Helping millions of people navigate the world of technology.

What Does “No Caller ID” Mean and How to Trace the Caller

Quick Tips
  • Use the *57 Code, in-built caller ID, or third-party apps to unmask unknown callers.
  • You can also contact your carrier to identify unknown callers or no caller ID numbers. However, you might get charged for it.
  • If you constantly receive calls from unknown numbers, you can block all unknown callers using your device’s settings menu.

How to Unmask No Caller ID or an Unknown Caller

Blocking calls with no caller IDs might inadvertently block calls from recruiters, banks, etc. To prevent this, here are a few ways to unmask numbers with no caller ID. Let’s quickly look at them all.

Method 1: Using *57 Code

The easiest way to find a no-caller ID number is to use the *57 code. Using your mobile’s keypad, dial this code. This will then trigger an immediate request to your mobile carrier to trace this number.

Note: Certain carriers might charge you once you place the call. Moreover, the results might not be sent to you and reported directly to the authorities instead.

Method 2: Using the Device’s Caller ID

Certain Android phones use in-built caller IDs, like Google’s native Caller ID and spam protection or Samsung’s Hiya, to identify callers. iPhone users can enable Call Blocking & Identification from the settings menu to do the same. However, this might require you to install a third-party caller ID app.

Also Read: How to block all calls except contacts on Android and iPhone

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps are usually reliable when identifying no-caller ID numbers. You can easily choose from several popular apps like Truecaller and TrapCall to unmask no-caller IDs or unknown callers. However, services like Truecaller allow users to unlist their numbers. This can make identifying callers tricky.

Method 4: Contact Mobile Carrier

If you have received repeated anonymous calls, contact your mobile carrier and report this immediately. This is especially recommended if those unknown calls are threatening. The mobile carrier company can also contact law enforcement, if necessary, to help you resolve this issue.

No Caller ID vs. Unknown Caller: What’s the Difference?

While having no caller ID or being an unknown caller might sound the same, they’re actually different. Here’s a brief look at them both.

  • A caller with no caller ID means that that person has deliberately blocked their number from being displayed.
  • No caller ID numbers can be anything from a regular caller, a reputed organization, or scammers and pranksters.
  • Unknown callers are users who have not deliberately blocked their information but are unregistered with your caller ID software.
  • If the caller’s information is unrecognized by your provider, it can show up as an unknown caller.
  • At times, it might be easier to unmask unknown callers than callers with no caller IDs.

How to Block Unknown or “No Caller ID” Calls

Now that we know the difference between unknown callers and no-caller IDs, it is time to look at how to block calls from both. While such callers can be legit, there’s a chance they might be spam. Here’s how to do it on your Android and iOS devices.

On Android

Step 1: Open the Phone app > tap on Keypad > three-dot icon > Settings.

Open Call settings 1

Step 2: Here, tap on Block numbers > turn on the Block calls from unknown numbers toggle.

Block Calls from unknown numbers Android 1

On iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings > tap on Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.

Step 2: Here, turn on the toggle for Silence Unknown Callers.

Also Read: How to stop someone from calling you without blocking

FAQs

1. How to call someone with no caller ID?

To place a call with no caller ID, dial *67, followed by the number with the area code. This will help mask your caller ID and display it as “No Caller ID” or, in some cases, Private. Additionally, iPhone users can turn off their caller ID by going to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID > turn off the toggle. This should mask your caller ID when making calls.

2. Does no caller ID mean they are in your contacts?

No caller ID does not necessarily mean the caller is in your contact list. As discussed above, no caller ID is displayed when the caller has intentionally hidden their number. This might or might not be someone from your contact list.

3. How do you call a number with a blocked ID back?

You might be able to call a number with no caller ID using call return. To do this, use your phone’s keypad and immediately dial *69. This will return the call for the last number that called you. Some services also allow users to use the call return service for up to 30 minutes from the initial call. However, this might not work if the user has blocked you. For some carriers, it might be a paid service with a limited scope of success. You can also check out third-party apps if the user has not unlisted their number. Another alternative is to check the call records in your monthly call statement and see if you can locate the said number.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Last updated on 26 June, 2024

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.