How to Change Caller ID on iPhone & Android

Technology has left us in a pickle. It has given us a digital footprint in a scary age where most people prefer privacy. For example, people can trace you on geo-scanners with your caller ID. That is if you give them any reason to track you.

Scary, right?

However, there are many reasons you might want to keep your caller ID and phone number confidential—whether you’re making a business call, avoiding unwanted calls, or simply valuing your personal space.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a close look at how to manage your caller ID settings on both iPhone and Android devices. Furthermore, you'll learn step-by-step instructions for each platform, ensuring you have full control over how your number appears to the people you’re calling. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to protect your privacy and make informed choices about your phone calls.

Let’s dive in.

Why You Might Consider Changing or Hiding Your Caller ID

You don’t need to be running from the law to need to keep your caller ID private.

There are several other reasons you might decide to go private.

Firstly, if you’re making professional calls, you might want your company name to display instead of your number.

Similarly, if you’re calling someone for the first time and want to maintain your privacy, hiding your caller ID can be useful.

These options give you control over who sees your number and how it appears on their device.

How to Change Your Caller ID on iPhone

On an iPhone, you can change or manage your caller ID by following these steps:

• Open Settings: Start by going to your phone’s settings.

• Scroll to Phone: Look for the “Phone” option and tap on it.
• Select Show My Caller ID: This feature allows you to control whether your number is displayed.

• Toggle the Switch ON: Turn the switch off to hide your number. When you make a call, your number will appear as "Unknown" or "Private."

For those who want to change the name or number that displays, this feature is usually controlled by your carrier. You may need to contact them to update these details.

How to Change Caller ID on Android

Android phones offer similar functionality, though the steps may vary slightly depending on your device model or operating system version. However, we are taking our practical steps with the Redmi Android phone.

Launch the phone or dialer app.

Tap on the three dots or menu icon to open settings.

Look for a section like Call Settings or Caller ID. A drop button comes up. Select Calling Account.

Next, go to Advanced Settings, and from there, press Caller ID.

Then, toggle the Caller ID; it gives options like network default, hide number, and show number.

Lastly, you can press Hide Number to hide your caller ID. If you'd like to be discoverable again, select Show Number to do so.

Once you hide your caller ID, your mobile number will only appear to people you call as a private number. Hence, they will not be able to identify you without you telling them who you are.

How to Hide Caller ID Using Dialling Codes

More so, if you want a quick, temporary solution, you can use dialing codes. These codes vary by region and carrier but are widely supported.

In the UK and US: Dial *67 before the number you’re calling. For example, to call 0123456789, dial *670123456789.

For International Calls: Check with your carrier for specific codes.

In addition, this method hides your number only for that specific call, reverting to normal for subsequent calls.

Carrier and Regional Differences

It’s important to note that caller ID settings can vary depending on your mobile carrier and location.

Additionally, some carriers may not allow you to hide your number permanently via phone settings. In these cases, contacting your carrier is the best option.

They can provide specific instructions or even set up custom caller IDs for your account.

Additional Tips for Managing Caller ID

Here are a few extra pointers:

• Use Third-Party Apps: Apps like Google Voice or Skype allow you to make calls using a different number.
• Consider Business Numbers: If you often need to display a different number, consider getting a separate business line.
• Know the Limits: Even if you hide your caller ID, some services and recipients may still see your number due to technical or legal reasons.

Controlling your caller ID is a straightforward way to manage your privacy and professional presence. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, the steps outlined above will help you customise your settings with ease.

Remember, if you encounter issues or have specific needs, your carrier is always there to assist. With these tips, you’ll have full control over how your number app

ears to others, giving you peace of mind with every call.