What Is *67 Used For?

In today’s digital age, privacy is more important than ever. Whether you’re making business calls, reaching out to strangers, or simply wanting to maintain some degree of anonymity, knowing how to protect your phone number is crucial. One common method used by many is dialing *67 before making a call. But what exactly does *67 do, and when should you use it? This article delves into the intricacies of *67, explaining its significance and usage in maintaining your privacy.

Top Takeaways

• Purpose of *67: Enables callers to hide their number when making phone calls.
• How It Works: Temporarily blocks caller ID information from displaying on the recipient’s phone.
• Usage Scenarios: Ideal for anonymous calls, maintaining privacy, and avoiding callback situations.
• Limitations: Doesn’t work for emergency numbers or toll-free numbers.
• Alternatives: Other methods of hiding numbers include using burner phones or specific apps.

Table of Contents

• Understanding *67
• How Does *67 Work?
• When to Use *67
• Limitations of *67
• Alternatives to *67
• Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding *67

The *67 feature is a tool provided by telecom services to enhance user privacy. When you dial *67 before a phone number, it prevents your number from being displayed on the recipient’s caller ID. This simple act of adding a prefix can ensure that your call is marked as “private” or “unknown” when it reaches the other end.

Why is this important?

• Privacy Concerns: With increasing worries about personal data, keeping your phone number confidential can protect you from unwanted callbacks or harassment.
• Professional Use: Many professionals, especially those in sensitive fields, use this feature to maintain discretion.

How Does *67 Work?

When you dial *67 before a phone number, your call is routed in a way that the recipient’s caller ID does not show your number. Instead, it will either display as “Private”, “Blocked”, or “Unknown”. This is achieved by temporarily blocking the transmission of your caller ID information.

• Step-by-step Guide:
  1. Dial *67.
  2. Enter the phone number you wish to call.
  3. Press the call button as usual.
• Technical Background: This process is called “Per-Call Blocking”, which modifies the standard procedure of sharing caller ID information.

For more on how different features work, visit the What Is Used For page.

When to Use *67

There are several scenarios where using *67 is beneficial:

• Anonymous Inquiries: Perfect when enquiring about sensitive topics or information.
• Avoiding Return Calls: If you want to ensure the person you’re calling cannot call you back, this is an efficient method.
• Testing Spam Callers: You can use *67 to call suspected spam numbers without exposing your identity.

Limitations of *67

While *67 is a powerful tool for caller anonymity, it does have limitations:

• Not for Emergency or Toll-Free Numbers: It won’t work when calling emergency services like 911 or toll-free numbers, as these services require caller identification.
• Not Foolproof: Some advanced systems and apps can bypass this feature, revealing your number.

For more about the specifics and limitations of *67, check out the What Is *67 Used For section on our site.

Alternatives to *67

If *67 doesn’t meet your privacy needs, consider these alternatives:

• Burner Phones: Temporary phones used specifically for maintaining anonymity.
• Blocker Apps: Numerous apps can hide your caller ID, offering additional features and controls.
• Carrier Services: Some providers offer built-in options to permanently block your caller ID on outgoing calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does using *67 cost extra?

No, dialing *67 is generally a free service offered by most telecom providers.

2. Can the recipient find out my number despite using *67?

Under usual circumstances, they cannot, unless using specific technology that can bypass this protection.

3. Will *67 work on international calls?

Yes, to the extent that the recipient’s network supports the blocking.

4. Is there a permanent way to hide my caller ID on all calls?

Yes, you can contact your service provider to set up permanent caller ID blocking on your account.

5. Does *67 work on text messages?

No, *67 cannot be used to hide your identity in text messages. It is only for voice calls.

6. Can I use *67 on a cell phone?

Yes, *67 works on both landlines and cell phones.

For additional insights on various features and their uses, visit What Is Used For. And for external references, you can check out Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Consumer Reports, and CNET.