Receiving calls from No Caller ID can be more than just annoying—it can feel invasive, suspicious, or even dangerous. While iPhones don’t provide a direct way to unmask these callers, there are reliable tools, legal pathways, and proactive settings that can help you deal with them effectively. Some options allow you to trace or block these calls, and others help you identify them through third-party databases or carrier assistance.
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What Does “No Caller ID” Mean?
When your phone displays “No Caller ID”, it means the caller has intentionally blocked their number from being shown. This is often done using carrier services or device settings that suppress the transmission of the number during the call. While some legitimate callers may do this for privacy reasons, telemarketers, scammers, and harassers frequently use it to avoid being identified or blocked.
This is different from:
- Unknown Number: when your phone or network is unable to read or identify the number.
- Private Number: another term for No Caller ID, depending on regional settings or carrier terminology.
Can You Reveal a No Caller ID Number on iPhone?
You cannot directly see a No Caller ID number on your iPhone. Apple does not store this information, and privacy laws restrict carriers from sharing it without legal cause. However, there are workarounds and tools that may help you reveal, trace, or stop these calls.
Use *69 to Call Back the Last Number
The Call Return service (69 in North America) can help you *identify or return the last incoming call, even if the number was hidden.
- Dial *69 immediately after the call.
- This will either read out the number or offer an automatic call-back option.
- This feature works on many carriers and landlines, but may incur a charge depending on your plan.
- It only works if you haven’t made another call since the anonymous one.
This is one of the quickest options to attempt identifying the mystery caller, especially if used immediately.
Use *57 to Trace Harassing or Threatening Calls
If the call was threatening, abusive, or harassing, use the Call Trace feature by dialing *57.
- This will log the call with your carrier.
- The data can then be requested by law enforcement if you choose to file a complaint.
- This is not visible to you—you won’t see the number, but the authorities may be able to.
- Charges may apply, and the availability of the service depends on your carrier.
This feature is designed for serious cases, not for casual curiosity. It leaves an official trace on the carrier’s system for police use.
Understand 67 and 141 Codes for Outgoing Calls
To block your number when calling someone, use:
- *67 in the U.S. and Canada.
- 141 in the UK and some other countries.
These codes mask your number from the receiver, resulting in the same kind of hidden call. Knowing this helps distinguish inbound hidden calls from those made anonymously by others.
Use Third-Party Apps to Reveal or Block Hidden Callers
There are specialized apps that help you unmask No Caller ID calls, identify unknown numbers, and block unwanted calls.
TrapCall
- Unmasks No Caller ID numbers by redirecting the call through its servers.
- Provides name, number, and address (if available).
- Features include voicemail transcription, blacklisting, and Live Caller ID.
- Subscription-based, with a 7-day free trial.
TrueCaller
- Uses a crowdsourced global directory to match incoming numbers to names.
- Can block known spam numbers automatically.
- Offers reverse phone lookup and caller ID services.
Hiya
- Provides real-time caller ID, spam alerts, and call blocking.
- Works with iOS’s built-in CallKit integration.
Whoscall, BeenVerified, Intelius, Spokeo
- These apps and platforms offer reverse lookups using public records, social profiles, and online databases.
- They can identify callers, but may not work if the number is blocked at the network level.
Caution: Many of these apps require access to your contacts and call logs. Always check permissions and privacy policies. Their databases can also include inaccurate or outdated information.
How to Use “Silence Unknown Callers” on iPhone
iOS includes a built-in feature called Silence Unknown Callers. When enabled, your iPhone automatically mutes any call from a number not in your contacts, sending them to voicemail.
To activate:
- Go to Settings > Phone
- Tap on Silence Unknown Callers
- Toggle it ON
This is helpful for blocking robocalls, telemarketers, and repeat spam callers. However, it can also silence legitimate calls from doctors, delivery services, or employers if they’re not in your contacts. Be sure to check your voicemail regularly.
