There are very few things in the world more annoying than anonymous calls. They happen at the worst possible times and usually distract you from something important. Or, most annoying of all, they wake you up from much-needed sleep!
Besides being annoying and intrusive, no caller id calls can leave you feeling anxious and concerned. Why is this person calling at all hours? How did they get my number? What can I do to stop this from happening?
All these questions and more will be answered throughout this article. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about no caller id calls.
What Does No Caller ID Mean?
We have all received these calls at one time or another, or many times for that matter. A no caller id call is when the incoming phone call intentionally has its identifying information removed from it by the caller.
No caller id calls also go by other terms such as blocked number, private number, withheld number, or restricted number.
Typically, these calls are from scammers and telemarketers who wish to sell you something or even worse, an unhinged ex! They conceal their calls from the recipient in hopes that you will be curious and answer.
After picking up, they then proceed to make a pitch to the recipient by trying to sell car insurance or some such obnoxious nonsense.
Unfortunately, you cannot call the person back if you see this type of call in your missed calls because no phone number or other information is available. All of which can be aggravating.
Although most of these calls are telemarketers trying to sell you something, some are actual scammers trying to get your personal information. Never give away your personal and bank information to an unknown number or caller.
Expert Tip: It should also be mentioned that if you are receiving continuous harassing calls, or if someone is threatening you with violence, whether you know the person or not, you should reach out to your local law enforcement agency for help.
How Are No Caller ID Calls Possible?
Now that we have covered what a no caller id call is, let’s look at how they are even possible in the first place. It is a relatively easy thing to do, and there are a couple of options depending on whether you use an Android or iPhone.
The first way to do it is to dial *67 on the call screen before the phone number you are calling. This works for Androids, iPhones, and landlines.
Another option, which is specifically for Androids, is to go to Settings, then go to Calls, then tap Additional Settings, then tap Hide number.
In order to do this on an iPhone, you simply go to Settings, select Phone, go to Calls, go to Show My Caller ID, and tap the green toggle switch.
What Does Unknown Caller Mean?
In addition to receiving no caller id calls, you may have seen an unknown caller on your phone screen before. Unknown caller calls show the phone number of the person calling, but do not show things like the name and state. Since it shows the number, you are able to call the person back and figure out who it is.
Many times when you see an unknown caller call on your phone it simply means that your phone carrier is unable to register the number of the individual calling you. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a spam caller or scammer like the no caller id calls. It could be a real person, or even someone you know, who is trying to reach you.
How Are Unknown Caller Calls Possible?
There are several reasons why this may happen. One is that the person calling may have a smaller phone carrier. Another reason could be that they are calling from a different state.
When things like this happen, it usually means that your cellphone’s telecom operator cannot register the incoming number fast enough to give you complete and accurate information.
Normally, unknown caller calls are not as concerning as no caller id calls and are usually safe to answer. Nevertheless, they can be annoying.
No Caller ID vs Unknown Caller
Now that we know the basics of no caller id calls and unknown caller calls, let’s recap and get a clearer picture of the differences between the two.
No Caller Id Calls
- The person has purposefully hidden their information from you
- A call could be coming from an Android, iPhone, or landline
- Likely a scammer or telemarketer
- Should be looked at with suspicion
- You are unable to call them back due to a lack of information
- Can be an unsavory character trying to get your personal information
Unknown Caller Calls
- Shows phone number, but no other information is available
- Could be a legitimate call, but it may be spam
- You may recognize the number
- It could be coming from out of state
- It could be coming from a smaller carrier
- The telecom company may be unable to register it properly
- Usually, they are safe to answer
- Could be someone you know
Other Types of Unwanted and Unknown Calls
Besides no caller id calls and unknown calls, there are several other types of unwanted calls. These include spam and robocalls. Let’s take a brief look at these annoying and unwanted calls.
Spam Calls
We have all received these probably numerous times a day. They are calls that are sent out in mass, usually by telemarketers and salespeople cold calling to get you to buy something. They can also come in the form of frauds trying to get your personal information.
Robocalls
Robocalls, as the name suggests, are automated calls from a prerecorded message. These typically involve things like telemarketing sales, political campaigns, and even emergency announcements.
However, they can also be scams by fraudulent organizations claiming to offer business loans or saying they are with the IRS.
