Hiding Your Landline Number: A Comprehensive Guide to Privacy and Security

In today’s digital age, privacy is more important than ever. While mobile phones have become ubiquitous, many people still rely on landlines for their home phone service. However, displaying your landline number publicly can open you up to unwanted calls, telemarketing scams, and even potential security risks. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed steps and instructions on how to hide your landline number, protect your privacy, and enhance your overall security.

## Why Hide Your Landline Number?

Before diving into the methods, let’s understand why hiding your landline number is beneficial:

* **Reduce Unwanted Calls:** Telemarketers, robocalls, and spam calls are a major nuisance. Hiding your number makes it harder for them to target you.
* **Protect Your Privacy:** Publicly displaying your number can expose your personal information, such as your address and potentially other sensitive details, especially when used in conjunction with online search tools.
* **Enhance Security:** Hiding your number can prevent potential scammers and criminals from using your number to target you for phishing scams or other malicious activities.
* **Control Your Availability:** You can choose when and who you want to receive calls from, giving you more control over your time and interactions.

## Methods to Hide Your Landline Number

There are several methods you can use to hide your landline number, ranging from simple dialing codes to more advanced service options. We’ll explore each method in detail:

### 1. Per-Call Blocking (*67)

This is the simplest and most widely known method. It allows you to block your number on a call-by-call basis.

**How it works:**

Before dialing the number you want to call, dial *67 (in North America) or 141 (in the UK and some other countries). This code instructs your phone company to block your number from being displayed on the recipient’s caller ID. The recipient will see “Private Number,” “Blocked Number,” or similar.

**Step-by-step instructions:**

1. Pick up your landline phone.
2. Dial *67 (or 141 if you’re in the UK).
3. Wait for a dial tone or confirmation message (if applicable).
4. Dial the phone number you want to call.
5. Wait for the call to connect.

**Pros:**

* Easy to use.
* Free in most areas.
* Doesn’t require any special service subscription.

**Cons:**

* Needs to be done before every call you want to block.
* Can be inconvenient if you frequently need to hide your number.
* Some people may be hesitant to answer calls from blocked numbers.

### 2. Per-Line Blocking

This method blocks your number from being displayed on all outgoing calls, unless you specifically choose to unblock it for a particular call. It is also known as Caller ID Blocking.

**How it works:**

This feature is usually offered by your phone company. You need to contact them to request per-line blocking. Once activated, your number will be blocked by default for all outgoing calls.

**Step-by-step instructions:**

1. **Contact your phone company:** Call your landline provider’s customer service. You can typically find their number on your bill or on their website.
2. **Request per-line blocking:** Explain that you want to block your caller ID on all outgoing calls.
3. **Provide necessary information:** The phone company may ask for your account number, name, and address for verification purposes.
4. **Confirm activation:** Once the service is activated, ask the representative to confirm that your caller ID is blocked. It may take a few hours or days for the changes to take effect.
5. **Test the service:** Make a test call to a friend or family member to verify that your number is indeed blocked.

**To unblock your number for a specific call:**

Before dialing, dial *82 (in North America) or 1470 (in the UK and some other countries). This code temporarily unblocks your number for that particular call only. After the call, your number will be blocked again by default.

**Pros:**

* Convenient for those who frequently need to hide their number.
* Provides a greater level of privacy than per-call blocking.

**Cons:**

* May require a monthly fee from your phone company (depending on your provider and location).
* Requires contacting your phone company to activate and deactivate.
* Still requires remembering to unblock your number for calls where you want your number to be displayed.

### 3. Use a VoIP Service (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP services allow you to make and receive calls over the internet instead of using traditional phone lines. Many VoIP providers offer features that allow you to control your caller ID, including the ability to hide your number or display a different number.

**How it works:**

VoIP services use the internet to transmit voice data. You’ll typically need a broadband internet connection, a VoIP adapter (if using a traditional phone), or a VoIP phone. You’ll also need to sign up for a VoIP service plan. During the setup process, you can configure your caller ID settings.

**Step-by-step instructions:**

1. **Choose a VoIP provider:** Research and compare different VoIP providers. Popular options include Google Voice, Ooma, Vonage, and MagicJack. Consider factors such as price, features, and customer support.
2. **Sign up for a service plan:** Select a plan that meets your needs. Most providers offer various plans with different features and calling options.
3. **Set up your account:** Follow the instructions provided by your VoIP provider to set up your account. This typically involves creating a username and password and providing billing information.
4. **Configure caller ID settings:** Once your account is set up, navigate to the settings or preferences section. Look for caller ID options. You should be able to choose to block your number, display a different number, or use the default setting.
5. **Test your settings:** Make a test call to a friend or family member to verify that your caller ID settings are working as expected.

**Pros:**

* Greater control over caller ID settings.
* Often includes other features such as call forwarding, voicemail to email, and virtual numbers.
* Can be more cost-effective than traditional landline service.

**Cons:**

* Requires a broadband internet connection.
* Call quality can be affected by internet connection speed and stability.
* May require purchasing a VoIP adapter or phone.

### 4. Use a Google Voice Number

Google Voice provides a free phone number that you can use to make and receive calls over the internet. You can configure your Google Voice settings to prevent your linked number from being displayed when you make outgoing calls.

**How it works:**

When you make a call using Google Voice, the recipient will see your Google Voice number instead of your landline number. You can also configure Google Voice to prevent your linked number from being displayed altogether.

