Introduction: Why Phone Number Privacy Matters More Than Ever
In an era where personal data is constantly collected, analyzed, and often sold, phone numbers have become more than just a way to communicate—they are digital identifiers. Whether you’re signing up for an online service, making a call to a business contact, or engaging in online dating, revealing your real phone number can pose risks. Spam calls, phishing scams, and even identity theft are all possible outcomes of unguarded number sharing. For privacy-conscious users, hiding or masking their phone number has become an essential practice.
What Is Star 67 and How Does It Work?
Star 67 is a vertical service code that allows users to temporarily hide their phone number when placing a call. When you dial *67 followed by the recipient’s number, your caller ID is blocked and appears as “Private” or “Unknown” on the recipient’s device.
How to Use Star 67:
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Enter *67.
- Dial the full phone number (including area code).
- Press the call button.
For example: *67 555-123-4567
This feature is available on most U.S. and Canadian carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and landline providers. However, it is important to note that this only affects one call. To hide your caller ID permanently, users need to change settings through their carrier or device.
Does Star 67 Still Work in 2025?
Yes, Star 67 still works in 2025 for voice calls on most mobile and landline networks in the United States and Canada. However, it has significant limitations and is becoming less effective due to the evolving telecom landscape:
Carrier Support
- Supported: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, most regional U.S. carriers.
- Not Supported or Limited: Some VoIP services (e.g., Google Voice), international providers, and business lines.
Device Compatibility
- Works on: Smartphones, landlines.
- Does not work on: Messaging apps (like WhatsApp, Signal), internet-based calling tools, or when using services like Zoom.
Additional Limitations:
- One-time use: You must enter *67 every time you want to block your number.
- Doesn’t hide text messages: Only works for voice calls.
- Can be bypassed: Advanced call tracking software and some call-back features may reveal your number.
- Ineffective with emergency numbers and toll-free numbers: Your number will always be visible when calling 911 or 800/888 numbers.
Limitations of Star 67 You Should Know
While Star 67 can temporarily mask your number, it is far from a complete privacy solution. Here are some crucial limitations:
- No protection for texts: It does not work with SMS or MMS.
- No persistence: You have to remember to dial *67 each time.
- Cannot be used for app-based calls: Calls made through third-party apps like WhatsApp or Skype are unaffected.
- Not foolproof: Call recipients using certain call-tracking or business systems may still identify the caller.
- Not supported globally: It is primarily a North American feature; other countries use different codes or lack support altogether.
In summary, Star 67 offers a basic, temporary solution. But in the age of smart devices and internet-based communication, it’s outdated.
Modern Alternatives to Star 67
With the growing need for comprehensive phone number privacy, more effective tools have emerged. These include:
1. Second Number Apps
Applications like Dingtone (https://www.dingtone.me/) allow users to generate and use secondary phone numbers. These can be used for calls, messages, and app registrations without revealing your primary number.
2. VoIP Services
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) platforms like Skype, TextNow, or Google Voice provide alternative ways to communicate while controlling what number is shown.
3. Burner Numbers
Burner apps provide temporary numbers for a specific time or purpose. Once you’re done, the number can be deleted to maintain anonymity.
4. Carrier Settings
Some carriers allow you to permanently hide your caller ID via account settings or network codes.
| Solution | Works for Calls | Works for Texts | Reusable | Best For |
| Star 67 | Yes | No | No | One-time anonymous calling |
| Dingtone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dating, registrations, etc. |
| Google Voice | Yes | Yes | Yes | General communication |
| Burner Apps | Yes | Some | Yes | Temporary use cases |
Dingtone: A Safer and Smarter Way to Protect Your Phone Number
Dingtone (https://www.dingtone.me/) offers a practical alternative to Star 67 by allowing users to create and use a second phone number without the need for a new SIM card or physical device. This number can be used to:
- Make and receive voice calls over the internet.
- Send and receive SMS messages, including verification codes.
- Register accounts on platforms like Tinder, Facebook, and Craigslist.
- Separate work life from personal life by using different numbers for different purposes.
Each Dingtone account can hold up to 20 numbers, which can be customized by area code.
Use Case: Why a Second Number Is Essential for Online Dating
Online dating apps like Tinder and Bumble require users to register with a phone number. However, sharing your real number with a stranger can lead to unwanted calls, stalking, or worse. A second number helps you:
- Keep your primary number private.
- Block or discard the number once the conversation ends.
- Maintain control over who can reach you and when.
Using a second number from Dingtone allows users to engage more freely without compromising safety.
Conclusion: Rethinking Phone Number Privacy in a Connected World
Star 67 may still work for one-off voice calls, but it is no longer sufficient for modern communication needs. The rise of app-based calling, online registrations, and the demand for enhanced digital privacy require more advanced tools.
Apps like Dingtone offer real-world solutions that go beyond just hiding your caller ID—they allow you to create a separate identity for work, dating, or online transactions. In a world where your phone number is often the gateway to your entire digital life, protecting it is not optional. It’s time to go beyond Star 67.
Explore your options and take control of your privacy today.
