier call. It still rings like a phone. It still sits in Recents. Reddit’s ranking thread says the same thing in one line: a lot of people just refuse unknown numbers.
If the real job is a call that never enters Recents, DailyNewsTalk keeps voice inside the chat. The app looks like news until you long-press and enter a PIN. Chat calls don’t show up in a normal phone log. Alerts look like news, not a name. Download DailyNewsTalk.
This page is for your own phone. It does not teach you to open anyone else’s. It does not cover spy call recorders.
*67, hide CID, a second number, and a news-look call
| Tool | What it does | What it still shows |
|---|---|---|
| *67 / hide CID | Hides your number on their Caller ID for one call, or for every call in settings. | Recents on your phone. A phone ring. Many people ignore “Private.” |
| Anonymous phone number | A second line so the other person stores that number, not your SIM. | A VoIP or extra-number app. The call can still hit Recents. |
| Secret calling app | A chat-app call, or a “Secret Call” APK that hides the Phone icon. | Sideloaded APKs are a risk. Signal still looks like Signal. |
| DailyNewsTalk | A voice call inside a news-look chat. No SIM. No Recents row. | A news app on the home screen. Not a phone log. |
Jump to what you need
- What is star 67?
- How to make a private call with *67
- How to hide your number when calling
- Hide Caller ID on iPhone
- Hide Caller ID on Android
- Anonymous phone number / second line
- Secret calling app
- Hide the call log after
- What people on Reddit say
- When DailyNewsTalk is the better fit
- Questions people ask
Can You Make a Call Without Showing It in Recent Calls?
It depends on the type of call you make.
A regular cellular call generally appears in your phone’s recent calls list. An internet-based call through a messaging application may be recorded in that app’s call history instead of, or in addition to, the phone’s regular call interface. The exact behaviour depends on your device, operating system, and app settings.
Here are the main differences:
- Regular phone calls: Usually appear in the Phone app’s recent calls list.
- Internet-based calls: May appear in the calling app’s own history.
- Encrypted calls: Protect the content of supported conversations, but do not necessarily hide the fact that a call took place.
- Private notification settings: Can reduce what appears on your lock screen.
- Call history: May still be available through the app, device backups, or mobile network provider.
The best approach is to understand where your call information is stored and choose privacy settings that suit your needs.
What is star 67?
Star 67 is the spoken name for the US and Canada carrier code *67. You press star, then 6, then 7, then the number. Verizon and T-Mobile both still document that code. This page is about that dial pad, not the Drake song that ranks next to it.
Star 67 hides your number on their screen for one call. It does not hide Recents on your phone. It does not hide you from 911 or most toll-free lines. People who block unknown callers will not pick up. If you came here from the song, the phone tool is the next heading.
How to make a private call with *67
In the US and Canada, the one-call method is a carrier code. Verizon’s help is the clean version. Dial *67, then the area code and number, then call. Their screen should say Private, Anonymous, or something close. T-Mobile’s own page uses the same three taps.
This is a private call on a normal phone line. It is not a new app; it doesn’t hide the call from your Recents list, and it doesn’t hide it from your bill. Verizon says *67 will not hide you from 800 numbers or 911. T-Mobile says the same for toll-free and emergency lines. *82 shows your number again for one call if you already hide CID by default.
AT&T’s iPhone guide also lists *67 or #31# before the ten-digit number, and *82 to undo it for one call. If the other person blocks unknown callers, the call may never ring.
How to hide your number when calling
People also type how to hide caller ID and hide number when calling. That is the same job as *67, plus the phone setting that hides Caller ID on every call. Use star 67 for one call. Use the iPhone or Android toggle when you want every outgoing call to say, Private.
Neither path hides Recents on your phone. Neither path hides a watch, a bill, or 911. The next two headings are the menus. If the leak is the list after you hang up, jump to hide the call log.
Hide Caller ID on iPhone
Apple’s January 2026 help page is short. Open Settings, tap Apps, then Phone, then Show My Caller ID, and turn it off. After that, outgoing calls hide your number. If the switch is missing or dimmed, Apple says to contact your carrier. Older write-ups still say Settings, then Phone. On current iOS, the Phone row lives under Apps.
This toggle applies to every call, not just one. Use *67 when you only want one private call. The Phone app still keeps Recents. FaceTime is a different log. A watch can still show the call if it is paired.
