What is Star 67 on the Phone? Unmasking the Call Concealer

I remember this one time, back in college, when a buddy of mine, let’s call him Mike, was trying to prank our mutual friend, Sarah. He wanted to call her and pretend to be some random telemarketer, just to get a laugh. He dialed her number, and a few seconds later, he hung up, a look of utter confusion on his face. “It showed up as ‘Private Number’,” he mumbled. “But I didn’t do anything special!” That’s when I chimed in, “Did you use *67, Mike?” He looked at me, bewildered. “Star what now?”

That little interaction perfectly encapsulates the mystery surrounding a feature that many of us have heard of, perhaps even used, but few truly understand: What is Star 67 on the phone?

In the simplest terms, *67 (pronounced “Star 67”) is a vertical service code used on landline and most mobile phones in North America to temporarily block your outgoing caller ID information for a single call. When you dial *67 before a phone number, the recipient will see “Private Number,” “Blocked,” “Unknown,” or a similar indicator instead of your actual phone number, effectively concealing your identity for that specific call. It’s a quick, on-demand privacy tool that puts the caller in control of their number’s visibility.

The Evolution of Privacy: A Deep Dive into *67

To truly grasp the essence of *67, we need to travel back a bit to the dawn of Caller ID. When Caller ID was first introduced, it was a revolutionary feature, allowing recipients to see who was calling before picking up. It offered a sense of control and security, helping people screen unwanted calls and identify known contacts. However, almost immediately, a counter-need arose: the desire for privacy for the *caller*. What if you needed to make a call but didn’t want the recipient to have your number? Perhaps you were calling a business for a quick inquiry, leaving a message for someone you didn’t know well, or, like Mike, pulling a harmless prank.

Enter *67. It was designed as a direct response to this need for on-demand caller ID suppression. It became a standard feature across many telephone networks, a simple yet powerful tool that gave callers a temporary cloak of anonymity. While the technology behind phone calls has morphed dramatically – from traditional landlines to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and cellular networks – the core function of *67 has largely remained consistent, adapting to new platforms with surprising resilience.

I’ve personally found *67 incredibly useful over the years. When I was selling an old car, for instance, I didn’t want every potential buyer to have my personal cell number permanently stored. A quick *67 before dialing their inquiry number ensured I could discuss the details without broadcasting my contact info to strangers. It’s a small convenience, but a significant one in terms of personal privacy.

How Does *67 Actually Work? Understanding the Mechanism

When you dial *67 before a number, you’re essentially sending a signal to your phone carrier’s central office. This signal tells the network, “Hey, for *this particular call*, don’t transmit my Caller ID information.”

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. You Dial *67: This is a special vertical service code, recognized by the telephone network.
2. You Dial the Recipient’s Number: After *67, you input the full 10-digit (or 11-digit) phone number you wish to call.
3. The Signal is Processed: Your phone sends this combined sequence to your local switch (or the nearest cell tower/VoIP server).
4. Caller ID Information is Suppressed: The switch recognizes the *67 code and, before routing your call to the recipient, it instructs the network to withhold your caller ID data. Instead of sending your number, it sends a generic “private” or “unknown” flag.
5. Call is Connected: The call then proceeds as normal, but the recipient’s phone or Caller ID device displays the anonymous indicator.

This process is typically instantaneous and happens in the background. It’s not magic, but rather a predefined function of the telecommunications network. It’s important to remember that this blocking is only for the Caller ID display; your carrier still knows who you are, and in certain circumstances (which we’ll explore later), your identity can be revealed.

The “Why”: Reasons People Use *67

People employ *67 for a myriad of reasons, ranging from practical concerns to privacy preferences. Here are some common scenarios:

• Maintaining Personal Privacy: This is perhaps the most common reason. If you’re calling a service you might only use once, like inquiring about a garage sale item or a one-off business transaction, you might not want your personal number added to a potential marketing list or database.
• Avoiding Unwanted Callbacks: Sometimes you need to make a quick call but don’t want the recipient to call you back, especially if it’s a number you don’t recognize or trust, or if you’re making a complaint.
• Dealing with Nuisance Calls (Carefully): While not its primary purpose, some individuals might use *67 to call a number that has been harassing them, hoping to gather information without revealing their own number. This should be approached with caution, as it could escalate issues.
• Professional Reasons: Some professionals, like real estate agents or small business owners, might use their personal phone for work but wish to keep their personal number private when making initial contacts with clients or vendors.
• Testing a Phone Line: Occasionally, someone might use *67 to test if a phone line is working without revealing their identity to the person who might pick up, especially if it’s a number they don’t regularly interact with.
• Pranks and Fun (Harmless Ones): As with my college friend Mike, *67 can be used for lighthearted pranks among friends, although responsible usage is key.

