How to check or block a private number that called you : on Android and iphone

receiving calls from private or blocked numbers can be both frustrating and unsettling. Whether it’s a telemarketing scam or an acquaintance trying to maintain anonymity, the desire to unmask these elusive callers is understandable. Fortunately, modern technology offers solutions to this enigma, empowering Android and iPhone users to uncover the identity behind private numbers. In this blog post, we will explore the step-by-step methods and tools that allow you to unravel the veil of secrecy and gain control over your incoming calls. Discover how you can reclaim your peace of mind and put an end to the perplexity of private calls on your mobile device.

How to Find the Caller Identity of a Private Number.

here are some available methods you can follow in order to find out who called you with a hidden number

method 1: Call Return (for Both Android & iPhone):

The “Call Return” feature is a quick and straightforward way to attempt to identify a private caller without the need for any additional apps or services. Most mobile carriers offer this feature, and it works similarly for both Android and iPhone users.

When you receive a call from a blocked or private number, simply decline the call by letting it ring until it stops or pressing the decline button.
Immediately after the call ends, open your phone’s dialer app.
Dial the “Call Return” code provided by your mobile carrier. The code may vary depending on your carrier. For example, on Verizon, you can dial *69, while on AT&T, it’s *67.
The call will be returned to the private number, and in some cases, the caller’s number may be revealed. The number may appear on your call log or screen once the call is connected.

However, it’s essential to note that this method is not guaranteed to work in all cases. Some callers may use techniques to bypass “Call Return” and maintain their anonymity. Additionally, the “Call Return” feature may not be available in certain regions or may incur additional charges, so it’s advisable to check with your mobile carrier before using this method.

Method 2: Contact Your Mobile Carrier (for Both Android & iPhone):

If you continue to receive unwanted calls from private or blocked numbers, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your mobile carrier’s customer support. They have access to more advanced tools and resources to help identify and handle persistent nuisance callers.

Call your mobile carrier’s customer support number, which can usually be found on their website or on your monthly bill statement.
Explain the situation to the customer support representative, providing them with the specific details of the unwanted calls, such as the date, time, and any relevant information about the caller.
The customer support team will investigate the matter and, if possible, may identify the caller or take appropriate actions to prevent further calls from that number.
In some cases, the carrier may offer additional call-blocking features or suggest using third-party call-blocking apps to enhance your call security.

Working with your mobile carrier can be advantageous, as they are experienced in dealing with such issues and can provide valuable insights to safeguard your device and personal information.

Remember, while these methods can be effective in many cases, some persistent callers may employ more sophisticated techniques to maintain their anonymity. In such instances, turning to third-party call-blocking apps or specialized services like TrapCall may offer better results in unmasking private numbers and preventing unwanted calls. Stay vigilant and use a combination of available resources to ensure a more secure and enjoyable calling experience on your Android or iPhone device.

method 3: Third-Party Call Blocking Apps (for Both Android & iPhone):

Third-party call-blocking apps are a popular choice for users seeking a comprehensive solution to identify and block private numbers, as well as known spam and scam callers. These apps maintain extensive databases of reported nuisance numbers, enabling them to provide real-time caller identification and offer protection from unwanted calls. Here’s how to use third-party call-blocking apps on your Android or iPhone:

For Android Users:

Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Search for “call blocking” or “spam call blocker” apps. Some popular options include Truecaller, Hiya, and Mr. Number.
Once you’ve chosen an app, click the “Install” button to download and install it on your device.
After the installation is complete, open the app and follow the setup instructions. You may need to grant certain permissions to the app for it to work effectively.
The app will now start working in the background, analyzing incoming calls and comparing them against its database. When a call from a known spam or private number is detected, the app will display the caller’s identity on your screen, allowing you to decide whether to answer or block the call.
Some call-blocking apps also have the option to report new spam numbers, contributing to the community-driven effort to maintain an updated spam database.

