Smartphones show which phone number is calling. Prefer to call anonymously? Then turn off caller ID.
Caller ID
Caller ID is turned on by default on a smartphone. This means that when someone calls, the recipient of the call will see the phone number on the screen. If the number is already in the contact list, the recipient will see the saved name. It is possible to turn off caller ID as a caller. The recipient will not see your name or telephone number, but the screen will show ‘Anonymous’.
This is fine if you prefer to keep your number to yourself. But there is also a drawback. If the person you are trying to reach misses your call, they will not be able to call you back. The receiver does not know who called, and does not have the number of the caller. Also, many people do not answer anonymous phone calls as a matter of principle.
Anonymous calling (iOS)
Turn off Caller ID on an iPhone (iOS 11 or later):
- Tap app Institutions.
- Scroll down and tap Telephone.
- Tap on Caller ID.
- Is the slider behind ‘Caller ID’ green? The function is on and your phone number is shown when calling. Tap the slider to turn the feature on or off.
Anonymous calling (Android)
Turn caller ID on or off on an Android device from Android 9 like this:
- Tap the app Telephone.
- Tap the three dots icon.
- Tap on Institutions.
- Tap on Additional services.
- Tap on Show Caller ID (Android 9 and 10) or View your caller ID (Android 12).
- Tap on hide number (Android 9 and 10) or Never (Android 12) to turn off Caller ID. Tap on show number (Android 9 and10)or All the time (Android 12) to turn on the recognition.