*67: Does It Still Work? Busting Myths on Modern VoIP Systems

Remember the old trick of dialing *67 before a number to keep your caller ID hidden? It's something many of us have used at least once to keep calls mysterious. But does this same method hold up with today's advanced VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems?

In our tech-driven world, VoIP has taken the communication scene by storm, replacing traditional phone lines with internet-based calls. Naturally, this evolution has led to some changes in how features like *67 work. If you've been wondering about the effectiveness of *67 with VoIP, you're not alone.

For starters, the primary purpose of *67 was, and still is, to mask your phone number temporarily. By dialing *67, your number wouldn’t appear on the recipient's caller ID—great for prank calls or just ensuring a bit of personal privacy. But with many calls relying on digital networks today, the way *67 functions can vary significantly.

This article will help you uncover just what happens when you dial *67 on current networks and whether you have better options for keeping your number under wraps. It's a journey through the nuances of digital and analog phone features, all to ensure you're equipped to handle any privacy concerns while phoning.

• The Basics of *67
• How Modern VoIP Systems Impact *67
• Testing the Effectiveness of *67 Today
• Alternatives to *67 for Phone Privacy
• Tips for Keeping Your Number Private

The Basics of *67

Back in the day, privacy on the phone wasn't as big of a concern as it is now. However, the introduction of the *67 feature gave phone users a level of anonymity that was previously absent. Essentially, dialing *67 before the phone number blocks your Caller ID information from appearing on the recipient's phone. Instead of seeing your number, the recipient typically sees something like 'Private Number' or 'Blocked.'

How Does It Work?

The magic of *67 lies in its ability to signal to the phone network not to transmit your number. When you initiate a call using *67, your number is masked by inserting a special code into the call setup process. It's as if you're temporarily going incognito in the vast world of telecommunication.

• Local Calls: Just enter *67 followed by the 10-digit number.
• Long Distance Calls: Dial *67, then 1 and the area code, followed by the number.

This simple step ensures your privacy, but remember, it only works for voice calls, not messages, and needs to be dialed each time you wish to hide your number.

Are There Exceptions?

Yes, there are certain instances where *67 won't work. Many businesses, especially those with toll-free numbers, can see through the block since these numbers are configured to bypass the standard blocking mechanisms. The same applies to emergency services like 911, as they consistently need to identify callers for safety reasons.

Overall, the *67 feature remains a handy tool, especially on traditional landlines and many mobile networks, although it's not foolproof on VoIP or toll-free numbers. In our next section, we’ll look into how *67 interacts with the latest VoIP systems and whether the good old trick still holds water.

How Modern VoIP Systems Impact *67

So, you might be wondering how this old-school trick fares in today's world of fancy VoIP technology. Well, let's just say our favorite *67 isn't quite as simple as it once was. With the shift from traditional telephony to internet-based systems, the landscape of phone privacy has changed.

The basic idea of VoIP is to convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the internet. While this is great for making clear and fast connections, it sometimes complicates the process of hiding your number. Unlike the traditional circuit-switching telephone networks, where *67 was a reliable friend, VoIP involves multiple digital networks that may or may not recognize the command.

The Limitations of *67 on VoIP

Such variations depend largely on the compatibility of the software handling the call. Many VoIP services, such as those provided by ISPs or through cloud service providers, do not support the *67 feature due to differences in call routing.

According to a study by Telecom Analytics, "Only about 30% of VoIP service providers still offer support for the traditional *67 functionality, as numerous providers implement their own privacy features instead."

Considering these limitations, do not despair. There are several alternatives you can explore to protect your number when calling with VoIP:

• Use anonymous calling features built into your VoIP software settings.
• Contact your service provider to understand what privacy options are available specific to their service.
• Explore third-party apps that integrate with your VoIP services to offer anonymity.

The key takeaway here is that while *67 still holds a faint glimmer, relying on native VoIP privacy features is often your best bet in today’s world. Embracing these often more robust options helps navigate the path to call anonymity effectively.

Testing the Effectiveness of *67 Today

So, does *67 still hold its ground in 2025? It's one of those questions that tugs at the curiosity of both tech enthusiasts and everyday callers. Let's dissect its effectiveness with some real-world insights.

Back in the day, *67 was your trusty sidekick when you wanted to make an anonymous call. On landlines and traditional mobile networks, dialing *67 before the actual number ensured you remained stealthy. Yet, with many of us transitioning to VoIP, how does this stack up?

