How to Hide Your Phone Number (UK)

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Last Updated: October 3, 2023 Fact Checked

When you place a call, having your phone number display as private number or Withheld on caller ID is fairly easy to do. You can keep your phone number hidden in the UK with a few simple steps. Whether you're calling from a landline or mobile, hiding your phone number can help you maintain your own privacy and prevent people from calling you back.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Blocking Individual Calls

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Enter this prefix before dialing a phone number to prevent the person you are calling from seeing your phone number on caller ID.^{[1]
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Enter all digits of the phone number as you normally would.

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Entering 141 is not a permanent way to hide your number. You'll need to enter 141 each time you want to conceal your number.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Blocking Caller ID From a Mobile

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Most mobile phones will allow you to keep your number hidden every time you make a call. The process is different for smart phones and non-smart phones and varies by model.
Look for a setting called "Show or Hide" or "Restrict My Identity" or something similar. Depending on the make and model of your phone, the exact wording may be different.^{[2]
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Set the option to "Hide" or "Always" depending on what's appropriate and hit "Save."^{[3]
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- For most non-smart phones, click "Menu" and then choose "Settings." Once inside, find and click "Send my caller id" and change the setting to "No." Save your change if necessary.
You can call your provider directly and request they change your preferences for your phone number. They can also provide assistance with your mobile phone model to know exactly which menus to access.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Hiding Your Number from Publication

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If you have phone service with BT, you can sign up for ex-directory. If you do so, your information will not be included in the phone book and will not be available via directory enquiries nor through online directory service.^{[4]
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Sign up for the central opt out register to prevent companies from making unsolicited calls to your number.^{[5]
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If you are receiving nuisance calls, you can file a complaint with the Information Commissioners Office. The ICO investigates companies violating TPS preferences and assists consumers in stopping nuisances calls.^{[6]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Concealing Your Number to Inbound Callers

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You can use a service that "cloaks" your phone number by assigning you a second number. Use the alternative number to give to those you might like to receive a call from but don't know or trust well enough to provide your actual phone number. When they place a call to you, it will be diverted to your true phone number without them being aware of the transfer.^{[7]
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Download an app. There are apps available for Android and iPhones that allow you to create a "disposable" phone number. The number will mask your true phone number and not allow calls to be traced back to your phone. You can get multiple phone numbers and discard them at any time.^{[8]
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- This can be a great option for avoiding spam and maintaining privacy when you're job hunting or posting your number in online ads or social media sites.
Some service providers allow you assign a temporary number to be forwarded to your primary landline or mobile number. This is a good option if you want to provide an alternative number to a group of people.^{[9]
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Community Q&A

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Question

What does "private number" on caller ID mean?

Community Answer

The person calling you has withheld their number by using 141 before dialling. They could be scammers, but many people use it when calling people for the first time.

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Question

How do I un-hide my number?

Community Answer

141 only temporarily hides it- after you call using this your number will be shown the next time you call someone.

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How can I hide my mobile number in Facebook Messenger?

Community Answer

Check the options menu. Make sure you deny Messenger access to your calls and call data.

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Tips

Some options work on single calls. Know which option you are looking for to ensure that your privacy preferences are right for each call you make.

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Warnings

Some mobile phone networks don't support this feature, in which case the Hide request will be ignored.

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Do not attempt to hide your number and "prank" call emergency services, crisis hotlines, or any other organization designed to help and protect people. It is possible (and very easy) for the Police to track down your number. Making false calls to these services can result in hefty fines or even jail time.

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