In our previous post, we have already got familiar with Caller ID. Time to introduce you Caller ID blocking which is the sub-feature of VoIP Caller ID. As we know caller ID is a part of our personal information cause when we call someone, our name and phone number appears on their screen. It's great when you know who is calling you, right? It allows you to feel confident and comfortable. You're not the only one, people want to know who is calling them.  

However, sometimes there is a need of using Caller ID Blocking. In this case, you have two options to keep your identity secret while making calls. The first one is permanent or per line blocking and the second temporary or per call blocking. 

Before digging deeper into the details of each blocking method, let's see what is Caller ID blocking and is it worth blocking your Caller ID? 

WHAT IS CALLER ID BLOCKING? 

Blocking is the common term for preventing the display of a calling number. Caller ID blocking is a feature that allows hiding your private information like phone number and name. Some countries offer anonymous caller rejection, which rejects all calls when the subscriber's Caller ID is blocked. 

Very often telephone service providers offer vertical service codes which can be dialed to configure calling, as it’s active for all calls. 

IS IT SECURE TO BLOCK A CALLER ID? 

Caller ID blocking is very secure as it protects your privacy by not displaying your phone number to the people you call. With Caller ID blocking, your name and phone number appear either as "No caller ID" or "Anonymous" on the other person's Caller ID displays. 

Caller ID Blocking per line and per call may not be available on some calls, such as 800, E911 calls or 511. Blocking caller ID is a great tool, but keep in mind that you should use it properly as some people tend not to answer the unknown calls.  

PER CALL OR TEMPORARY CALL BLOCKING 

We have already mentioned that you can block your number from being displayed on caller ID either permanently or temporarily. The temporary way of blocking your Caller ID is as easy as pie.  

You can block your caller ID for a specific call.  All you need is to dial a specific code (usually *67) before dialing a phone number. Make sure that person allows calls from blocked caller IDs; otherwise you won't be able to make a call. The receiver will see "private number" expression as your caller ID has been blocked. 

Dial *67 followed by code plus phone number and you will activate the call blocking feature for that particular call. Want to make another call without hiding your private information? Just dial *68 before dialing call number, or just hang up and dial a new phone number. Using a temporary blocking code may also allow you to make calls to phones that have blocked your number. 

Today smartphones both iPhone and Android devices allow blocking caller ID directly from the phone without dialing any code.  

PER LINE OR PERMANENT BLOCKING 

Some providers offer line blocking services. It means you don't have to dial a code before making calls to that line. Usually, this service is payable. It's more complex operation; however, once it's done your phone number will never appear while calling that line. So, take time to think about it before doing this, as it is permanent and irreversible.  

With its usefulness in specific situations, caller ID Blocking restricts some of the features that may be beneficial for both you and the person who receives your call. Just think twice before using caller ID blocking.