Expert Tip: Remember, never give your personal information over the phone to an unknown caller, company, or business. They may even claim that they are with law enforcement or governmental organization to scare and/or entice you. Don’t fall for it!
How To Unmask No Caller ID Calls
We now know what no caller id calls and unknown calls are. Now we will look at ways to deal with them when they happen. “Unmasking” a call simply means revealing the caller’s number that they tried to hide and revealing it. This can be done in several ways.
*69 Call Back
One possible way to find out who called is to use *69. This is no guarantee, but you may be able to get through to the person calling and tell them to stop. This is assuming they answer, and if you even want to speak to them.
Trap call
Another option is to use an app like Trap Call. Trap Call is an app available for iPhones and Androids that allow you to unmask and block unwanted no caller id calls. You can download the app from the Google PlayStore and apple store.
Trap Call will unmask the no caller id and unknown calls when you receive them, and reveal the hidden number to you.
How does it work?
- First, you have to download and install the TrapCall app on your smartphone.
- Once you have the app downloaded and set up, you are ready to start using it to unmask those pesky, unwanted calls. When you get an incoming no caller id call, blocked call, etc., simply decline the call with the red decline button on your cellphone screen.
After you decline the unwanted call, it gets sent to TrapCall, and after a few moments, the caller information gets sent back to you so you know who is calling. - An added feature of TrapCall is that you can pay for a premium service that allows you to receive more of the caller’s information such as address and name.
- After you have unmasked the unwanted call, you then have the option to blacklist it. This works by adding the unwanted number to your blacklist so that every time that person calls in the future they will not be able to get through to you.
Instead, they will hear a voice message saying: “The phone number you are trying to reach is no longer in service and has been disconnected.”
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the no caller id calls from happening altogether, but at least with TrapCall, they can be diverted, unmasked, and blocklisted for when they call back in the future.
Another feature of the TrapCall app is that it has a built-in, default blacklist of over 100,000 spam phone numbers. This means that all of those numbers will never be able to annoy you with unwanted calls.
Plus, the built-in blocklist is constantly being updated with new spam numbers automatically and uploaded to your phone.
TrapCall also offers its premium subscribers a recording service that allows you to record your phone calls. This may be handy for legal calls, or if someone is harassing you and you need to press charges against them.
Other No Caller Id Calls Apps
In addition to TrapCall, there are other apps available for iPhone and Android. They include True Caller: Caller ID and Block, T-Mobile Scam Shield, Verizon Call Filter, Phone by Google, and Call App: Caller ID and Recording, just to name a few.
They work in much the same way that TrapCall does, and they can be found on the Google Play store and the apple store. You simply install them and follow the directions.
How To Block No Caller ID Calls on Your iPhone
Now we will look at how to block no caller id call specifically on iPhones step by step.
- Go to your settings on your home screen.
- Scroll through the menu, and then select do not disturb.
- At the top of the screen, there will be a setting called manual. You will want to move the green toggle switch and enable customization.
- Once you move the green toggle switch, this will enable the “Do Not Disturb” setting.
- On the next page, you will see an option that says “Allow Calls From.” This will let you decide who can call you.
- Finally, select “All Contacts.” A check mark will appear next to each contact. You can remove the checkmark if you do not want certain people to call you.
- Now that you have selected all of the contacts that you want to allow to contact you, you will no longer be notified of no caller id calls.
The only drawback is that it will not stop unwanted people from calling you. It will, however, stop the annoying notifications of the no caller id phone calls.
Another possibility is to add 000-000-0000 to your blocked contacts list. You do this by adding 000-000-0000 to your contacts list as “spam number”, “do not answer”, or whatever you prefer to call it.
After adding it to your contacts list, you will then add the contact to your blocked numbers list. It may not be one hundred percent effective, but it is worth a try.
Expert Tip: A final option may be to contact your cellular provider and see if they can help. They may have an option for blocking no caller id calls and other unwanted calls. Simply call customer service and ask!
Conclusion
After going through the various ins and outs of no caller id calls and unknown calls, you are now better equipped to deal with this obnoxious and nerve-racking headache.
Knowing about the different types of unwanted calls like spam, scammers, and robocalls gives you the knowledge to help put an end to them using one of the several methods discussed.
Whatever method you choose to use in dealing with unwanted calls, whether it is using apps like TrapCall, blocking numbers through your iPhone, or contacting your service provider, you can now get back to the more critical issues in your life like sleep.