Hide Caller ID on Android
Android menus move by brand. How-To Geek and Asurion both walk the same idea. Open the Phone app, open Settings, then look for Caller ID, Supplementary services, or Additional settings. Choose Hide number or Never. On some Pixels the path is Calls, then Additional settings, then Caller ID.
If you cannot find the menu, search Settings for Caller ID, or ask the carrier to add Caller ID Blocking on the account. Verizon can do that in My Verizon. The call is still a carrier call. Recents still gets a row.
Anonymous phone number / second line
People also type “anonymous phone number” next to private call. They want a number that is not the SIM. Reader’s Digest ranks Google Voice and paid second-number apps for that job. You call out showing the extra line. The other person can save it. Your real SIM stays off their contacts.
That is still a phone call. It can still write Recents. It can still show a second-number app on the home screen. This page is not a burner-SMS shop list. If you only need a one-off hide, *67 is enough. If you need a number you can give out, a second line is the tool. It is not a chat that looks like news.
Secret calling app
The search for a secret calling app is messy. Google’s top results are sideloaded APKs named Secret Call or Hidden Call. Skip those. They sit outside the Play Store, and this page will not walk you through them.
What people actually want is a call app that doesn’t look like the Phone app. Signal can do encrypted calls, but Reddit threads still treat it as a chat app with a number attached. Telegram can call too. Both icons still say chat. Both can still leak a name on the lock screen if you leave alerts on.
A secret calling app that lives inside a chat that doesn’t look like a chat. DailyNewsTalk is built for that. The call never uses your SIM. It doesn’t show a normal Recents row. The icon looks like News until you unlock it. See how to hide apps on iPhone if even a news icon is too much on a shared home screen.
Best Private Calling Apps to Consider
Some messaging applications offer privacy features that can help protect personal conversations. The following options have different approaches to messaging security and voice calling.
Signal – Privacy-Focused Voice Calls
Signal is known for its privacy-focused messaging and calling features.
Its supported voice and video calls use end-to-end encryption, which protects call content while it is transmitted between participants.
Useful features include:
- End-to-end encrypted voice and video calls
- Private messaging
- Disappearing messages
- Screen lock on supported devices
- Privacy controls for account and profile information
Best for: People looking for a privacy-focused application for personal messages and calls.
Official website: https://signal.org/
WhatsApp – Convenient Private Calling
WhatsApp offers voice and video calling alongside everyday messaging.
Personal WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted. The application also provides several privacy and account-security settings.
Useful features include:
- End-to-end encrypted personal calls
- Voice and video calling
- Two-step verification
- Privacy controls for profile information
- App-lock options on supported devices
- Linked-device management
Best for: People who already use WhatsApp and want convenient private communication.
Official website: https://www.whatsapp.com/
Telegram – Messaging and Calling Options
Telegram provides voice and video calling, along with several messaging features.
It is important to understand the difference between Telegram’s regular cloud chats and Secret Chats. Regular cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default, while Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption.
Telegram calls have their own privacy and security features.
Useful features include:
- Voice and video calls
- Privacy settings for phone numbers
- Two-step verification
- Active-session management
- Secret Chats for supported one-to-one messaging
Best for: People who want flexible messaging and calling features in one application.
Official website: https://telegram.org/
Viber – Private Messaging and Calling
Viber offers messaging and calling features for personal communication.
It provides end-to-end encryption for supported personal communications and includes additional privacy options.
Useful features include:
- Voice and video calls
- End-to-end encryption for supported conversations
- Disappearing messages in supported chats
- Privacy settings
- Account security features
Best for: People looking for a messaging application with integrated calling features.
Official website: https://www.viber.com/
DailyNewsTalk – News-Style Messaging and Calling
DailyNewsTalk is a messaging application that uses a news-style interface. Its store descriptions present it as a private messaging app with PIN-protected chat access.
The developer advertises messaging, voice calls, video calls, and privacy-focused features.
Features described in its store listings include:
- A news-style interface for accessing private chats
- PIN-protected chat access
- Username-based registration
- Voice and video calling on supported plans
- Messaging and media-sharing features
Important age and privacy note: DailyNewsTalk’s iOS App Store listing carries an 18+ age rating, so it should not be recommended to readers under 18. Its encryption and call-history statements are claims made in the developer’s store description, not an independent guarantee that no records can exist. The App Store also notes that its displayed privacy disclosures are supplied by the developer and are not verified by Apple.
