No, you cannot hide your phone number when texting using built-in iPhone or Android settings. The documented caller-ID hiding controls on both platforms are designed for phone calls only, not for SMS or MMS text messages.
Can you hide your phone number when texting?
The direct answer is no. Apple's 'Show My Caller ID' setting and Samsung's caller ID hiding feature are verified as call-only controls. When you send a standard text message, your phone number will be visible to the recipient. This is based on official documentation from Apple and Samsung, not on speculation or workarounds.
Why phone settings don't work for texts
Apple documents the path to turn off caller ID under Settings > Apps > Phone > Show My Caller ID, and states that turning it off prevents your number from showing on outgoing calls. Samsung's support page explicitly states that when sending text messages, your caller identification will not be hidden. Some smartphones allow users to create temporary or disposable contacts for specific communication needs without sharing primary phone number.
The most reliable method: Get a virtual phone number
If you want to text without showing your real number, you need a virtual number or another third-party service rather than a built-in iPhone or Android texting setting. Services like Google Voice, Burner, and Hushed provide a second phone number that you can use for texting. This virtual number acts as an intermediary, allowing you to communicate with others while keeping your personal contact details confidential. Some third-party services specialize in number masking, replacing your actual phone number with a temporary or alternate number when sending text messages. Certain platforms provide anonymous messaging services enabling users to send and receive texts without disclosing phone numbers or identities. This is the only documented method that actually works to hide your phone number when texting.
Using messaging apps for more privacy
Messaging apps offer privacy features that can keep your phone number hidden from other users. Telegram allows you to create a username, so you can communicate with others without sharing your phone number. Snapchat uses usernames to facilitate conversations without revealing phone numbers. Signal also allows registration without using your phone number by creating a username. Viber offers a 'Viber Out' feature that enables calls to non-Viber users using a Viber number, keeping your personal number private. However, a critical caveat applies to WhatsApp: its documented phone number privacy feature is for business chats only. To use it, open the chat with the business, tap the business's name or number, then go to Phone number privacy and choose SHARE NUMBER.
What about *67 or blocking caller ID?
These common tricks only work for phone calls and have zero effect on the recipient seeing your number in a text message. Similarly, any "block caller ID" setting in your phone's dialer app applies only to voice calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I text anonymously?
True anonymous texting requires a service that does not link to your identity at all, such as a burner app that generates a temporary number. Standard SMS always transmits your phone number to the recipient's carrier and device.
Is hiding my number legal?
In most regions, using a virtual number or messaging app to conceal your phone number is legal. However, using spoofed and fake phone numbers to impersonate someone or commit fraud is illegal. Legitimate privacy tools are distinct from deceptive spoofing.
Will the recipient know who sent the text?
If you use a virtual number, the recipient will see that virtual number, not your real one. They will not automatically know your identity unless you tell them or the virtual number is traceable back to you through other means. Some recipients may be hesitant to respond to messages from unknown or blocked numbers, and certain organizations or services may not accept communications from hidden numbers.
Can I hide my number on iMessage?
iMessage uses your Apple ID and phone number for delivery. There is no built-in setting to hide your phone number when sending iMessages. Disabling "Show My Caller ID" affects phone calls only, not iMessage.
What about using *67 before a text?
Dialing *67 before a text does nothing. It has no effect on SMS or MMS messages.