My take on it is that *67 is a tool for *proactive* privacy. It puts the ball in your court before the call even connects, letting you decide if your number should be visible. In an age where data privacy is a constant conversation, having such a simple, readily available tool is quite empowering, wouldn’t you say?

When *67 Falls Short: Limitations and Exceptions

While *67 is a handy tool, it’s far from foolproof. There are significant limitations to its anonymity, and knowing these is crucial for responsible use.

Emergency Services (911) and Other Essential Services

This is the most critical exception. When you dial 911 (or 999, 112, etc., depending on your region), *67 will not block your number. Emergency services are legally mandated to receive your location and caller ID information, even if you attempt to block it. This is a vital safety measure that allows first responders to locate you in an emergency. The same often applies to other essential services, like certain crisis hotlines, where caller identity is necessary for assistance or tracing. From a public safety perspective, this is absolutely necessary, and I believe most people would agree.

Toll-Free Numbers (e.g., 1-800, 1-888)

Companies and organizations that use toll-free numbers often subscribe to a service called “ANI” (Automatic Number Identification). ANI allows them to see the caller’s number even if *67 is used. This is how many customer service lines know your number before you even state it, or can track previous interactions. They pay for this service to improve customer support and sometimes for marketing analytics. So, if you’re calling a business with an 800-number, don’t expect *67 to keep your number hidden.

Certain Business Lines and Government Agencies

Similar to toll-free numbers, some businesses and government agencies have specialized telephone systems that can override caller ID blocking. This is particularly true for organizations involved in security, law enforcement, or specific regulatory functions. They have the technical means and sometimes the legal authority to unmask blocked numbers.

Call Trace Services (*57)

If you’re making a nuisance or threatening call using *67, the recipient can potentially activate a “Call Trace” service (often dialed as *57 immediately after hanging up). This service, usually offered by phone companies, can record the incoming number and provide it to law enforcement. While not instantaneous to the recipient, it’s a powerful tool for authorities to unmask malicious callers. This is a significant deterrent against misuse, and rightly so.

VoIP and App-Based Calling Services

The effectiveness of *67 can vary with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services or third-party calling apps. Some VoIP providers fully support *67, while others might have their own methods for blocking caller ID, or it might not work at all. Similarly, apps like Google Voice often have their own settings for caller ID, making *67 redundant or ineffective within their ecosystem. It’s always a good idea to test if you’re using a non-traditional phone service.

International Calls

While *67 is standard in North America, its functionality is not universal. When making international calls, the rules and capabilities of the receiving country’s telecommunications network come into play. It’s highly likely that *67 would not work as intended for international dialing, and your number might be displayed. Different countries have different privacy regulations and technical infrastructures.

My own experience with these limitations came when I tried to call a credit card company’s 1-800 line to clarify a charge. I used *67, thinking I’d keep my number private, but the automated system still greeted me with, “Thank you for calling, [My Name], calling from [My Phone Number].” It was a clear reminder that some numbers just can’t be spoofed with a simple star code.

How to Use *67: A Simple Guide

Using *67 is incredibly straightforward, which is part of its enduring appeal. Here’s a quick, step-by-step guide:

1. Pick up your phone or open your phone’s dialer app.
2. Dial *67 (Star, then the number six, then the number seven). You won’t hear a special tone or see a confirmation message, generally.
3. Immediately after *67, dial the full phone number you wish to call. This includes the area code, even if it’s a local call for you (e.g., *67-555-123-4567).
4. Press the call button.

That’s it! For that single outgoing call, your Caller ID will be suppressed. Remember, you have to dial *67 *every time* you want to block your number temporarily. It’s not a persistent setting. If you hang up and call the same number again without dialing *67, your number will be displayed normally.

