In today’s hyper-connected world, maintaining privacy is more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to protect your personal number from strangers or simply prefer a higher level of anonymity when making certain calls, you might be familiar with the classic *67 code. This code has been widely used for years to block caller ID information. But with the evolution of smartphones, advanced communication apps, and changes in telecommunications, many are asking: *does 67 still work in 2024?
What Is *67 and How Does It Work?
*67 is a vertical service code (VSC) used primarily in North America. By dialing *67 before the phone number you’re trying to reach, your caller ID is blocked, and your number appears as “Private,” “Unknown,” or “Blocked” to the recipient. This feature is widely used by individuals who want to keep their personal phone numbers hidden, whether for personal or professional reasons.
How to Use *67
Here’s how it works:
- Open your phone’s dial pad.
- Enter *67 followed by the number you want to call (e.g., *67-555-123-4567).
- Make the call, and your number will be hidden from the recipient’s caller ID.
Blocking your number using *67 is a temporary measure and only applies to the call where you dial the code. Once the call is completed, your caller ID will function normally unless you dial *67 again.
Does *67 Still Work in 2024?
Yes, *67 still works in 2024. You can still use *67 to block your caller ID from most recipients, whether you’re calling from a mobile phone or a landline. It continues to be an effective way to conceal your identity when making calls.
However, it’s important to note that while *67 remains functional, there are certain limitations and scenarios where it may not work as expected. Let’s break down where *67 works well and where it may fail:
Mobile Phones vs. Landlines
In 2024, *67 still works on both mobile phones and traditional landlines. When you dial *67 before a number, your caller ID is hidden on the recipient’s phone in most cases, regardless of whether they are using a mobile device or landline. This makes *67 a convenient and quick way to protect your privacy without needing to install any special software or apps.
Calling Emergency Numbers
One of the most important things to know is that *67 does not work when calling emergency services. If you dial 911 or any other emergency number, your phone number and location will still be visible to the emergency operators. This is a built-in safety feature to ensure that emergency responders can track calls, even if the caller attempts to remain anonymous.
Businesses and Toll-Free Numbers
In most cases, *67 will not work when calling toll-free numbers (such as 1-800 numbers) or certain businesses. Many large companies and toll-free lines use special systems that automatically unmask blocked numbers, meaning that dialing *67 before these numbers will not protect your identity. This is because these organizations often have call-routing systems designed to capture and log caller information, regardless of blocking attempts.
Smartphones and Call Blocking Apps
While *67 still works on most smartphones, there are a growing number of apps and services designed to combat spam and anonymous calls. Some of these apps have features that attempt to reveal hidden numbers or block calls that come from “Unknown” or “Private” sources. This means that while *67 may hide your caller ID, the person you’re calling could have an app or service in place that blocks your call altogether.
International Calls
For those making international calls, *67 may not work consistently. Some international phone networks don’t support vertical service codes like *67, meaning that your number could still be displayed even if you try to hide it. If you’re trying to block your number when calling outside of North America, you may want to check with your service provider or explore other methods to ensure privacy.
Carrier Restrictions
While *67 is widely supported by major carriers in North America, there could be some instances where it may not work due to restrictions set by your mobile carrier. Some carriers may block the use of *67 on certain plans, especially those designed for businesses, or may charge a fee for using caller ID blocking services. It’s worth checking with your carrier to confirm whether this feature is available and functional on your plan.
Alternatives to Using *67
Although *67 is still a useful tool in 2024, there are more advanced methods to maintain phone privacy, especially as technology continues to evolve.
Built-in Caller ID Blocking
Most modern smartphones come with the option to permanently block your caller ID without having to dial *67 every time. To activate this feature, go into your phone’s settings, navigate to the caller ID or call settings, and select the option to block your number for all outgoing calls. This method is more convenient than dialing *67 every time and provides consistent privacy.
Use a Second Phone Number
There are several apps that provide temporary or secondary phone numbers, such as Google Voice, Burner, or Hushed. These apps allow you to make calls without revealing your primary phone number, which can be useful if you need to maintain privacy for a short period, such as during business transactions or personal interactions.
Privacy-Focused Apps
Certain apps, like Signal or WhatsApp, offer encrypted calling features that protect your privacy not just by hiding your number, but also by securing the content of your communication. These apps are designed for users who prioritize security and privacy in their conversations.
Call Forwarding Services
For business owners or professionals who want to keep their personal number hidden, using a call forwarding service can be a practical solution. These services allow you to route calls through a different number, ensuring that your personal number remains confidential.
Conclusion
In 2024, the answer to the question *“does 67 still work” is a resounding yes. *67 remains a simple and effective way to hide your phone number for individual calls, especially when dealing with situations where privacy is important. However, it is essential to be aware of the limitations, such as its ineffectiveness with emergency numbers, toll-free lines, and businesses that have call unmasking systems.
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