What does Star 67 do on a Phone Call?
Direct Answer: Star 67 is a phone access code that allows you to block your number from being displayed on the recipient’s caller ID system. When you dial *67 followed by the phone number you want to call, it hides your phone number and shows "Private" or " Blocked" on the recipient’s caller ID.
How Does it Work?
When you dial *67, you are essentially activating a feature known as Caller ID Block, which prevents your phone number from being shown on the recipient’s caller ID device. This feature is useful if you’re making a call and want to hide your number for privacy or protection reasons.
Benefits of Using Star 67
• Privacy: Calling with Star 67 helps maintain your privacy by shielding your phone number from unwanted attention. This is particularly useful for individuals in high-risk professions, such as law enforcement officers or journalists, who may need to guard their identities.
• Protection: In instances where you’re calling someone at work or school, using Star 67 can help protect your personal phone number. This is especially important if you’d like to keep your work and personal activities separate.
• Flexibility: Using Star 67 gives you control over how your phone number is viewed by others. You can choose to share it or keep it private, depending on your needs.
Limitations
• Temporary Solution: Star 67 only blocks your caller ID for the duration of the specific call. The recipient may still be able to locate your number through other means, such as cell phone records or directory assistance.
• Local Restrictions: Some phone service providers might not support Star 67, or may have specific restrictions on its usage. Check with your provider to learn more about their policies.
• Unreliability: Star 67 may not work with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services or some mobile networks that don’t support caller ID blocks.
Alternatives to Star 67
• Third-Party Calling Apps: There are various calling apps on the market that offer anonymous caller options. These apps can be used alongside Star 67 or independently.
• Burner Number Apps: Burner number apps provide temporary phone numbers with optional caller ID blocking. These are useful for situations where you need additional privacy or anonymity.
Common Error: Why Does it go Straight to Voicemail?
If *67 goes straight to voicemail instead of ringing the recipient’s phone, there are a few possible reasons:
• The call is blocked by the recipient’s phone service, or their phone is turned off (or in silent mode).
• The recipient’s phone is not set to handle blocked calls.
• *67 is not supported by the provider or network.
Conclusion
When you dial Star 67 before a phone number, you allow the recipient to see "Private" or "Blocked" on their caller ID instead of your own phone number. This feature provides a higher level of privacy and protection, but is still subject to limitations and restrictions. Be cautious when using Star 67 and consider alternative solutions if needed. With this information, you can make educated decisions about your phone calls and maintain maximum control over your personal information.