What is a restricted call?
A restricted call happens when someone intentionally hides their phone number so it doesn’t show up on your caller ID. Instead of the caller’s phone number, your screen will display a label like “Private number,” “No caller ID,” or “Restricted.” This type of call means that the caller has taken deliberate steps to avoid revealing their phone number and/or identity.
Restricted calls are not the same as calls from blocked or unknown callers. With unknown callers, the phone service provider cannot identify the caller, often because the number is unavailable, unregistered, or not shared by the caller’s network. When it comes to blocked callers, you are the one who has manually stopped a specific number from contacting you.
Restricted calls are different because the caller actively chooses to stay anonymous. They may do this by dialing “*67” before entering the phone number they want to call or by asking their carrier to keep their number from being displayed.
These calls can come from someone who wants their number to remain private, like a doctor or business professional, but scammers and telemarketers also use this method to conceal their numbers. Answering restricted calls is risky because you never know who might be on the other end.
Restricted vs. private calls: What’s the difference?
Restricted and private calls both hide the caller’s number, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Some sources state that the main difference is that restricted calls are intentionally blocked by the caller, whereas private calls simply refer to any call where the caller’s number is not visible for reasons often outside the caller’s control. For simplicity and clarity, we’ll use both terms interchangeably throughout this article, especially since, in most cases, you can block both types of calls using the same methods.
Is it safe to answer restricted calls?
While not all restricted calls are dangerous, many pose security risks. The potential threats include:
- Spoofing. Scammers use restricted calls to disguise themselves as someone you trust, like a hospital employee, government agency representative, or even a family member. Spoofing is dangerous because when no number appears on your screen, you have no way to confirm who is calling. Be cautious if the caller demands urgent action or refuses to provide clear details about who they are.
- Phishing. Fraudsters often rely on restricted calls to trick you into revealing sensitive details, such as your bank account information or passwords. Be alert if they ask for private information, pressure you to click suspicious links, or claim there’s an issue with your account that you weren’t aware of — these are common signs of a phishing attempt.
- Scams. Don’t rely on your mobile carrier to flag every suspicious call as a “spam risk” or “scam likely.” It’s impossible to flag all of them, and scammers take advantage of that and use restricted calls to run scams without being identified. If they say you’ve won a prize, demand payments for nonexistent debts, or threaten legal action over something that doesn’t make sense, hang up immediately.
- Harassment. Restricted calls give harassers the perfect tool to hide their identity while repeatedly calling you. By answering the call, you confirm that your number is active, which encourages scammers to keep calling and harassing you.
Can you block restricted or private numbers?
You can block restricted or private numbers, but it’s not always simple. Restricted numbers deliberately hide their identity, which means your phone or carrier can’t block them individually. However, you can use your phone’s settings or tools from your mobile carrier to block all calls that hide their caller ID.
Most smartphones, like iPhones and Android devices, have built-in features that let you block calls from unknown or hidden numbers. Many carriers, like Verizon or T-Mobile, also offer services to filter spam or reject anonymous calls, though some advanced features may cost extra.
No method is perfect, however. Persistent callers can still get through by using visible numbers or other tricks. Even so, using these tools is usually enough to block most private or restricted phone calls and give you some peace of mind.
How to block restricted calls on iPhones and Android devices
Both iPhones and Android devices offer simple ways to block unwanted calls. You can adjust your phone settings, use tools from your carrier, or download one of several available call-blocking apps to get extra protection against spam and hidden numbers.
1. Use your phone's built-in call blocking feature
Both iPhones and Android devices come with built-in tools to block incoming calls from hidden or unknown numbers, so you don’t have to deal with spam, scammers, or restricted calls disrupting your day.
How to block restricted calls on an iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, follow these steps to use your phone's built-in call-blocking feature:
- 1.Open “Settings,” and go to “Apps.”
- 2.Open “FaceTime.”
- 3.Scroll to “Calls” and tap “Silence unknown callers.”
- 4.Toggle on “Silence unknown callers” to automatically send phone calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail.
How to block restricted calls on an Android
If you’re an Android user, follow these steps to use your phone's built-in call-blocking feature:
- 1.Open the “Phone” app and tap “More options” (the vertical ellipsis symbol).
- 2.Tap “Settings.”
- 3.Tap “Block numbers.”
- 4.Turn on “Block calls from unknown numbers.”
Note: The exact steps and interface may vary depending on your phone's model, software version, and how the settings are configured.
2. Use carrier services
Most US carriers offer tools to help block restricted, spam, and scam calls, and they’re easy to set up. These tools use huge spam databases to help filter suspicious calls before your phone even rings.
- Verizon offers the Call Filter app, which blocks spam calls automatically and allows you to report unwanted calls and numbers. The free version covers most basic needs, but if you upgrade to the premium service, you can unlock extra features like caller ID, a personal block list, and spam risk meter.*
- AT&T’s ActiveArmor app is free for all AT&T wireless customers. It blocks unwanted calls while letting you manage your own blocklists. If you want features like reverse number lookup and caller ID, you can upgrade to the premium version.*
- T-Mobile offers the free Scam Shield service that blocks spam calls and displays caller ID. If you want additional features, such as sending specific types of calls to voicemail and having voicemails transcribed and sent to you via text, you can upgrade to the premium plan.*
*The feature details for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile were verified on their official websites as of October 20, 2025. Please note that these details are subject to change.