Best for: Adult readers evaluating news-style messaging applications who meet the platform’s age requirements and have reviewed its current privacy policy and subscription terms.
Comparison of Private Calling Apps
Different applications offer different privacy features. Here is a quick comparison.
| App | Voice Calls | Encryption Information | Additional Privacy Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | Yes | End-to-end encrypted calls | Disappearing messages, screen lock |
| Yes | End-to-end encrypted personal calls | App lock, two-step verification | |
| Telegram | Yes | End-to-end encrypted calls; chat encryption varies by type | Phone-number privacy, session management |
| Viber | Yes | End-to-end encryption for supported personal communications | Disappearing messages, privacy settings |
| DailyNewsTalk | Advertised on supported plans | Developer advertises encrypted communication | News-style interface, PIN-protected chats |
Note: DailyNewsTalk’s iOS listing is rated 18+. Check its advertised features and privacy claims against current store information and the developer’s privacy policy. Features and availability can change by platform, region, and subscription plan.
Hide the call log after
*67 does not clear Recents. If the leak is the list after you hang up, that is a different job. Use our guide on how to hide call logs. Deleting one row is not the same as a call that never wrote the row.
What people on Reddit say
The top-ranking thread for this search is a You Should Know post: dial *67 or #31# before the number. The top replies are the limit, not the how-to. People who block unknown callers will not pick up. Some businesses drop hidden CID. Toll-free lines can still see you. A few users say their carrier ignores *67.
The secret-calling-app thread that ranks is a privacy-app comparison, not an APK. People argue Signal versus Telegram for calls and usernames. Both still look like messengers. Nobody in that thread thinks *67 hides the call from someone holding your phone.
You will also see spy recorders in this search. They sell a way to tape someone else’s call. Skip those. This page stays on your own phone.
When DailyNewsTalk is the better fit
Stay on *67 when you only need their screen to say Private, and you do not mind Recents. Move the call out when you do not want a phone row, a name on the lock screen, or a second-number app sitting next to Messages.
DailyNewsTalk looks like a news reader. You long-press, type a PIN, and the chat opens. You find each other with a usertag, so you do not have to trade numbers first. Chat calls stay out of Recents. Mute tells the other person you muted. Either of you can clear the thread on both phones.
Disclosure: We are associated with DailyNewsTalk. It is one option, based on how we test it. If that is what you want, download DailyNewsTalk.
For a fully private chat experience, start with secret messaging apps.
How to Protect Your Call Privacy on iPhone
If you use an iPhone, you can review your device’s privacy settings to control how personal information appears.
Review Notification Previews
Call-related notifications may display information on your lock screen.
You can review notification settings by following these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Select Notifications.
- Choose the relevant calling or messaging application.
- Review the notification options.
- Select a preview setting that suits your privacy preferences.
You can also review which applications are allowed to send notifications.
Use Face ID or a Device Passcode
A strong device passcode and Face ID help prevent other people from accessing your personal information when your phone is unattended.
Remember that device security protects access to your phone; it does not remove call records.
Review App Privacy Settings
Open your calling application’s settings and review:
- Profile visibility
- Contact permissions
- Linked devices
- Account security
- Available screen-lock features
Apple’s official guide: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios
5. How to Protect Your Call Privacy on Android
Android phones offer several settings that help users manage personal information.
The exact menus may differ between Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other Android devices.
Review Lock-Screen Notifications
You can control whether notification content appears on your lock screen.
A general path is:
- Open Settings.
- Select Notifications.
- Find Lock screen notifications.
- Review the available display options.
- Choose the option that best protects your personal information.
Check App Permissions
Review which applications have access to your microphone, contacts, and other information.
To do this:
- Open Settings.
- Select Privacy or Security and privacy.
- Open Permission Manager.
- Review the permissions granted to calling applications.
- Remove permissions that are not needed.
Remove permissions only when you understand how they affect the app’s functionality.
Secure Your Device
Consider using:
- A strong screen-lock PIN or password
- Fingerprint authentication
- Face unlock, where supported
- Regular operating system updates
- Two-step verification for important accounts
Google’s official Android help: https://support.google.com/android/
How to Evaluate a Private Calling App
Before choosing any calling application, consider the following:
- Encryption: Check whether voice calls are end-to-end encrypted.
