How to Call Someone Who Has Blocked Your Number

Are you looking to call someone who has blocked your phone number? Before you take any action, consider the possible reasons they blocked you. Ensure you're not disturbing them or engaging in any behavior that could be seen as harassment. If you have a legitimate reason to make the call, explore the options listed below.

Hide Your Caller ID. This option makes it so the recipient won't see your number or any identifying information. Your phone number will not appear, and your caller ID will be concealed.

• For iOS (iPhone), go to Settings, then tap 'Phone'. From there, select 'Show My Caller ID' and toggle it off.
• For Android, go to Settings > Call Settings > Additional Settings > Caller ID, then choose Hide Number. Your call will show as Anonymous, allowing you to bypass block lists.

Dial *67. This is a phone number blocking code that will display your call as "Unknown" or "Private". Simply dial this code before the number you want to call, like this: *67-408-221-XXXX. This method works on both mobile phones and landlines, but may not be applicable to business phones.

Download a random phone number generator app. If you're using a mobile phone, you can download a free app that generates random phone numbers. You can use this number to text and make calls directly from the app, and also use it to contact people who are not using the app. This is a reliable method to call someone who has blocked your number.

• The advantage of this method is that the area code is also randomly generated, so the recipient won't know where you're calling from.

Call a landline number. Many landline phones do not allow number blocking. If you know the person's landline number, try calling them!

Change your phone number. Reach out to your service provider and request a number change. There is usually a fee for this service. This isn't the easiest option unless you're also planning to switch phones. Keep in mind that the other person may block your new number if they still have a reason to do so.

Using a Public Phone. Perhaps the simplest way to call someone who has blocked you is by using a phone number they haven’t blocked yet. This way, they won’t know it’s you calling. They may still hang up when they want, but at least you’ve bypassed the block. Note that this tactic is only effective for one or two calls before the person stops answering calls from unfamiliar numbers.

• If there is a public phone near you, consider spending a small amount of money to make an untraceable call.
• Rent a hotel room and make the call from there.
• Use a phone at school or work. Ask permission to use the phone at a shop or restaurant.

Borrowing a Friend’s Phone. Explain the situation to your friend and ask if you can use their phone to call the person you need to reach. Be careful when using someone else's phone—avoid disturbing or threatening others. If you overstep, you could get your friend into trouble.

• Just like with public phones: if you keep using your friend’s phone to contact someone who has blocked you, that person may stop answering calls from your friend’s number as well.

Ask a Friend to Call on Your Behalf. If the other person hangs up as soon as they hear your voice, you can write down the message for a friend or acquaintance and ask them to deliver it for you. This can be especially effective if your mutual friend is trusted by both parties. It allows you to say what you need without making the other person feel threatened. Make sure you clarify this in the script.

• For example, "Hi Lan, this is Khoa. I'm just relaying a message from An and will hang up as soon as I'm done. An wants to say '[what you want to say]'. Sorry for disturbing you!"
• You could also use a voice changer to disguise your voice. However, if the person has blocked you, they might see your blocked number history and figure it out quickly.

Think Before You Call. The other person may have blocked you for a reason. Make sure you’re not disturbing them or making the situation worse. Take time to reflect on the ‘why.’ Ask yourself whether this call will genuinely resolve things or if it’s just a way for them to remember you.

• Be considerate of the other person. If your actions make them uncomfortable, give them space. Things will naturally become clearer over time, but pushing too hard will only hinder that process.

Awareness of Consequences. If you continue calling someone who doesn't want to receive your calls, your actions may lead them to seek legal intervention. Repeated calls can be considered harassment. In the United States, the person could obtain a restraining order, and contacting them would be illegal. Consider whether the call is worth facing such consequences.

• In the United States, the 2009 Caller ID Act makes it illegal to spoof caller IDs with the intent to harm or deceive others. If you use any service to block or alter the caller ID, proceed with caution.

Find an Alternative Method. Think about why you need to contact this person and whether there might be a less invasive way to do so. You might feel the urge to call and say what’s on your mind, but this may not be the best approach if the other person feels uncomfortable with phone communication.

• If you just need to express your emotions and wrap things up, consider writing a letter or sending an email. This way, they can take their time to read and respond without feeling threatened.
• If it’s an emergency or you have a valid reason to get in touch, you can ask a mutual friend or even the police for help. You just need to find a neutral person who can assist in reaching them.