Maintaining privacy has become a difficult feat ever since the internet and cell phones became widely adopted. It seems as though anybody can be reached at any time…whether they want to or not. For this reason, people are looking for more and more ways to increase their privacy, even going so far as using landline phones over cell phones so that they can minimize their availability.

If you want to avoid unwanted phone calls, particularly from undesirable numbers and area codes, then you have several options, such as blocking numbers (be it on android, iphone, or landline). One of the other best options you can uses to make your phone number private. There are different ways to do this. Here is how you can give yourself the gift of additional privacy.

Going Private

Start by adjusting the settings on your phone. Go to “Settings,” find the “Phone” or “Calls” section, and locate “Caller ID” or “Show Caller ID.” Turning this off hides your number from the person you’re calling, showing “Private” or “Unknown” instead.

If you only want to hide your number sometimes, use a simple code before dialing. In many countries, dialing *67 before the phone number hides your caller ID for just that call. You may need to check the specific code for your country if it’s different.

Call Your Provider

To keep your number private on every call, contact your service provider. They can add permanent caller ID blocking to your account so your number stays hidden by default. Just keep in mind that some people won’t answer calls from private numbers, and emergency services can still view your caller ID if you call them.

2nd Number

Another way to stay private is by using a second phone number through an app. Apps like Google Voice offer alternate numbers, letting you make calls and send texts without revealing your real number. This option is useful if you want more control over who can contact you.