Unknown calls are becoming more common (and threatening!) nowadays.
If I talk about myself, phone calls from either a “No Caller ID” or “Unknown Caller” make up nearly half of my iPhone’s Recents tab daily. Although some of these anonymous calls are purely robocalls or from unwanted callers (like telemarketers or scammers), many are legit, too. It’s just that my phone’s network couldn’t recognize those caller IDs.
But if you’re anxious and thinking – can an unknown number be traced, don’t worry! Yes, finding out an unknown caller’s number and other details within seconds is fairly simple.
Continue reading as I explain how to find out who an unknown caller is, block a “No Caller ID” number, and even hide yours while calling someone. So, let’s get started.
Important: The Android steps discussed in the following sections may vary, depending on your device’s brand and model.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- To discover an unknown caller’s number, use *69 or *57 star codes, reverse phone lookup services, or contact your service provider.
- You can also hide your Caller ID when calling from your device’s settings.
Stay alert while answering unknown or No Caller ID calls due to phone scam spikes.
What Is an Unknown Caller?
An Unknown Caller is one whose number or caller ID isn’t displayed on your, the recipient’s, device. This can happen because of several reasons. For example:
- The person is using a virtual phone number.
- The person is hiding their number on purpose.
- Your phone’s network is unable to recognize the caller’s caller ID.
These unknown calls/callers may or may not be harmful. Yet, 8 out of 10 Americans don’t generally answer anonymous calls due to various suspicions, like scams, attempts to steal personal information, etc.
Can I Call Back a No Caller ID?
Yes, it’s possible to call back a No Caller ID. While you do so, do not disclose your personal information, such as your address or credit card number. You should also not attend to any unusual requests, especially related to doing a Wire Transfer.
If you feel uncomfortable, simply hang up the phone.
Related: What Does Hide Alerts Mean? Understanding and Utilizing This Feature
How Can I Find Out Who an Unknown Caller Is?
To find out who an unknown caller is, plenty of ways can assist you. Among them, below are my favorites:
Use the *69 Code
Using the *69 star code is very helpful in tracing an unknown caller. Moreover, it’s usually free.
Follow these steps to learn how to use it:
- Dial *69 on your keypad.
- If the service doesn’t auto-activate, press the Call button.
An automated recording will tell you the last number that called you and any other available caller ID information. But this is only if the caller is listed in a public database.
Note: Depending on your service provider, *69 may include a dial-back option to return the call and find out who called you.
Use the *57 Code
Like *69, you can also use the *57 star code to trace unknown callers.
But here’s a catch.
Use *57 if you receive a threatening, harassing, or suspicious call. This is because it’ll simultaneously alert your phone service provider and local police (if required) for any potential criminal activity.
Follow these steps to learn how to use it:
- Dial *57 on your keypad.
- If the service doesn’t auto-activate, press the Call button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and provide the details you’re asked for.
All information you provide will be passed down to your service provider and the call recording. This information could be shared with your local law enforcement department for further inquiry if necessary.
Perform a Reverse Phone Lookup
A quick reverse phone lookup is the next best solution to find out an unknown caller’s number.
But you don’t need to perform this by yourself.
Instead, use any third-party service, like Truecaller, Spokeo, or TrapCall, to scrape all the available details (including the number) from public databases, social media networks, and other reliable sources.
Contact Your Service Provider
If you cannot trace the unknown caller using the above methods, I recommend contacting your phone’s service provider. They generally have a more advanced call tracing service that works 8 out of 10 times.
In fact, you may even get to know exactly how the other person is hiding their real number.
How to Block a “No Caller ID?”
If you’re frustrated with irrelevant, unknown calls displaying “No Caller ID,” it makes sense to block/silence them on your iPhone or Android device.
How Do I Block “No Caller ID” on Android?
- Open the Phone app.
- Go to its Settings.
- Tap Blocklist.
- On the Blocklist settings page, select Call blocklist.
- Next, enable Block calls from strangers and Block calls from hidden numbers.
Enabling these two options will block all calls from unknown callers or those who have hidden their numbers.
How to Block “No Caller ID” on iPhone?
- Launch your iPhone’s Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Focus.
- Choose Personal from the given options. Alternatively, create a new Focus using the + option at the top right corner.
- Tap on People under ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS.
- Select Allow Calls From under Allow Notifications From and set it to All Contacts. It’ll be Favorites by default.
- Now, swipe down your iPhone’s home screen to launch the Control Panel.
- Tap on Focus, and turn ON the Focus you just set up, i.e., the Personal Focus.
Only people in your contact list will be able to ring you now. All unknown numbers/No Caller ID calls will be blocked!
How Do I Stop Unknown Calls Without Blocking?
If you want to stop unknown calls without blocking, use the “Do Not Disturb” feature. It mutes sound, stops vibration, and blocks visual disturbances.
The best part?
This feature is available on both Android & iPhone.
On Android
- Go to the Settings.
- Select Sound & vibration.
- Scroll down and tap Do not disturb.
- Toggle it ON on the next screen. You’ll find another setting, Notify about calls. Set it to From contacts only.
Note that the last step is important. Otherwise, you won’t get notifications about your saved contacts as well. So, remember to tweak it!
Related: How to Record Incoming Call On iPhone Without App
On iPhone
- Launch your iPhone’s Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Focus.
- Tap Do Not Disturb, and toggle it ON.
- Tap on People under ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS.
- Select Allow Calls From under Allow Notifications From and set it to All Contacts. It’ll be Favorites by default.
You’ll only get calls from anyone in your iPhone address book app.
How Do I Hide My Caller ID When Calling?
Follow these simple steps to hide your Caller ID when calling:
On iPhone
Disclaimer: This method will permanently mark your phone number when calling.
- Launch your iPhone’s Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Select the Show My Caller ID option under Phone.
- On the next screen, toggle it OFF since it’s enabled by default.
If you want to hide your Caller ID temporarily, I highly recommend adding *67 (star six seven) before the number you’re dialing.
On Android
- Open the Phone app.
- Go to its Settings.
- Scroll down and select Advanced settings.
- Under Advanced settings, find Caller ID, and tap it.
- Select Hide number.
That’s it. Your phone number will no longer appear when you call.
Related:
- iPhone speaker not working during calls: Reasons And fixes
- Do AirTags Work With Android? Answer and Alternatives
How to Find Out an Unknown Caller’s Number: FAQs
Q: What Is the Difference Between Unknown Caller and No Caller ID?
A: While a “No Caller ID” means the caller has deliberately blocked their ID from being displayed while calling someone, an “Unknown Caller” means a caller ID was provided but not recognized by the phone’s network.
Q: What Does *69 Do?
A: The *69 star code redials the last number that called you. This is usually a free service and the quickest way to find out who the unknown caller is.
Q: What Does *57 Do?
A: *57 is another last call tracing star code. But unlike *69, it’ll also alert your phone service provider (and the local law enforcement agency, if necessary) for any potential criminal activity.
This particular service may not be free, and the exact fee varies with service providers.
Q: Who Usually Uses No Caller ID?
A: Anyone, from a regular individual to reputed organizations, like government agencies, can use a No Caller ID if they don’t want their number publicly visible and trackable. Don’t forget that robocalls, telemarketers, and scammers also call without a legitimate ID.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope you know how to find an unknown caller’s number. While the evergreen reverse phone number lookup tools like Truecaller (my favorite), Spokeo, TrapCall, and Whitepages will mostly work for you, if not, I recommend contacting your service provider for the caller’s details. Their vast database should have the required information.
So, I hope you are now relieved from unknown calls!
