How to Change Your Caller ID on iPhone

What you can actually change about your caller ID on iPhone

Your carrier controls what name and number appear when you call someone. Apple's iPhone settings cannot override that — you cannot straightforward pick a different number to display. What you can change is the name that shows up next to your own number in your contacts, and you can adjust how your number appears to people you call through your carrier's settings or a third-party app.

If you want to hide your number entirely, block caller ID, or use a different number for business calls, those are carrier features or app-based solutions, not iPhone settings. The route you take depends on whether you want to change how you appear to others, or change what you see when someone calls.

Key Takeaways

Your carrier, not your iPhone, determines what number and name display when you call someone — iPhone settings cannot override this.
To hide your number from all outgoing calls, use your carrier's settings (usually in the Phone app under Settings) or contact them directly.
To use a different number for business calls, you need a second phone line through your carrier or a third-party calling app like Google Voice or Skype.
To change how your contact name appears to people calling you, edit your own contact card in the Contacts app.
Some carriers offer caller ID management through their own apps, which may let you choose what name displays for specific contacts.

Hide your number from all outgoing calls through your carrier

Open Settings, tap Phone, then look for a "Show My Caller ID" or "Caller ID" toggle. If you see it, turn it off. This tells your carrier to block your number on all calls you make. The exact name and location of this setting varies by carrier — some show it in the Phone settings, others bury it deeper or require you to call customer service.

If you do not see the setting in Phone settings, contact your carrier directly. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers offer this feature, but the way to turn it on or off differs. Some require a phone call to customer service; others manage it through their carrier app (AT&T Mobile, My Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.). Ask your carrier whether they charge a monthly fee for blocking caller ID — some do, some do not.

Be aware that blocking your number on all calls can cause problems: banks, doctors' offices, and other businesses may not accept calls from blocked numbers, and some will not leave voicemails. If you only want to hide your number sometimes, this is not the right solution.

Block caller ID for individual calls

Before you dial, open the Phone app and tap the keypad. Type *67 before the number you are calling, then press Call. Your number will not display to that person. This works on most carriers in the United States, though a few regional carriers do not support it.

The person you call will see "Unknown," "Blocked," or "Private Number" instead of your number. If they have call blocking enabled, they may not receive the call at all. This method works once per call — you have to dial *67 each time you want to block your number.

Use a second phone line or app for business calls

If you want to display a different number for work or business, your carrier may offer a second line on the same phone. Contact your carrier to ask about adding a second phone number to your existing account — most charge a monthly fee (typically $10 to $20). Once added, you can switch between lines in the Phone app and choose which number to use for each call.

Alternatively, use a third-party calling app like Google Voice, Skype, or Grasshopper. These apps give you a separate phone number that displays when you call through the app instead of the Phone app. Google Voice is free and works well for basic calling; Skype and Grasshopper charge monthly fees but offer more business features. The person you call sees the app's number, not your carrier number.

The trade-off is that you have to remember to use the app instead of the built-in Phone app for those calls. If you forget and dial through Phone, your regular number displays instead.

Change the name that displays for your own contact

When someone calls you, they see your phone number and whatever name is saved in their contacts for you. You cannot change what appears on their phone, but you can edit how your own contact appears in your Contacts app. Open Contacts, find your own card (usually at the top), tap Edit, and change your first and last name. Save the changes.

This does not change what displays to people who call you — it only changes what you see in your own Contacts app. To change how you appear to a specific person, they have to edit your contact in their phone.

Use your carrier's caller ID management app

Some carriers offer their own apps that let you manage caller ID settings beyond what the Phone app provides. AT&T Mobile, My Verizon, and T-Mobile all have apps that may include caller ID options. Open your carrier's app, look for a section called "Caller ID," "Call Settings," or "Privacy," and see what options are available.

These apps sometimes let you choose what name displays to specific contacts, block caller ID for certain numbers, or manage a business line separately. The features vary widely by carrier and by plan. If you do not see caller ID options in your carrier's app, call customer service — they may be able to set it up for you over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my number show up as a different number when I call?

Not through iPhone settings alone. Your carrier controls what number displays. You can use *67 to block it, add a second line through your carrier, or use an app like Google Voice that displays a different number. The app route is free; the second line usually costs $10 to $20 per month.

Why does my caller ID still show even though I turned it off in Settings?

The setting in Phone > Settings only works if your carrier supports it. If you do not see the toggle, or if it does not work, contact your carrier directly — they may need to enable it on their end. Some carriers require a phone call to customer service to turn off caller ID.

Does *67 work on all carriers?

It works on most major carriers in the United States, but a few regional carriers do not support it. If you dial *67 and your number still displays, your carrier does not offer this feature. Call them to ask about other options.

If I block my caller ID, will people still be able to call me back?

Yes. Blocking your outgoing caller ID does not affect incoming calls. People can still reach you — they just will not see your number when you call them. Some businesses may not accept calls from blocked numbers, so use this selectively.

Can I change my caller ID name without changing my phone number?

You cannot change the name your carrier displays when you call — that is controlled by your carrier's records. You can change your own contact name in your Contacts app, but that only affects what you see. To display a different business name when you call, use a second line or a calling app.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.