Dialing *67 or *69 gives you direct control over call visibility on your phone. These codes work on most landlines and mobile networks in North America, changing whether your number appears on the recipient device.
Use these quick codes to manage anonymous calls, reduce spam, or test how your caller ID displays. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right option for each situation.
| Feature | Code | Effect | When Useful |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caller ID Block | *67 | Hides your number for one outgoing call | Private conversations, sensitive business outreach |
| Caller ID Lookup | *69 | Redials the last number that blocked ID on your line | Return unknown calls, identify prank or spam callers |
| Activation Method | Prepend to number | Dial *67 or *69 before the full phone number | Landline, VoIP, many mobile carriers |
| Limitations | Carrier and device dependent | Not guaranteed on all networks or VoIP services | Check with your provider for rules and restrictions |
How *67 Works for Caller ID Blocking
Single-Call Privacy
Prefixing a number with *67 tells the network to suppress your caller ID for that specific call. The recipient sees “Private,” “Blocked,” or a similar indicator instead of your number.
No Permanent Settings
Blocking activated with *67 applies only to the call you place while the code is active. It does not change default settings or affect other calls.
How *69 Works for Call Return
Redial Anonymous Callers
Dialing *69 instructs your line to redial the last number that withheld ID from you. This is a quick way to reach back without manually saving or redialing.
Call Details and Limitations
Many carriers store the private caller number long enough for *69 to work, but they may block the return call if policies require restricted calls to remain blocked. Availability and behavior vary by provider.
Reliability and Network Support
Landline and Mobile Compatibility
Traditional landlines and most mobile carriers in the United States and Canada support *67 and *69. VoIP services and business phone systems may treat these codes differently or ignore them depending on configuration.
International Restrictions
Outside North America, these codes are often unsupported or replaced by carrier-specific settings. International calls may require alternative methods to hide or reveal caller ID.
Use Cases and Practical Tips
- Contacting sensitive numbers where privacy matters
- Testing how your business or personal number appears
- Returning unknown calls that might be legitimate
- Avoiding accidental callbacks from spam sources
- Working around temporary carrier blocking rules
Carrier Policies and Alternatives
Because regulations and technology differ, your experience with *67 and *69 depends on local rules and your subscription type. Business accounts, shared plans, and regulated services may restrict these codes.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Dial *67 before any number for one-time caller ID hiding
- Use *69 to redial the most recent anonymous call on your line
- Confirm support with your carrier, especially for VoIP or business lines
- Expect variations across countries and service types
- Treat these codes as convenient tools rather than privacy guarantees
FAQ
Reader questions
Will *67 stop my number from showing up on all calls?
No, *67 only blocks your ID for the single call you make while dialing the code. It does not change your default caller ID behavior.
Can *69 unblock calls from numbers that are permanently blocked?
Not always. If your carrier enforces a permanent block on a caller, *69 may be unable to retrieve or redial that number.
Will using *67 or *69 appear on my bill?
Yes, call records typically include the use of these codes, showing the feature used and the number dialed, but they usually do not display the content of the call.
Do VoIP and internet phone services support *67 and *69?
Support varies by provider. Some VoIP platforms ignore these codes or require account settings changes instead of dialing codes.