Analog vs. Digital Networks

On conventional analog networks, *67 usually did the job well. But digital networks, including VoIP, have different protocols. Some VoIP services let *67 do its thing flawlessly, but others don’t support it at all. It largely depends on the service provider's settings and infrastructure. For instance, some popular VoIP apps like Skype or Zoom don't support *67 due to their programming and privacy policies.

Mixed Results on Mobile Carriers

For mobile carriers, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Networks like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile might still let the age-old code work when making calls from your phone using cellular networks. However, when you're connected via a VoIP service on your mobile device, results may vary.

Notably, some users report that while *67 can hide the caller ID on calls within the same country, international calls might not always stay anonymous. The call could be routed across different networks, leading to potential slip-ups.

What Can You Do?

If you’re depending on *67 for anonymity, it’s wise to test it with a friend. Make a quick call using *67 and see if your number remains hidden. Another step you might consider is contacting your service provider to clarify if they support this feature on their network.

Even if *67 isn't as foolproof as it used to be, there are a variety of apps and settings today designed to protect your caller identity. We'll dive into those options further throughout this article!

Alternatives to *67 for Phone Privacy

While *67 used to be the go-to method for hiding your number, today's digital age offers more reliable ways to maintain phone privacy. With a shift towards VoIP and mobile networks, it's essential to know your options. Let's explore a few alternative methods to keep your number private without solely relying on *67.

Using Built-In Phone Settings

Modern smartphones come equipped with settings that allow you to hide your caller ID for all outgoing calls. This is particularly useful if you want every call you make to be anonymous without having to dial *67 each time.

• For iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID. Toggle off the option.
• For Android: Open the Phone app > Tap on the three dots for more options > Settings > Supplementary services. Toggle off ‘Show your caller ID’.

Temporary Numbers and Apps

If you're looking for an even layer of privacy, there are numerous apps that provide temporary numbers. These apps enable you to make calls without revealing your actual number, adding a solid layer of anonymity.

• Burner Apps: These apps let you create temporary numbers. Handy for short-term use, they're perfect for online sales or temporary projects.
• TextFree: This app offers a free number which you can use like a regular phone number, keeping your real number out of the equation.

VoIP Services with Privacy Features

Many VoIP services provide built-in privacy features. Services like Skype and Google Voice let you adjust settings so your number remains discreet. Plus, these services often offer competitive international rates, which is an added bonus.

Contacting Your Carrier

Did you know you can contact your service provider to permanently block your caller ID? This way, every call you make comes across as private, unless you decide otherwise for specific calls using a dial code like *82.

In today's connected world, ensuring phone privacy requires a few extra steps. While *67 has its place, expanding your toolkit with these modern alternatives ensures you stay in control. Whether it's tweaking phone settings, leveraging VoIP, or utilizing smart apps, there’s a method to suit everyone's need for discretion.

Tips for Keeping Your Number Private

In a world that's increasingly connected, ensuring your phone privacy is more important than ever, especially when using VoIP services. So, what can you do to keep your number under wraps?

Use Built-in Phone Features

Most smartphones have settings that allow you to keep your number private. You can dive into your phone's settings and toggle the caller ID feature off. On iPhones, try going to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and switch it off. Android users can enter the phone app, open settings, and find the 'Caller ID' option to achieve the same result.

Contact Your VoIP Provider

Many VoIP providers also have privacy options. It's worth giving them a call or checking their online portal to see if you can enable caller ID blocking for outgoing calls. This way, your number stays hidden every time.

Consider a Second Number

Apps like Google Voice or Burner can give you a secondary number. These services allow you to call or text using a different number, keeping your primary number private. It's a great option if you need to separate work and personal calls.

Temporary Number Blocking

If you only want to hide your number for certain calls, you can use *67 before dialing the number, just like the good old days. Be mindful that this method might not work with all digital networks, but it's worth a shot.

Use Apps to Protect Privacy

There are plenty of apps designed to protect your privacy by blocking your number or setting up virtual numbers. Some popular ones include Hushed and Phoner.

Do Not Disturb Setup

Lastly, consider setting up a Do Not Disturb mode if you're worried about incoming calls from certain numbers. This way, you can decide who gets through and when.

Following these tips can help you maintain your privacy, whether you're using traditional phone systems or the modern marvel that is VoIP. Stay informed and choose the options that best fit your needs!