I remember the first time I needed to call someone without showing my real number it wasn’t anything shady. I started searching for ways to display a different number, and to my surprise, there were many options to do so easily. Whether it’s for keeping work and personal life separate, making a prank call to a buddy (harmless), fun or just maintaining some privacy, it turns out this little trick is easier than you’d think.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to call someone and show a different number on their caller ID. From apps and virtual numbers to good old tricks like *67, you’ll get straightforward tips that anyone can follow. I’ve tested some of these myself, so you’ll get a mix of real-life insight and clear guidance. Let’s dive into the detailed process.
How To Call Someone And Display A Different Number?
There are a few methods you can try to call and display different number:
1. Spoof a Phone Number
Spoofing a phone number is a way to make your call appear as though it’s coming from a different number entirely. This method works by modifying the caller ID info that shows up on the recipient’s phone. It’s often used in customer service or sales industries to display a familiar or local number, but it can also be used for personal calls—just be sure you’re following local laws, as spoofing can be illegal if used to deceive or harm. Spoofing can be helpful when you want to call stranger or unknown number. However, always use this method with care—transparency matters, especially in sensitive conversations. Think of spoofing like a costume: fun or useful in the right context, but not meant for trickery.
Tip 1: Check the legality of spoofing in your state before trying it.
Tip 2: Never use spoofing to impersonate someone else or commit fraud—it’s not just unethical, it’s a federal offense.
2. Fake Caller ID App
Fake caller ID apps take spoofing to the next level by offering more customization and extra features, like call recording or changing your voice during the call. These apps are available for both Android and iOS, and most come with user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to choose the number you want to display. These tools are great if you’re trying to keep your real number hidden, test someone’s reaction, or manage multiple roles—like juggling freelance clients under different brands. While they can be a lot of fun, it’s important to use them responsibly.
Remember if you’re calling someone for business or sensitive issues, honesty usually works better in the long run.
Tip 1: Choose a reputable app with good reviews and strong privacy policies.
Tip 2: Use temporary or virtual numbers instead of someone else’s number—protecting others’ privacy is just as important as guarding your own
3. Using of virtual phone number
#1 Google Voice
Google Voice is a free service that provides users with a virtual phone number, allowing calls and texts from multiple devices, including smartphones and computers. It’s ideal for individuals seeking to separate personal and professional communications without the need for additional hardware. Features like voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and spam filtering enhance its utility. Integration with Google Workspace tools further streamlines communication for business users.
Tip 1: Utilize call forwarding to ensure you never miss important calls by routing them to your preferred device.
Tip 2: Set up personalized voicemail greetings to maintain a professional image for different contacts.
RingCentral
RingCentral offers a comprehensive virtual phone system suitable for businesses of all sizes. It provides features like VoIP calling, video conferencing, team messaging, and integrations with various business applications. Users can obtain local, toll-free, or vanity numbers to enhance their brand’s presence. The platform supports mobile and desktop apps, allowing for seamless communication from anywhere.
Tip 1: Implement RingCentral’s auto-attendant feature to efficiently route calls to the appropriate departments.
Tip 2: Leverage call analytics to monitor call volumes and improve customer service strategies.
#2 Grasshopper
Grasshopper is tailored for entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking a professional phone system without the complexity. It provides virtual phone numbers with features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and custom greetings. Grasshopper’s mobile and desktop apps ensure you can manage calls on the go. The service allows you to maintain a professional image by separating business and personal communications.
Tip 1: Use Grasshopper’s custom greetings to create a consistent brand experience for callers.
Tip 2: Take advantage of voicemail transcription to quickly read messages during busy periods.
These virtual phone number providers offer flexible solutions to manage communications effectively, whether for personal privacy or professional purposes.
4. Using of *67 Method
You have the following methods to call someone without showing your number:
To make a call without revealing your phone number, dialing *67 before the number is a tried-and-true method. This feature masks your caller ID, displaying “Private,” “Blocked,” or “Unknown” on the recipient’s phone. It’s a handy tool for maintaining privacy, whether you’re contacting someone for business or personal reasons. However, it’s important to note that *67 only works for voice calls and doesn’t hide your number for text messages. Additionally, this method doesn’t work when calling toll-free numbers, emergency services, or recipients who have anonymous calls blocked. While *67 is effective for occasional use, if you frequently need to hide your number, consider adjusting your phone settings or using a virtual number service for a more permanent solution.
Tip 1: Remember to dial *67 before each call, as it only hides your number for that specific call.
Tip 2: For a more consistent solution, explore your phone’s settings to permanently block your caller ID or consider using a virtual number service.
5. Disable caller ID on iOS
If you want to call someone but don’t reveal your caller ID to the user, you need to disable the caller ID on your iPhone. Once you hide it, your number will not be shown to whom you call. Caller ID can be disabled from the settings of your iPhone.
Here are the steps you need to follow to disable caller ID on your iPhone:
🔴 Steps To Follow:
Step 1: Open the Settings app from your home screen.
Step 2: You’ll need to scroll down the list and click on the Phone option.
Step 3: located below Voice Memos. Next, you need to click on the Show My Caller ID option.
Step 4: Then, you’ll find the switch next to Show My Caller ID enabled. Toggle it off by swiping it to the left.
You’ll be able to see the switch will become white after you turn it off.
6. Use a PBX System
A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system is a business-grade phone solution that allows you to manage multiple phone lines and extensions under one unified system. With a PBX, you can assign different caller IDs to various departments or users, enabling calls to display different numbers based on the context or purpose. This is particularly useful for businesses aiming to present a local presence in multiple regions or to differentiate between departments like sales and support. Modern PBX systems, especially cloud-based ones, offer features like call routing, voicemail, auto-attendants, and call recording, enhancing overall communication efficiency.
🔴 Steps To Follow:
Step 1: First of all, open the dial pad of your device & dial *67.
Step 2: Next, enter the phone number to whom you want to call.
Step 3: Click on the call button below the dial pad to place the call on the person.
7. Use Call Forwarding
Call forwarding is a feature that allows you to redirect incoming calls from one number to another, ensuring you stay connected even when you’re unavailable on your primary line. This is particularly beneficial for professionals who wish to maintain a separation between personal and work communications. It’s useful when traveling, as you can forward calls to a local number to avoid international charges. It can be activated through your phone’s settings or by contacting your carrier. However, it’s important to note that while call forwarding handles voice calls, it doesn’t forward text messages, so alternative solutions are needed for SMS management. Always check with your provider regarding any potential charges associated with call forwarding, especially for long-distance or international numbers.
Tip 1: Before traveling, set up call forwarding to a local number to avoid international roaming charges.
Tip 2: Regularly review your call forwarding settings to ensure calls are directed appropriately and to prevent missed communications.
Can you make your phone number show up as a different number?
Answer: Yes, it’s possible to make your phone number appear as a different number using caller ID spoofing. This is commonly done through apps or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Google Voice, SpoofCard, or other private phone systems. These services let you choose the number on the recipient’s caller ID.
Conclusion:
Calling someone from a different phone number can be essential for maintaining privacy, ensuring security, or managing professional communications. While techniques like spoofing and fake caller ID apps exist, it’s crucial to use them responsibly and within legal boundaries. Obtaining a separate phone number, utilizing call forwarding, or implementing a PBX system are more straightforward and legitimate methods. Always choose the approach that aligns with your specific needs and prioritize ethical and legal considerations in your communication practices.
