How To Call Anonymously From Your Smartphone: 4 Ways

In today's digitally interconnected world, our phone numbers have become integral parts of our identities, connecting us with a variety of personal and professional networks. However, as we find ourselves more exposed, the need to maintain some degree of privacy is paramount. 

Anonymous calls, which allow us to protect our phone numbers from unwanted viewers, provide a crucial solution. They ensure that our phone number, area code, or name doesn't appear on the recipient's caller ID, giving us the freedom to reach out without revealing our identities. 

Whether you're using an iPhone, Android, or landline, there are several ways to make anonymous calls. This article guides you through the process, highlighting key steps, features, and third-party apps like Burner to ensure your anonymous calling needs are met.

What Is an Anonymous Call?

An anonymous call is simply a phone call that conceals your identity. When you make such a call, your phone number isn't visible on the recipient's caller ID. 

Instead, the display may show terms like "private number," "unknown caller," or "unknown numbers," signifying the call is from an anonymous source. This anonymity ensures your phone number stays private, preventing the other party from calling you back unless you choose to disclose your number. 

In an era where our cell phone numbers are linked to our social and professional profiles, anonymous calls are a tool for managing privacy and controlling who gets to see our contact information. Whether you're using an iOS device like an iPhone or iPad, an Android phone, a Samsung handset, or a traditional landline phone, these calls work on all platforms. 

Even when making international calls or dealing with various area codes, the basic premise remains the same — your identity is kept under wraps, allowing you to communicate freely and confidently.

When To Use Them

There are numerous scenarios where making an anonymous call could be wise:

For instance, if you wish to surprise your loved ones on a special day, like a birthday or holiday, without revealing your identity beforehand, anonymous calls could be your go-to option. You may also prefer to contact a local business without the risk of your number being added to any databases or contact lists. 

Professional circumstances may warrant anonymous calls too. Suppose you need to make outgoing calls to clients from your personal mobile phone, and you prefer not to share your personal mobile number. In that case, anonymous calls provide the solution.

Furthermore, practical jokers often use anonymous calls to keep their identities hidden during prank calls. It's important to note that responsible use of this functionality is expected. Evidence of misuse, such as harassment or threats, can lead to legal repercussions.

In general, it’s possible to call others anonymously with an Android phone, an iOS device like an iPhone or even a landline phone. Yet, it's essential to assess the situation and consider whether an anonymous call is appropriate or not.

How To Make Anonymous Calls

Whether you're an Android or iOS user, making an anonymous call is relatively straightforward. You have a few options, but here are the four most effective methods at your disposal: 

Dial *67

If you're looking for a quick and straightforward method to hide your number during a call, using a prefix could be your best bet. 

In the United States, the *67 prefix is commonly used across most carriers, including industry leaders like AT&T and Verizon. To implement this, simply dial *67 on your keypad, followed by the number you wish to call. This results in your phone number appearing as an unknown caller on the recipient's phone. 

For instance, if you want to dial 123-456-7890, the number you input would be *67-123-456-7890. This hack ensures your number doesn't appear on the recipient's caller ID, thus keeping your call a private one.

Change Your Settings

Additionally, you can change your phone settings to make anonymous calls.

On an iPhone:

1. Navigate to the settings app and find the “Phone” option. 
2. From there, you should see a setting for “Show My Caller ID.”
3. Simply turn this setting off, and your calls will automatically be anonymous. 

For Android users:

1. Start by opening your phone app and tap on the three-dot drop-down menu, usually located at the top-right corner of the screen. 
2. Look for the "Settings" option and select "Calling accounts" or "Additional settings." 
3. You'll find the option to hide your number or show your number as “unknown.”
4. Toggle this setting on to ensure that your caller ID is blocked. 

Buy a Burner Phone

When it comes to maintaining privacy in our calls, anonymous calling is undoubtedly a brilliant strategy. However, it has its limitations, notably being that you’ll need to dial the *67 prefix every time or constantly switch your phone settings. Thankfully, there's an alternative that provides a more lasting solution: the use of burner phones.

Burner phones are secondary devices that are separate from your primary cell phone. The idea is that each phone comes with its own unique phone numbers. 

As such, you’ll be able to separate your contacts based on whether you want them to have access to your real number or not. When you opt to use a burner phone, the person receiving your call sees a valid, recognizable number — it’s just one that can't be associated directly with you.

One of the major advantages of this system is that your calls don't appear as “unknown” like they will when you change your phone’s settings. Most people ignore or block calls from unknown numbers; it’s unlikely they’ll answer. The best part is that using a burner phone won’t compromise your privacy or personal information. They simply give the impression of a standard call while maintaining your anonymity.

If the idea of purchasing and carrying a secondary device seems daunting, there's an even more convenient alternative available — the Burner app. The way it works is that you create a second phone number, which you can link directly to your existing device. You’ll have the same level of privacy and separation as a physical burner phone but without the need for an additional device. It’s a win-win!

Use an App

Speaking of apps, there’s actually a range of third-party apps available on Google Play and the Apple App Store that can facilitate anonymous calls. These apps work by providing you with a second phone number to make calls, effectively hiding your real number.

• The Burner App generates new, untraceable numbers perfect for making calls or sending text messages. You have multiple numbers at once, each with its own area code of anywhere in the US. 
• Google Voice also offers similar functionality, allowing you to choose a new number that can be used for calls and text messages.
• Another popular app is Hushed. It provides a second number and allows you to change your voice during a call. 

These apps typically offer both free and premium plans, with the latter offering more features, such as unlimited calls and various area codes. However, please note that these third-party apps require access to your cell phone's system to function, so ensure that you trust the app before downloading and granting permissions. 

How To Handle Incoming Anonymous Calls

While it's helpful to know how to make anonymous calls, it's equally important to understand how to navigate incoming calls from anonymous sources. The convenience of anonymous calling can sometimes lead to unwanted or prank calls. 

If you're on the receiving end of an unknown number or blocked caller ID, you have options. You can set your phone to silence unknown calls: 

• On an iPhone, for example, you can go to the Settings app, tap on “Phone,” then select “Silence Unknown Callers.”
• For Android, the process varies but generally can be found within the Call settings under "Block numbers."

If you find yourself a target of spam calls from unknown numbers, you can report the incident. Both iPhone and Android have built-in features for reporting spam calls, which can help in curbing unsolicited contacts. You can also file a complaint with the FCC if you think you’ve received an illegal call or text or if you think you’re the victim of a spoofing scam. 

Conclusion

In the digital age, protecting our personal information, especially our phone numbers, has become more challenging yet more critical than ever. Given that basically every online activity now requires phone numbers, from signing up for services to making reservations, our phone numbers often end up in the hands of countless entities. In this environment, securing our privacy is crucial.

One highly effective method of safeguarding our privacy is the use of a secondary, or “burner,” number. The Burner App is an excellent tool that allows you to maintain control of your personal information while still engaging with the modern world. By using a Burner number, you're not just using a second phone number — you're making a commitment to privacy and taking a stand for your digital rights.

Don't just take our word for it. Download Burner and begin your free seven-day trial today. Experience first-hand the profound benefits of enhanced privacy and take back control of your personal information. Because in an ever-connected world, privacy isn't just a luxury: It's a necessity.

Sources:

I Shared My Phone Number. I Learned I Shouldn’t Have | The New York Times

Hoax Threats are Crimes | FBI

5 Ways to Block or Hide Your Number When Making Calls | USA Today

Most Americans Don’t Answer Cellphone Calls From Unknown Numbers | Pew Research Center

Call or text from an unknown number? Here’s what to do | University of Utah

What is Caller ID? | Techopedia