To block your number, dial *67 before the number you are calling. This works on all major carriers. The feature is typically included at no extra charge on postpaid and most prepaid plans. One short sentence: Check your plan's terms for any restrictions on prepaid lines.
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To block your number, dial *67 before the number you are calling. This works on all major carriers. The feature is typically included at no extra charge on postpaid and most prepaid plans. Check your plan's terms for any restrictions on prepaid lines.
Two methods exist: per-call blocking (using *67) and permanent line-level blocking. Both are standard on all US networks. Permanent blocking sends your number as “Private” or “Blocked” on every outgoing call until you disable the feature.
Cost Differences Across Plan Types
While blocking itself is free, the plan you choose affects your overall monthly bill. The table below shows average wireless spending in 2025 based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey data.
| Plan Type | Average Monthly Cost | Caller ID Blocking Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Postpaid – Single Line | ~$70 | Yes |
| Postpaid – Family (4 lines) | ~$180 | Yes |
| Prepaid – Single Line | ~$40 | Yes (check fine print) |
| Budget Provider – Single Line | ~$25 | Yes, but may be limited |
Prepaid and budget plans often have lower base prices but may lack advanced features like anonymous call rejection or detailed call logs. The FCC requires all carriers to offer permissive blocking, meaning you can block your number, but some budget providers may restrict permanent blocking to postpaid subscribers.
How to Set Permanent Blocking
To block your number on every call without dialing *67 each time, contact your carrier’s customer service or log into your online account. Steps vary slightly by network but generally follow this process:
- Log into your account on the carrier’s website or app.
- Navigate to the “Call Settings” or “Privacy” section.
- Enable “Block Caller ID” or “Show my number as private.”
- Save the change. It takes effect within minutes.
Some carriers allow you to dial a short code (e.g., #31#) to enable permanent blocking. Check your carrier’s support pages for the exact code. This feature is available on all postpaid plans and most prepaid plans, but a few budget providers may require a small monthly fee or restrict it to certain account tiers.
Limitations and Tips
Caller ID blocking does not work with all numbers. Emergency services (911) will always receive your number, regardless of blocking. Toll-free numbers (800, 888, etc.) may also bypass blocking. Additionally, some businesses use “anonymous call rejection” services that automatically hang up on blocked calls.
If you frequently need to block your number, permanent blocking is more convenient. However, for occasional calls, *67 is sufficient. Remember that blocking your number does not prevent the recipient from seeing your number if they have certain caller ID apps or services. For maximum privacy, consider using a separate temporary number from a virtual phone service.
FCC Regulations and Consumer Rights
The Federal Communications Commission requires all carriers to offer permissive caller ID blocking (47 CFR § 64.1601). This means you have the right to block your number on a per-call or permanent basis, and carriers cannot charge extra for the feature itself. However, some plan features—like detailed call logs or anonymous call rejection—may be part of premium packages.
Taxes and fees on wireless plans vary by state, with the average total tax rate around 18% of the bill (Tax Foundation, 2024). These charges apply regardless of whether you use caller ID blocking. Prepaid plans often have lower taxes because they are subject to fewer regulatory fees. When comparing plans, consider the total cost including taxes and fees, not just the advertised price.