How to Hide Your Phone Number When Sending a Text Message

Have you ever wanted to hide your phone number when sending a text message? There are many reasons why you’d want to send an anonymous text. Maybe you want to play a prank on a friend or send a message to your crush as a secret admirer. Perhaps you need to text a business but don’t want them to have your phone number.

For whatever reason, wanting to hide your phone number when sending a text message is a relatively simple process. This article shows you how to do so on an iPhone and Android. Plus, you’ll see a few other possible methods to hide your phone number when sending a text message.

How to Hide Your Phone Number When Sending a Text on an iPhone

Hiding your phone number when sending an iPhone text can give you peace of mind knowing that your phone number won’t be revealed. This task can be accomplished easily and only requires a few taps on your phone. Be aware that some Android phones have different settings, though. Please try the alternative method if the first method outlined below doesn’t work.

Note: The ability to hide your phone number when texting is based on the carrier’s capabilities. Some cellular providers do not offer the option.

1. On the home screen, tap Settings.
   
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
   
3. Tap Show My Caller ID and then on the button to the right to turn it off. To ensure it’s set to the off position, make sure the button is gray.
   

That’s all you need to do. Now when sending a text message, your phone number is hidden. Please note that not all carriers make hiding your phone number so easy. If you don’t see the option in your settings, contact your phone carrier and ask about their Caller ID options.

How to Hide Your Phone Number When Sending a Text on Android

If you’re not comfortable sending a text message knowing that the recipient will see your phone number, there’s something you can do to prevent them from doing so. You can hide your phone number when sending a text on an Android with a few easy steps. Depending on your carrier, this option may not be available to you.

Note: The ability to hide your phone number when texting is based on the carrier’s capabilities. Some cellular providers do not offer the option.

To do so, simply follow the instructions below:

1. Launch the Phone app and navigate to its Settings.
2. Select Calls in the Settings list.
3. Choose Additional settings.
4. Tap Caller ID. You may have to wait before tapping it until it obtains the necessary information. It will show as “Loading” or something similar.
5. From the Caller ID menu, select Hide number.
   

There’s nothing else you’ll need to do. When sending a text message, your phone number will be hidden. Depending on your carrier, this option may not be available to you. If you don’t see this option in your phone’s settings, please contact your phone carrier and ask them about their Caller ID options.

Additional FAQ

Are there other ways to hide my phone number when sending a text message?

There are many mobile apps available that will allow you to send anonymous text messages. Some of the more popular ones are Burner, TextNow, and Mustache. Some are free, some come at a cost. There are also websites where you can send an anonymous text from your computer. All you’ll need is the phone number of the person you want to text.

Another option is to purchase a secondary phone number. You won’t need to purchase a “burner phone,” the process is much simpler than that. A “burner number” is a phone number that receives calls and messages and forwards them to your regular phone number. You can also call and text from your burner number, which in a way, does maintain your privacy. Although when you send a text from this other phone number the recipient will still see the number, it’s not exactly “your” number. It’s more like a spare that isn’t attached to you. These services aren’t free, but there are some that have affordable pricing plans.

Can I hide my phone number in WhatsApp?

No, at least not using the usual methods of blocking your phone number by turning off Caller ID. To hide your number on WhatsApp and other similar chat programs, you would have to employ other methods, such as paying for a “burner number,” which still doesn’t entirely hide your number, it just displays a number that isn’t your main one.

Can I also hide my phone number on my landline?

The ability to hide your Caller ID from a landline has been around for a long time, and it’s simple to do. If you want to block your phone number when making an outgoing call, simply press “*67” followed by the phone number.

Is blocking my phone number to send anonymous texts illegal?

The simple answer is no. It’s perfectly legal to hide your phone number for personal security and safety reasons. If you’re uncomfortable revealing your phone number when sending a text, it’s well within your rights to hide it. However, blocking your number to commit fraud or intentionally hurt someone could be a federal crime. Hiding your phone number should only be used for reasons of security to protect your identity.

Anonymous Texting Made Easy

You now know how to hide your phone number when sending a text message. If you need to send a text message and are concerned about your privacy or simply want to do so anonymously, you’re now armed with the knowledge to do so. There are a few different methods involved and you can choose the one that works best for you.

Have you ever sent a text message and hid your number? Did you use any of the methods described in this article? Let us know in the comments section below.