If you're not with one of these popular carriers, don’t worry. Many providers worldwide offer similar call-blocking services. Just check with your carrier to see what options it has available. Some carriers include these features for free, while others may charge a fee. If your carrier doesn’t offer effective spam-blocking tools, consider using third-party apps.
3. Use the “Do not disturb” feature and add exceptions
If the other options don’t work for you, the “Do not disturb” (DND) feature can help limit interruptions, although it’s a bit of a long shot when it comes to blocking restricted or private numbers.
DND is designed to silence all incoming calls and notifications unless you make exceptions for specific contacts. It doesn’t block restricted calls like a dedicated feature would, but it can help you avoid interruptions by ensuring you only hear from people you trust.
How to silence restricted calls on an iPhone using DND
If you’re an iPhone user, follow these steps to silence all restricted calls using the “Do not disturb” feature:
- 1.Open “Settings” and tap “Focus.”
- 2.Select “Do not disturb.”
- 3.Tap “People.”
- 4.Under “Phone calls,” tap “Allow calls from.”
- 5.Select “Contacts only.”
When “Do not disturb” is on, the Focus feature will silence all calls except those from your contacts.
How to silence restricted calls on an Android
If you’re using an Android device, follow these steps to silence all restricted calls using the “Do not disturb” feature:
- 1.Open your “Quick settings” panel and tap the “Do not disturb” icon.
- 2.Make sure the feature is on, then tap “Details.”
- 3.Tap “Calls and messages.”
- 4.Under “Also allow,” tap “Calls.”
- 5.Select “Contacts only.”
Note: If you don’t see these exact options, look for similar wording in the settings. The interface may vary depending on your phone model and software version.
4. Use the National Do Not Call Registry (US-based)
The National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry helps limit unwanted calls from legitimate businesses. By registering your phone number at donotcall.gov or calling 1-888-382-1222, you can stop telemarketers who follow the law from contacting you.
The registry doesn’t block scammers, robocalls, or illegal activity, but you can report violators if they contact you after registering. Reporting these calls helps authorities investigate and take action against companies that break the law.
While adding your number to the registry won’t directly block restricted calls, it can help reduce spam from companies that hide their phone numbers to make sales calls.
5. Try other solutions
If you’re tired of dealing with restricted calls, third-party apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and Robokiller can help. For even broader protection, consider using NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature. It can boost your privacy by blocking malicious links, websites known for phishing, and online trackers.
Android users in the US can also try the call protection feature. This feature analyzes available data on scammer phone numbers to determine the number’s reputation and alerts you with a warning message if the number is flagged as suspicious or associated with known scams.
How to find out who is calling from a private number
Identifying the caller behind a private number is not always possible, but you can try out several methods.
- 1.Dial “*69” to trace the last caller. This feature, known as call return, works on most landlines and some mobile carriers in the US and Canada. It allows you to redial the last incoming call, but it may not work for numbers that are restricted by the caller.
- 2.Try reverse number lookup tools. Apps like Truecaller, Whitepages, and TrapCall can help you identify unknown numbers. These services work best when restricted callers leave voicemails or reveal their number in later call attempts. Enter the number to see if the app links it to a known profile or spam report.
- 3.Use call-screening tools. Some iPhones and Android devices offer built-in tools that can help you decide if the call is worth picking up. For example, Pixel phones have the call-screening feature that allows you to find out who’s calling and why before you pick up. You can also download apps like Allô that use an AI receptionist to screen calls before transferring them to you. Brands like Samsung offer similar options, such as the Bixby text call, which lets you respond to calls via text.
- 4.Install a call-unmasking app. Apps like TrapCall specialize in revealing hidden caller IDs by unmasking blocked, unknown, or restricted calls. These apps forward suspicious calls to their system, where they attempt to retrieve the caller’s true number and share it with you if they find the details.**
**The feature details for TrapCall were verified on its official website as of October 20, 2025. Please note that these details are subject to change.
Why do people make restricted calls?
Restricted calls aren’t always malicious, but scammers have made them seem suspicious. Knowing why people use restricted calls can help you decide how to handle them.
- Protecting caller’s privacy. Some people don’t want to share their personal number when calling businesses, strangers, or services they don’t trust. Hiding their number gives them more control over who can contact them back.
- Handling professional work discreetly. Doctors, lawyers, police officers, and other professionals use restricted calls to keep their contact information private. Hiding their numbers prevents clients or patients from calling them back on personal lines.
- Scamming others. Scammers hide the numbers they are calling from to make it harder for you to trace or block them. They often use restricted calls to impersonate banks, government agencies, or businesses to steal money or personal information.
- Protecting themselves from harm. Victims of stalking, harassment, or abuse often hide their number to stay safe. By restricting their calls, they can avoid being tracked or targeted by dangerous people.
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