- Call records: Understand whether call information appears inside the app or on the device.
- Account security: Look for strong authentication and device-management options.
- Privacy policy: Review what information the provider collects and retains.
- Age requirements: Check the app’s rating and eligibility requirements in your region.
- Subscription terms: Confirm whether important features require a paid plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Private Calling App
Not every application that advertises itself as a secret or private messenger provides strong security.
Before installing an application, consider these common mistakes:
- Assuming every encrypted app hides call records: Encryption and call-history management are different features.
- Ignoring the privacy policy: Check what information the application collects and stores.
- Overlooking linked devices: Other devices connected to your account may display communication activity.
- Using weak account security: A weak password or missing two-step verification can put your account at risk.
- Installing unknown applications: Avoid apps from untrusted websites or unofficial app stores.
- Ignoring software updates: Updates can include important privacy and security improvements.
- Believing marketing promises: Treat claims like completely invisible or impossible to trace with caution.
Choosing a trusted app matters more than choosing one simply because it promises hidden calling.
How to Choose the Right Private Calling App
The best application depends on what matters most to you.
Consider these points before making a decision:
- For stronger communication privacy: Look for applications with independently reviewed end-to-end encryption.
- For everyday convenience: Choose an app that your regular contacts already use and understand.
- For additional device security: Look for app-lock and account-protection features.
- For better control over personal information: Review notification settings, linked devices, and account permissions.
- For transparency: Read the privacy policy and check what information the service collects.
Avoid choosing an app based only on its appearance or marketing claims. A simple, trusted application with clear security documentation is usually a better choice.
Questions people ask
What is star 67 on a phone?
Star 67 is *67. You dial star, 6, 7, then the full number. Verizon and T-Mobile still document it for one private call. It is not the Drake track that ranks next to the same words. The call still sits in Recents on your phone.
Does *67 still work in the US?
Yes, on most US and Canadian carriers. Verizon and T-Mobile both still document it. Dial *67, then the full number. It will not hide you from 911 or most toll-free lines. Some people and shops block Private calls, so the call may never ring.
Can I make a phone call without it appearing in recent calls?
Regular cellular calls generally appear in the Phone app’s call history. Internet-based calls may appear in the calling application’s own history. There is no universal guarantee that a call will leave no record.
Which app is best for private voice calls?
Signal is a popular option for privacy-focused voice calls. WhatsApp and Viber also offer encrypted personal calling features. Telegram provides calling and messaging privacy options, while DailyNewsTalk advertises messaging and voice/video calling with a news-style interface. Compare their current security and privacy documentation before choosing.
Is a private call the same as a secret calling app?
No. A private call usually means hiding Caller ID on a carrier line. A secret calling app is a call that doesn’t use the Phone app, or at least doesn’t look like it. *67 cannot keep the call out of Recents. An in-app call can.
Will hiding Caller ID hide the call from Recents?
No. Show My Caller ID and *67 only change what the other phone displays. Your Phone app still logs the call. If the list is the leak, hide or delete the log afterward, or use a chat call that never writes Recents.
Can I use an anonymous phone number instead of *67?
Yes, if you want them to store a second line instead of your SIM. Google Voice and paid second-number apps do that job, but they are still phone calls and they can still hit Recents. They are not a news-look chat, and this page is not a burner-SMS list.
Is it legal to hide my number?
Carriers sell Caller ID Blocking as a normal privacy tool for your own outgoing calls. Do not use it to harass anyone. Emergency services still see the real number, and this page stays on calls you place from a phone you own.
Does deleting a call entry remove every record?
No. Removing an entry from a device or application does not guarantee that related information has been removed from backups, another participant’s device, or service-provider records.
Do private calling apps require an internet connection?
Most internet-based calling applications, including Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, and DailyNewsTalk, require Wi-Fi or mobile data. Traditional cellular calls use your mobile network instead.
Is a private calling app completely untraceable?
No. No ordinary messaging or calling app should be considered completely untraceable. Devices, service providers, and other participants may retain information about communication activity. A private interface or PIN-protected chat feature does not guarantee that call records disappear.
What this page cannot promise
*67 hides a number from a glance at their lock screen. It does not hide Recents on your phone. It does not hide you from 911 or many 800 lines. Sideloaded “secret call” APKs are a risk. No carrier code makes a shared home screen safe on its own.