**Step-by-step instructions:**

1. **Sign up for a Google Voice account:** If you don’t already have one, go to the Google Voice website (voice.google.com) and sign up for a free account. You’ll need a Google account to use Google Voice.
2. **Choose a Google Voice number:** Select a phone number that you want to use for your Google Voice account. You can choose a number based on area code or ZIP code.
3. **Link your landline number:** Follow the instructions to link your landline number to your Google Voice account. This allows you to forward calls from your Google Voice number to your landline number.
4. **Configure caller ID settings:**
* Go to the Google Voice settings.
* Navigate to the “Calls” section.
* Look for the “Caller ID (outgoing)” setting.
* Select the option to “Hide number” or “Anonymous.”
5. **Test your settings:** Make a test call from your Google Voice number to verify that your landline number is not being displayed.

**Pros:**

* Free to use (for basic features).
* Easy to set up and use.
* Provides a separate phone number for privacy.
* Offers other features such as voicemail transcription and call recording.

**Cons:**

* Requires a Google account.
* Relies on an internet connection.
* May not be suitable for emergency calls (check Google Voice’s terms of service).

### 5. Use a Call Blocking App or Device

Several call-blocking apps and devices can help you manage incoming and outgoing calls. Some of these solutions allow you to block your number from being displayed on outgoing calls.

**How it works:**

Call-blocking apps and devices typically use a database of known spam numbers to identify and block unwanted calls. Some also offer features to block your number on outgoing calls.

**Step-by-step instructions:**

1. **Research and choose a call-blocking app or device:** Popular options include Nomorobo, Truecaller, Hiya, and call-blocking devices from companies like CPR Call Blocker.
2. **Install the app or device:** Follow the instructions provided by the app or device manufacturer to install it on your phone or connect it to your phone line.
3. **Configure settings:** Explore the settings of the app or device. Look for options to block your number on outgoing calls.
4. **Test your settings:** Make a test call to verify that your number is being blocked as expected.

**Pros:**

* Can block both incoming and outgoing calls.
* Offers a range of features to manage calls.
* Can automate the process of blocking unwanted calls.

**Cons:**

* May require a subscription fee.
* Effectiveness can vary depending on the app or device.
* May require technical setup.

### 6. Contact Your Phone Company and Request to be Unlisted

Being unlisted in phone directories makes your number unavailable to the general public. This prevents it from appearing in printed phone books and online directory services.

**How it Works:**

By requesting to be unlisted, you instruct your phone company to remove your information from public directories. This reduces the chances of your number being found and used for unwanted calls.

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

1. **Contact your phone company:** Call your landline provider’s customer service department. The number is usually found on your bill or their website.
2. **Request to be unlisted:** Inform the representative that you want to have your number removed from all public phone directories (both printed and online).
3. **Provide necessary information:** You will likely need to provide your account number, name, address, and possibly your social security number for verification purposes.
4. **Confirm the request:** Ask the representative to confirm that your request has been processed and the date it will take effect. It may take a billing cycle or two for your information to be completely removed from all directories.

**Pros:**

* Relatively simple process.
* Decreases the likelihood of your number appearing in public directories.

**Cons:**

* Does not prevent telemarketers and robocallers who obtain numbers through other means.
* May not prevent your number from appearing in online searches if it’s already listed on other websites.
* Some services may charge a fee to be unlisted.

### 7. Use a Virtual Phone Number

A virtual phone number is a phone number that isn’t directly associated with a physical phone line. You can forward calls from your virtual number to your landline or other devices. This allows you to keep your actual landline number private.

**How It Works:**

When someone calls your virtual number, the call is automatically forwarded to the phone number you specify. This lets you receive calls without revealing your actual landline number.

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

1. **Choose a virtual phone number provider:** Many companies offer virtual phone number services, such as NumberBarn, Grasshopper, and TollFreeForwarding.com. Consider factors like pricing, features, and available number options.
2. **Sign up for a service plan:** Select a plan that fits your needs and budget.
3. **Choose a virtual number:** Select a phone number that you want to use. You can typically choose a number based on area code or custom keywords.
4. **Configure call forwarding:** Set up call forwarding to forward calls from your virtual number to your landline number (or other devices). Follow the instructions provided by your virtual phone number provider.
5. **Test the service:** Make a test call to your virtual number to verify that calls are being forwarded correctly.

**Pros:**

* Provides a layer of privacy by masking your actual landline number.
* Offers flexibility in managing calls and forwarding them to different devices.
* Can be used for business or personal purposes.

**Cons:**

* Requires a subscription fee for the virtual number service.
* Call quality may depend on the provider and your internet connection (if using VoIP).
* May require some technical setup to configure call forwarding.

## Important Considerations and Best Practices

* **Be aware of caller ID spoofing:** Scammers can use technology to spoof caller ID, making it appear that they are calling from a legitimate number. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, even if they appear to be from a familiar number.
* **Register with the National Do Not Call Registry:** This registry can help reduce telemarketing calls, although it won’t eliminate all unwanted calls.
* **Report suspicious calls:** If you receive scam calls, report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.
* **Educate yourself and your family:** Stay informed about the latest scams and privacy threats. Teach your family members how to identify and avoid them.
* **Check your phone bill regularly:** Review your phone bill for any unauthorized charges or suspicious activity.
* **Consider using a call screening service:** Some phone companies offer call screening services that allow you to listen to a caller’s message before answering the call.
* **Regularly update your privacy settings:** Review and update your privacy settings on your phone, online accounts, and social media profiles.

## Conclusion

Hiding your landline number is an essential step in protecting your privacy and security in today’s world. By implementing the methods outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce unwanted calls, prevent potential scams, and gain greater control over your communication. Whether you choose to use per-call blocking, per-line blocking, a VoIP service, or a combination of techniques, remember that the key is to stay informed, be proactive, and take steps to safeguard your personal information. By taking these measures, you can enjoy the convenience of your landline phone while maintaining your privacy and peace of mind.