Here’s a quick checklist for using *67 effectively:

• Dial *67 *before* the number.
• Include the area code for the recipient.
• Remember it’s for *single-call* blocking only.
• Be aware of its limitations (911, toll-free, etc.).
• Test it if you’re unsure about your specific phone service.

Beyond *67: Other Ways to Block Your Caller ID

While *67 is great for one-off situations, what if you want to block your caller ID more consistently? There are several other methods available, depending on your phone service and personal preferences.

Permanent Caller ID Blocking

Many phone carriers offer a service that permanently blocks your outgoing Caller ID for *all* calls you make. This means you wouldn’t need to dial *67 each time. Instead, your number would always appear as “Private,” “Blocked,” or “Unknown” to recipients.

How to Set it Up:

• Contact Your Carrier: This is typically a setting that your phone service provider (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Spectrum, Xfinity) needs to enable on your account. You’ll usually need to call their customer service line or manage it through your online account portal.
• Check for Fees: While many carriers offer this service for free, some might charge a small monthly fee, particularly for older landline plans. Always confirm this when you inquire.

How to Temporarily *Unblock* a Permanently Blocked Number:

If your number is permanently blocked, but you want your Caller ID to show for a specific call (e.g., calling a friend who only picks up for known numbers), you can usually use another vertical service code: *82 (Star 82). Dialing *82 before a number will temporarily *unblock* your Caller ID for that single call. This is the inverse of *67 and is incredibly useful for those who prefer permanent anonymity but need the flexibility to reveal their number when desired.

From my perspective, permanent blocking is fantastic for a dedicated “burner” line or a work phone where you absolutely do not want clients or strangers retaining your direct number. For a personal cell, however, the *82 override is critical, because sometimes you *do* want your friends and family to know it’s you!

Phone Settings on Smartphones (iPhone & Android)

Modern smartphones offer a more user-friendly way to manage your caller ID visibility, often found directly within the device’s settings. These settings typically apply to *all* outgoing calls, functioning similarly to a carrier’s permanent blocking service.

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on Phone.
3. Tap on Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle the switch to the Off position.

Once turned off, all your outgoing calls will show as “No Caller ID” or “Blocked.” To reveal your number for a specific call, you’d typically need to turn this setting back on temporarily, or some carriers might still support *82 if this setting is enabled via the carrier’s network.

On Android:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (or similar icon) in the top right corner.
3. Tap Settings (or Call Settings, or Supplementary services).
4. Tap Calling accounts (if applicable, might vary by phone model).
5. Tap the SIM card you want to configure (if you have multiple).
6. Tap Additional settings (or More settings).
7. Tap Caller ID.
8. Select Hide number.

Again, this setting applies to all outgoing calls from that specific SIM. To unhide your number for a single call, you’d typically have to revert this setting or use *82 if supported by your carrier.

My opinion here is that the smartphone settings are more intuitive for general users than remembering specific star codes, especially for those who want a persistent block. However, they lack the per-call flexibility of *67 unless you constantly dive into your settings, which can be a hassle.

VoIP Services and Third-Party Calling Apps

If you use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service like Google Voice, Vonage, or a calling app, they often have their own internal settings for caller ID. These usually supersede traditional *67 codes.

• Google Voice: In Google Voice settings, you can choose to have your calls show your Google Voice number or appear as “Anonymous Caller.”
• Other VoIP Providers: Most dedicated VoIP services will have an option in their web portal or app settings to control caller ID presentation. Look for “Caller ID,” “Outbound Caller ID,” or similar options.

When I was experimenting with a second phone number through an app, I found that I completely relied on the app’s internal settings for caller ID control. Trying to use *67 on top of it was often ineffective or led to unpredictable results.

The Ethics and Etiquette of Using *67

While *67 is a legitimate tool for privacy, its use also brings up questions of ethics and etiquette. When is it appropriate to hide your number, and when might it be considered rude or even suspicious?

Privacy vs. Accountability

The core tension with *67 lies between a caller’s right to privacy and a recipient’s right to know who is calling. On one hand, you might have perfectly valid reasons to keep your number private for a specific interaction. On the other hand, repeated calls from “Unknown Number” can be frustrating, alarming, or simply ignored by recipients who are trying to screen out telemarketers or scammers.

