How to Take Off Private Number on iPhone

This guide shows you how to stop hiding your caller ID on your iPhone so your name and number appear when you call someone. You can turn off the private number setting for all calls at once, or just for a single call. Before you start, make sure your carrier supports caller ID display—most do, but a few prepaid plans may not allow it.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone running iOS 13 or later (the steps are similar on older versions)
• Your carrier must support caller ID (most do)
• If you’re using a carrier-specific setting, you may need your carrier’s dialing code (like #31#)

Step-by-Step

Turn Off Private Number for All Calls

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. It’s the gray gear icon on your home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone. It’s usually in the third group of options, near FaceTime and Messages.
3. Tap Show My Caller ID. This option is near the top of the Phone settings list, right under “My Number.”
4. You’ll see a toggle switch. If it’s green, your caller ID is already showing. If it’s off (gray), tap the switch to turn it on. When it’s green, your number will appear on the recipient’s phone.
5. Exit Settings. Your change is saved automatically. Make a test call to a friend to confirm your number shows up.

Turn Off Private Number for a Single Call

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Keypad tab (the bottom icon with numbers).
2. Before dialing the number, type *82 (asterisk, eight, two) followed by the full phone number. For example, if the number is 555-123-4567, you would dial *825551234567.
3. Press the green call button. Your caller ID will be shown for this call only, regardless of your default setting.
4. Note: *82 works on most carriers in the US and many other countries. If it doesn’t work, check with your carrier for the correct code.

If You Have a Carrier-Specific Setting

1. Some carriers let you control caller ID through their own settings or a code. For example, you might need to dial #31# before the number to hide it, or *31# to show it.
2. If the above steps don’t work, contact your carrier’s customer support and ask how to enable caller ID on your plan.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing “Show My Caller ID” with “Call Forwarding”: Make sure you’re in the Phone settings, not the FaceTime or Messages settings. The toggle is specifically labeled “Show My Caller ID.”
• Turning off the toggle but still seeing “No Caller ID”: This can happen if your carrier has a separate block on your account. You may need to contact them to remove it.
• Using the wrong code for single calls: *82 is common, but some carriers use *31# or #31#. Check your carrier’s website or support page.
• Forgetting that the change applies to all calls: Turning off private number in Settings affects every call you make, including international calls. Be aware of this before you change it.
• Not testing after changing: Always make a test call to a friend or family member to confirm the setting works, as some carriers may have delays.

Tips

• If you want to hide your number for a specific call but keep it visible normally, use the per-call code (like *67 to hide, *82 to show) instead of changing the global setting.
• When you call a business or toll-free number, your caller ID is often transmitted even if you have it hidden. This is because many businesses use caller ID capture systems.
• If you’re concerned about privacy, remember that even with caller ID hidden, your carrier still knows who you’re calling. The hiding only affects the recipient’s display.
• On some iPhones, you can also set caller ID to “Default” (which uses your carrier’s setting) instead of always showing or hiding. This is useful if your carrier has a default preference.
• If you’re traveling internationally, your caller ID may behave differently due to local carrier rules. Check with your carrier before relying on it.

Troubleshooting

My number still shows as “No Caller ID” after turning on the toggle.
First, restart your iPhone (hold the side button and volume up, then slide to power off). If that doesn’t help, contact your carrier. They may have a network-level block on your line that you need to remove. Ask them to check if “Caller ID” is enabled on your account.

The toggle is grayed out and I can’t tap it.
This usually means your carrier doesn’t support caller ID on your plan, or you’re using a prepaid SIM with restrictions. Contact your carrier to see if they can enable it, or consider switching to a plan that includes it.

I turned off private number, but my calls still show as unknown to some people.
Some recipients may have their own settings that block unknown numbers, or their phone may not display caller ID for certain types of calls (like VoIP). Also, if you’re calling from an iPhone with a dual SIM, make sure you’re using the line you intended—check which line is active in the Phone app.

I used *82 but it didn’t work.
Try *31# instead, or check your carrier’s website for the correct per-call code. Some carriers require you to dial the code without a space before the number. Also, make sure you’re dialing the full number, including the area code.

After updating iOS, my caller ID setting reverted.
This is rare, but you can simply go back to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and turn it on again. If it keeps resetting, there might be a carrier settings update pending—go to Settings > General > About and wait a few seconds for any carrier update prompt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off private number cost money?

No, it’s a free feature on most carriers. You won’t be charged for showing your caller ID.

Will my number show when I call 911 or emergency services?

Yes, emergency services always receive your number and location, regardless of your caller ID setting. This is for your safety.

Can I hide my number from just one person without changing the global setting?

Yes, use the per-call code *67 (in the US) before dialing the number. This hides your caller ID for that call only.

Why do some people still see “Unknown” even when I show my caller ID?

This can happen if the recipient’s phone is set to block unknown numbers, or if your carrier doesn’t transmit the info to certain networks. Also, if you’re calling from a VoIP app, that app may not support caller ID.

I have a dual SIM iPhone. Does the setting apply to both lines?

Yes, the “Show My Caller ID” setting applies to both lines, but you can set it differently for each line if you go to Settings > Cellular and select the line you want to adjust.

What if I want to hide my number again?

Simply go back to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and turn the toggle off. Or use *67 before a call to hide it temporarily.

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