For iPhone Users:

Open the App Store on your iPhone.
Search for “spam call blocker” or “caller ID” apps. Truecaller and Hiya are two popular choices available for iOS devices.
Download and install the preferred app on your iPhone.
Launch the app, and it will guide you through the initial setup process, which may involve granting certain permissions.
Once set up, the app will work in the background, analyzing incoming calls to identify spam and private numbers. When a suspicious call is detected, the app will display the caller’s identity on your screen.
You can choose to block the call, report the number, or customize the app’s settings according to your preferences.

Third-party call-blocking apps are continually updating their databases to stay ahead of new spam and scam numbers. However, it’s important to research and choose reputable apps from well-known developers to ensure the security and privacy of your data.

Method 4: TrapCall (for Both Android & iPhone):

TrapCall is a specialized service designed to unmask blocked and private numbers, making it a reliable option for those who frequently encounter unknown callers. Although it may require a subscription, TrapCall offers a more advanced approach to identifying private numbers:

Sign up for TrapCall’s service through their website or app and follow the registration process.
Once you’re a subscriber, enable the service on your device. On Android, this may involve downloading the TrapCall app, while on iPhone, you may need to make some changes to your settings.
When you receive a call from a blocked number, decline the call by letting it ring until it stops or pressing the decline button.
TrapCall will automatically redial the blocked number, unmasking the caller’s identity. The revealed number will appear on your call log or screen once the call connects.
Additionally, TrapCall can transcribe voicemails from blocked numbers, allowing you to read or listen to messages left by private callers.
TrapCall also has the ability to block unwanted callers, further protecting you from persistent nuisance calls.

TrapCall’s specialized features make it a powerful tool for dealing with private and blocked callers effectively. However, it’s important to note that the service may vary based on your location and specific mobile carrier.

By utilizing third-party call-blocking apps like Truecaller or Hiya, or subscribing to specialized services like TrapCall, you can significantly enhance your ability to identify private numbers and protect yourself from unwanted calls on both Android and iPhone devices.

method 5: Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone Only):

The “Silence Unknown Callers” feature is available on iPhones running iOS 13 and later versions. It provides an easy way to block calls from unknown numbers, including private or blocked callers. When enabled, calls from numbers that are not saved in your contacts list will be automatically sent to voicemail without causing your phone to ring. Here’s how to activate the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature on your iPhone:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
Under the “Calls” section, locate and select “Silence Unknown Callers.”
Toggle the switch to enable the feature. When enabled, the switch will turn green.
Once activated, any incoming calls from numbers that are not in your contacts list will be silenced and sent directly to voicemail.
You can still access the list of missed calls from unknown numbers in your recent call history.

It’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of using this feature. While it effectively blocks spam and unwanted calls, it may also prevent legitimate calls from reaching you if they are made from numbers not saved in your contacts. Therefore, it’s advisable to use this feature if you regularly receive nuisance calls from private numbers or if you can rely on other means of communication for important contacts.

Method 6: Google Phone App (Android Only):

For Android users, the Google Phone app (also known as the Phone by Google or Google Dialer) offers a built-in feature to identify and block spam calls, including private numbers. This feature utilizes Google’s extensive database of known spam callers to help you avoid unwanted calls. Here’s how to enable the Caller ID & spam protection feature on the Google Phone app:

Ensure that you have the Google Phone app installed on your Android device. Some Android devices come with this app pre-installed, while others may require you to download it from the Google Play Store.
Open the Google Phone app on your Android device.
Tap on the three-dot menu located in the top-right corner of the app.
From the menu that appears, select “Settings.”
In the settings menu, tap on “Caller ID & spam.”
Toggle the switch to enable “Caller ID & spam protection.” When enabled, the switch will turn blue.
Once activated, the app will automatically identify and display potential spam callers, including private numbers, when you receive incoming calls.
You can choose to answer the call, send it to voicemail, or block the number directly from the app.

Google’s Caller ID & spam protection feature continuously learns from user reports and data to improve its accuracy in identifying spam and private callers. By enabling this feature, you can stay informed about potential nuisance calls and take appropriate actions to avoid answering unwanted calls.

Using these methods, you can tailor your device’s settings and utilize specialized features to identify and block private numbers effectively. By staying informed about the available tools and resources, you can take control of your incoming calls, protect your privacy, and enjoy a more pleasant and secure calling experience on both Android and iPhone devices