Contact Your Carrier for Tracing and Blocking Services
Mobile service providers often offer advanced options to handle unwanted anonymous calls. These options include:
- Tracing calls through ANI (Automatic Number Identification), which logs call origin details even if the number is hidden via Caller ID.
- Blocking private or anonymous calls at the network level.
- Call filtering tools that identify known scam patterns.
These services usually require:
- A formal complaint.
- In some cases, a police report or court order for full access to call records.
Carrier Services to Consider:
- AT&T ActiveArmor
- Verizon Call Filter
- T-Mobile Scam Shield
You may need to opt in or download their app. Some features are free, while others may be available only through a paid plan.
Risks of Calling Back Hidden Numbers
Calling back an unidentified number—especially one you retrieved using 69 or through voicemail—*can expose you to additional risks:
- Scammers may log your number as active and share or sell it, increasing spam calls.
- You might reach a premium-rate line, resulting in unwanted charges.
- Returning the call confirms your availability, which can escalate the frequency of future harassment.
If you’re unsure, search the number on Google or social media platforms before taking further action.
What to Do Step-by-Step
If you’re dealing with No Caller ID calls regularly, follow this sequence to regain control:
- Don’t answer the call.
- Enable Silence Unknown Callers to reduce disruptions.
- If it’s threatening, dial *57 immediately after the call.
- Call your carrier to discuss long-term options and blocking.
- Install a trusted third-party app for spam detection and call ID.
- If the issue persists, report the number to local authorities or the FTC.
- Avoid calling back unless you’ve verified the number’s origin.
Reporting Scam or Harassing Calls
In the United States, you can report suspicious or threatening No Caller ID calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
- Visit: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Call: 1-888-382-1222
In Canada, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
- Visit: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
These reports help authorities track scam patterns and protect others.
Final Thoughts
While Apple does not allow you to directly view a No Caller ID number, you still have a range of tools to trace, block, or report these callers. Using services like *57, installing caller ID apps, and enabling Silence Unknown Callers gives you practical defenses.
When necessary, legal routes through your carrier and law enforcement remain available, especially for repeated or threatening calls. Stay alert, cautious, and proactive. Your privacy—and peace of mind—deserves protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police trace No Caller ID calls?
Yes. Law enforcement agencies can trace No Caller ID calls by working with telecom providers. While the number is hidden from the recipient, the carrier still logs the call’s origin through a system called ANI (Automatic Number Identification). However, for this information to be released, a formal complaint and legal request such as a warrant or subpoena are typically required. This process ensures compliance with privacy regulations.
Is it illegal to hide your caller ID?
No, it is not illegal to hide your caller ID in most regions. Both individuals and businesses can lawfully withhold their number using services like 67 (US) or 141 (UK/Canada) for privacy reasons. However, using this feature to commit fraud, harassment, or threats is illegal. In such cases, callers may be subject to *criminal charges and their anonymity can be revoked by authorities with proper legal procedures.
Can I trace a call using *67 or 141?
No. *67 and 141 are not tracing codes—they are caller ID blocking codes. Dialing 67 (in the US/Canada) or 141 (in the UK) before a number hides your identity from the person you’re calling. These are outbound features, meaning they affect calls you make, not calls you receive. To trace an incoming call, you would need to use **\69 (call return) or *57 (call trace)** depending on your carrier’s capabilities.
Why do scammers use No Caller ID?
Scammers use No Caller ID to hide their identity, evade spam filters, and manipulate trust. Hiding the number makes it difficult to block them or trace the call. It also allows scammers to bypass automatic caller verification systems, especially if the recipient has not enabled spam protection features. Some may even spoof numbers, making the call appear to come from legitimate institutions.
Can my phone bill show No Caller ID numbers?
No, your phone bill will not show the actual number behind a No Caller ID call. The number is hidden both on your device and on any consumer-accessible call logs. However, your carrier still records the number internally, and it may be accessible with proper legal authorization. This is often how investigators are able to retrieve information in cases of persistent harassment or threats.