My personal rule of thumb is this: If I’m calling someone I expect to have a legitimate, ongoing conversation with, or someone who might need to call me back, I *always* show my number. If it’s a quick, one-time inquiry where I explicitly don’t want my number retained (e.g., selling something on Craigslist), *67 is fair game. Context is everything.

When to Think Twice Before Using *67:

• Calling Friends or Family: Most people prefer to see who’s calling. Repeated calls from “Unknown” can be annoying and might lead them to ignore your calls.
• Calling Emergency Contacts: While 911 overrides *67, calling personal emergency contacts with a blocked number might cause confusion or delay if they screen calls.
• Professional Communications (Unless Specifically Required): In most professional contexts, displaying your number (or a professional company number) is expected and builds trust.
• If You Expect a Callback: If the person needs to return your call, how will they do it if they don’t have your number?
• If You’re Trying to Reach Someone Who Screens Calls: Many people automatically reject “Unknown” numbers due to the prevalence of spam. Your important call might never get through.

The Robocall Problem and *67’s Role

It’s an interesting paradox: *67 was designed for privacy, but its existence (and the broader concept of caller ID spoofing) has inadvertently contributed to the rise of robocalls. While legitimate callers use *67 for privacy, scammers often use more sophisticated methods to spoof phone numbers, making their calls appear local or from a known entity, even when they’re not. They typically don’t use *67; instead, they manipulate the caller ID information directly. However, the general public’s distrust of “Unknown Number” calls, fueled partly by legitimate *67 users and partly by bad actors, means that legitimate calls from private numbers are often caught in the crossfire.

This is where regulatory bodies like the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) come in. They’ve been actively working on initiatives like STIR/SHAKEN to combat illegal caller ID spoofing and help verify legitimate calls. These efforts aim to make it harder for scammers to hide or falsify their numbers, but they don’t typically affect the basic functionality of *67 for individual privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Star 67

Let’s tackle some of the common queries folks have about *67.

Can someone discover my number if I call them using *67?

Generally, a regular individual recipient cannot easily discover your number if you’ve used *67. Their phone will display “Private,” “Blocked,” or “Unknown.” However, there are exceptions:

Firstly, as discussed, certain entities like emergency services, toll-free numbers, and specific government or business lines may have the technical capability to override caller ID blocking. This is due to specialized equipment or services they subscribe to, which are designed to identify the Automatic Number Identification (ANI) that is still transmitted through the network, even when Caller ID (CNAM) is blocked.

Secondly, if you are making harassing or threatening calls, the recipient can initiate a “Call Trace” service through their phone company (*57 in many areas). This service logs the originating number and, with law enforcement involvement, your identity can be revealed. It’s a critical tool for combating phone abuse and ensures that *67 cannot be used with impunity for malicious purposes. So, while casual unmasking is difficult, determined and legitimate investigations can indeed uncover a *67 user’s identity.

Does *67 work on cell phones and landlines?

Yes, *67 generally works on both traditional landlines and most mobile phones. It’s a standard vertical service code that has been implemented across the North American telephone network infrastructure. When you dial *67 from your cell phone, your mobile carrier processes the request to block your outgoing Caller ID just as a landline provider would.

However, the exact behavior can sometimes vary slightly depending on your specific mobile carrier, the type of phone plan you have, or if you are using a Voice over IP (VoIP) service through a mobile app. For instance, some newer VoIP-based mobile services might have their own in-app settings for caller ID that could override or interact differently with *67. For the vast majority of standard cell phone users in the US, dialing *67 before a call will indeed block their number for that call, just like on a landline.

Is *67 legal to use?

Yes, using *67 to block your caller ID is perfectly legal for most general purposes in the United States and Canada. It is a feature provided by telephone carriers to allow individuals to control their privacy. The legality issues typically arise not from the act of blocking your number itself, but from the *intent* behind the call.

For example, it is illegal to use *67 (or any other method of caller ID blocking or spoofing) with the intent to defraud, harass, or cause harm. The Truth in Caller ID Act in the U.S. specifically prohibits transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value. So, while blocking your number for personal privacy is fine, using it to conceal a malicious or illegal act is definitely against the law and can lead to severe penalties. Always use *67 responsibly and ethically.

Can I set my phone to always block my number instead of using *67 every time?

Absolutely! Most modern smartphones and phone service providers offer options to permanently block your outgoing Caller ID, meaning you wouldn’t need to dial *67 before each call. This is often preferred by individuals who consistently want to maintain their privacy or use a phone for purposes where their number should not be visible.

