Many a time you receive calls from unknown callers or private numbers that look as if all of them are the same. We often get confused between the two and consider all of them as spam calls but technically they are different! This blog would give you a clear picture of the difference between no caller ID and unknown caller so you can understand where you’re receiving the call from.
Let’s get straight to the basics and find out the difference between no caller ID and unknown caller.
Difference Between No Caller ID and Unknown Caller
Most people often use these words interchangeably. However, it is not right. The only similarity between the two is that the number is not displayed on the screen.
The No Caller ID iPhone and Android phone call means no information regarding the caller ID. Sometimes, people add a code before the number and try to conceal their identity. Spammers, telemarketers, and scammers use no caller ID to hide themselves.
Unknown caller, on the other hand, means that network provider does not identify the number. The caller is either using a landline or an international number, which is not recognized by the carrier.
An unknown call is either from a restricted number, for instance, NGO, government bodies, etc., or from a service that does not support caller ID information, like international calls, VoIP services.
No Caller ID Vs Unknown Caller
No Caller ID
Often referred to as ‘Private calls’, the no caller ID calls are intentionally hidden by the caller to maintain privacy. When a call is received from a no caller ID, the phone screen notifies ‘No caller ID’.
Reasons for No Caller ID
- Number Blocked by the Caller: To hide their identity, the caller can block their number, which results in no caller ID on the receiver’s end. This can be done by adding *67 before the number if the caller is in the United States.
- Caller Disabled ‘Show Caller ID’ Option: If the caller has turned off the show caller ID option in their settings, the receiver can’t see their number.
- Private/Restricted Numbers: If a government organization or law enforcement body wants to keep their number restricted or confidential, they may choose to do so by turning on/off this option.
Unknown Caller
It is a call from an unrecognized number by your service provider; it could be an international call or a landline number.
Reasons for Unknown Call
- Call from a Restricted Number: If the call comes from a restricted number, it will show as an unknown call.
- Call Received from a Device that Don’t Support Caller ID Info: If someone calls you from a device that doesn’t support VoIP, international, or automated calls.
Unlike callers with no caller ID, unknown callers may be legitimate. Despite having a minor similarity, the main difference between the two is that while the caller with no caller ID chooses not to unveil his number, the caller with an unknown number is one whose number is not interpreted by the mobile service provider.
How to Block No Caller ID on iPhone
If you are annoyed by the unknown calls or calls from private numbers and want to block no caller ID on iPhone 13 and later versions, we are sharing some quick ways to do so-
Silence Unknown Callers
iOS 13 has a feature, i.e., silence unknown callers; using this feature, all the unknown calls are directed to voicemail. Although the phone will not ring, the call will be recorded in the ‘Recent’ section of the phone. In the case of iPhone 10, 11, and 12 –
- Go to ‘Settings’.
- Select ‘Phone’.
- Tap ‘Unknown Callers’.
- Turn on the feature.
DND Mode:
By opting for Do Not Disturb mode, you can avoid unknown callers. By activating DND mode, your phone will not ring, and the calls will be forwarded to voicemail. If you select this option, only your contacts will be able to get in touch with you. To activate DND mode –
- Go to ‘Settings’.
- Scroll the menu and choose ‘Do Not Disturb’.
- Select ‘Allow Calls From’.
- Tap ‘All Contacts’.
Create a Contact/ Save Unkown Number:
By saving the unknown number in your contact list, you can easily block the number without any issue. The method is strange, but it will allow you to block the annoying calls. For this,
- Go to ‘Contacts’ and tap on ‘+’ icon.
- Save it as ‘No Caller ID’.
- Type ‘000 000 0000’ in the mobile number section.
- Choose ‘Done’ and save it.
- Go to your ‘Contact’ list, choose this number, and ‘Block’ it!
How to Block No Caller ID on Android
If you have an android phone and are looking for how to turn on no caller ID Samsung, you’ll be glad to know that you can restrict and block the no caller ID numbers easily.
- Go to the ‘Settings’.
- Tap ‘Block Numbers’.
- Tap ‘Block Unknown Number/Hidden Numbers’ on your phone.
Block Unknown Caller ID iPhone
You can also silence unknown callers by changing your iPhone settings.
- Go to the ‘Settings’. Choose ‘Phone’.
- Navigate and choose ‘Silence Unknown Callers’.
- Turn on or enable the feature.
You can also download an app to detect and restrict unknown calls on your phone.
Download an app that can block spam calls and go to ‘Settings’, choose ‘Phone’, tap ‘Call Blocking & Identification’. You can allow these apps to block calls.
You can easily block unknown callers on iPhone by going to the ‘Recent’ section. Go to the unknown number and select the ‘i’ icon on the side. Scroll down and choose ‘Block this Caller’.
How to Track No Caller ID Calls?
There are options that will allow you to track and find out no caller ID calls.
- Dial *69 after receiving a call from a no caller ID calls.
- You can choose the Reverse Phone Look up feature. Through this feature, you can check codes of different countries and track no caller ID calls easily.
- Use third-party apps like TrapCall, Spokeo, TrueCaller, BeenVerified, etc., which will help you find the no caller ID calls.
Why Do You Receive Calls from No Caller ID or Unknown Callers?
If you are receiving calls from no caller ID or unknown callers, your number has been circulated amongst telemarketers who don’t want to reveal their identity. If the calls are from an unknown caller, it means that the mobile network provider number is not recognizing the number. Hence, if you want to trace these calls from private numbers or block them, follow the different ways to trace them or contact your service provider for further assistance.
Conclusion
Although used simultaneously, there is a minor difference between no caller ID and unknown caller. If you want to compare No caller ID vs unknown caller, it is important to know that calls with no caller IDs are from people who don’t want to reveal their identity. These include NGO’s, telemarketers, government organizations, etc.
Some spammers also use this mode for malpractice. Unknown calls, on the other hand, are calls from numbers that are not recognized by the carrier, these could be landline numbers. Hence, there’s a stark difference between the two. If you feel that these calls are annoying, you can block or trace these calls using simple methods like return calls codes, third-party apps, and contacting the service providers for services like call tracing. Private numbers can be a threat if they are from scammers; therefore, be alarmed and contact law enforcement to avoid any mishaps.
FAQs
Is an unknown caller and no caller ID the same?
There is a difference between no caller ID and unknown caller. Both are different as no caller ID is a call from someone who wants to keep their identity private and deliberately hides the number. An unknown caller is a call from a number unrecognized by the mobile service provider. In both cases, the number that is not visible; however, the reason the number is not shown is different. Hence, these two are different.
Does no caller ID mean they are in your contacts?
It is not necessary that the no caller ID is someone in your contacts as it may or may not be the case. However, no caller ID doesn’t necessarily indicate anything.
How do I call back a no caller ID?
Dial *69 after you’ve received a call from a private number. This code will help reveal the private number; hence, you’ll be able to call back the number with no caller ID.
Can the police trace a no caller ID?
Yes, police can trace any number easily, whether it is a number with no caller ID or an unknown number. With assistance from mobile network providers and law enforcement agencies, police can easily trace any number, especially if the private number seems suspicious.
