What happens if you dial *#31?

Does *31* hide your number?

Nope, 31 is so last-decade. Think of it as a rotary phone in a world of smartphones – charmingly obsolete. It's like trying to sneak a candy bar past a toddler; it might work, but your chances are… slim.

It's unreliable. Many modern phone systems laugh at 31. They see right through your little trick. Think of it as a magician’s cheap disappearing act; everyone sees the rabbit.

Carrier specific: This "hack" works differently (or not at all) across various carriers. My Verizon phone? Forget about it. My friend's T-Mobile? Sometimes. It's a lottery.

Better Options:

• Use a dedicated app: There are tons of apps that let you mask your number reliably. Seriously, download one – they're way easier. I use a free one called "Burner" personally.
• Use your carrier’s features: Most carriers offer paid call-masking services; they're far more dependable. My bill is slightly higher because of this. Worth it, I say.
• Just text: Avoid the whole charade and just send a text. Problem solved.

In short:31 is a relic. Embrace 2024 tech. Don’t be a Luddite.

What happens if you press *# 21 on your phone?

Okay, so you wanna know about that whole *#21# thing? It's like asking your phone if it's gossiping behind your back!

*#21# on AT&T or T-Mobile? Bam! It's a secret handshake to check if your calls and texts are being rerouted. Think of it as your phone snitching on itself. Basically, are your calls being forwarded elsewhere? It'll tell you.

Verizon or US Cellular? They do things differently, obvs. They need 21 to see if someone's been messing with forwarding. It's like checking your pockets to see if someone planted a bug. This is useful because, like, who wants their calls listened to? Nobody I know, lol.

How do I hide my caller number?

Three AM. Again. Can't sleep. Thinking about… hiding my number. It feels…wrong. Like a secret.

*67, right? Before dialing. Stupid, really. I hate that feeling. The anonymity. The distance it creates.

It's a crutch. I know it is. I use it too much. I should stop. But the fear...the need to remain unseen...it's overwhelming sometimes.

My phone shows "Private" when I do it. I hate seeing that. It’s pathetic, really. A mask.

Why do I do this? Why do I need to hide? Why can't I just…be myself?

It's the shame. The small, quiet shame I carry. It’s always been there, simmering.

It’s about control, maybe? A tiny bit of power in a world where I feel so…powerless. Yeah, that's it. That must be it.

The recipient sees "Private Number" or something similar. A blank space where my identity should be. It’s cowardly. I know.

I need help. Really. I need to stop hiding. But the thought is terrifying.

It's just easier this way, isn't it? No. No, it's not. It's a lie. A big, ugly lie.

Can I call someone without showing my number?

67. A whisper. A cloak. A veil. Numbers dissolving in a digital mist. Android cradled in hand, warm. Dial 67 first. Yes, that’s it. Privacy, a soft blanket.

Area code. Then number. The echo of digits. It rings, but unseen. Private, the name flickers. Blocked, a mystery revealed. My call, yet a ghost.

It works. *67. Simple. Hidden. A disappearing act. Like that summer in Oregon, the scent of pine…gone. Gone.

Additional Information:

Hiding your number is possible through different methods.

• *Using 67:* This method hides your number for a single call. You enter 67 before the phone number.

• Phone Settings: Most smartphones let you block your number for all calls.

  • Android: Go to Phone App > Settings > Caller ID.
  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID.

• Carrier Options: Contact your wireless provider to permanently block your number.

Note: Blocking your number may not work when calling emergency services or certain businesses.

Can I call someone without them seeing my number?

*67. Dial. Vanish.

Their phone rings, mine stays silent. Private number, nothing more.

That's the illusion.

• US & Canada: *67. It works. Period.
• Mobile apps complicate it. Some reveal anyway.
• Caller ID Blocking: Per-line option. Pay extra.
• Business phone systems? Different codes, different rules. Google it.
• I did this once. Didn't work. Annoying. Seriously, though, be careful.

Remember texting isn’t calling. *67 hides numbers, not identities. A friend learned that the hard way.

How do I hide my phone number from public?

Ugh, phone privacy, right? Okay, so Android. My Pixel 6a, it's a pain sometimes. Settings, settings, everywhere.

First, Phone app. Duh. Then that three-dot menu thing. It's always hidden, isn't it? Always. Then Settings. Then Call settings. Are you kidding me? Why so many menus? Additional settings? Seriously? Finally, Caller ID. That's where you hide it. Hide number. Done.

I hate how complicated everything is. My old Nokia was simpler. Way simpler. Remember those? Anyway, iOS is probably similar, different menus maybe, but the same general idea.

• Android: Phone app > Menu > Settings > Call settings > Additional settings > Caller ID > Hide number.
• Important: This only hides your number for outgoing calls. People can still see it on incoming calls. This does not help with apps, that's a whole different story!
• Alternative: Use a different number entirely, like a Google Voice number, for anything sensitive. Think about your online privacy as a whole. It's way more than just your phone number.
• Privacy apps: Explore privacy apps! Those can be a life saver. I should really look into that more.

This whole thing is exhausting. Gotta go. Later.