For smartphone users, this setting is typically found within your phone’s “Phone” or “Call Settings” menu (often labeled “Show My Caller ID” on iPhones or “Caller ID” under additional settings on Android devices). Toggling this option off will usually set your phone to hide your number for all outgoing calls. If you ever need to reveal your number for a specific call, you can typically dial *82 before the recipient’s number to temporarily unblock your Caller ID.

For landline or traditional cellular service, you can usually contact your phone carrier directly. They can activate a “permanent caller ID block” feature on your account. This service might be free or incur a small monthly fee, depending on your provider and plan. So, whether through your phone’s settings or your carrier’s service, permanent blocking is a very viable alternative to repeatedly dialing *67.

What’s the difference between *67 and “Caller ID Spoofing”?

While both *67 and caller ID spoofing involve altering the caller ID displayed to the recipient, they operate very differently and serve distinct purposes. The key distinction lies in the *type* of alteration and the *intent* behind it.

*67 (Caller ID Blocking): When you use *67, you are telling your phone carrier’s network to *suppress* or *hide* your actual phone number. The recipient sees a generic indicator like “Private Number,” “Blocked,” or “Unknown.” Your actual number is still transmitted through the network (e.g., via ANI) but is simply not displayed to the end-user. It’s about legitimate privacy.

Caller ID Spoofing: Spoofing, on the other hand, involves *falsifying* the caller ID information to display a *different* specific number than the one you are actually calling from. Instead of “Unknown,” a spoofer might make it appear as if they are calling from a local number, a legitimate business, or even your own number (known as “neighbor spoofing” or “ghost calls”). This is often achieved using specialized software or VoIP services that allow the caller to input any number they wish to display. Spoofing is frequently associated with illegal activities like scams, telemarketing fraud, and harassment, as it relies on deception. While there are legitimate uses for spoofing (e.g., a doctor calling patients from their personal cell but wanting their office number to appear), the vast majority of problematic calls use spoofing to mislead recipients.

Why would my *67 not work sometimes?

There are several reasons why *67 might not work as expected, leading to your number being displayed when you intended it to be blocked. Understanding these common scenarios can help you troubleshoot or adjust your approach:

Firstly, the most common reason is calling numbers that are designed to bypass caller ID blocking. This primarily includes emergency services (like 911) and toll-free numbers (e.g., 1-800, 1-888). These services often utilize Automatic Number Identification (ANI) systems, which can reveal your number regardless of *67. Similarly, some government agencies or specific business lines with advanced phone systems might also have this capability.

Secondly, if you are using a Voice over IP (VoIP) service or a third-party calling app, *67 might not be supported or might interact differently with the app’s own caller ID settings. Many such services have their own built-in options for managing caller ID, which you should configure within the app’s settings rather than relying on *67.

Thirdly, international calls typically do not respect North American vertical service codes like *67. The telecommunications infrastructure and regulations of the receiving country will dictate how caller ID is handled, making *67 ineffective for calls outside of the US and Canada.

Finally, ensure you are dialing *67 correctly and before *every single call* you wish to block. It’s a per-call service, so forgetting to dial it, or dialing it incorrectly (e.g., after the number), will result in your number being displayed. If you consistently face issues with a standard phone service, it’s always a good idea to contact your phone carrier’s customer support for clarification specific to your plan and device.

Wrapping It Up: The Enduring Role of *67

From its origins as a simple dial code to its place in our modern, complex telecommunications landscape, *67 has remained a relevant, albeit sometimes misunderstood, tool. It provides a quick and accessible way for individuals to manage their privacy on a per-call basis, offering a layer of anonymity in an increasingly connected world.

While its limitations against advanced systems and for malicious intent are important to recognize, *67 continues to serve a valuable function for everyday users seeking a moment of personal space. Whether you’re calling a stranger about a local listing, making a quick inquiry without wanting a callback, or just trying to shield your number from an unwanted database, *67 is there, quietly working in the background. It’s a testament to the enduring human desire for control over personal information, even in the smallest of interactions.

So the next time you hear “Private Number” or need to make a call without revealing your digits, you’ll know exactly what Star 67 is all about – a small code with a big impact on our calling privacy.