Difference Between No Caller ID and Unknown Caller – Block on iPhone and Android

Dealing with unknown callers regularly can be frustrating, especially when you are engaged in professional commitments or involved with housework. Initiating unknown calls, especially nuisance calls, is conventionally practiced by telemarketers who try to woo recipients into purchasing a specific product. Smartphone users may also receive calls with no caller ID, which fuels our curiosity about the difference between No Caller ID and Unknown Caller.

This post addresses the primary concept of No Caller ID vs. Unknown Caller and identifies relevant solutions that allow us to block such unwanted calls. Let’s get started!

What Does No Caller ID and Unknown Caller Mean?

When a recipient gets a call with No Caller ID, it generally means that the caller is trying to mask their identity by hiding the number. On the flip side, receiving calls from an Unknown Caller means that your carrier network fails to recognize and interpret the calling number concerned. Premium carrier networks such as Talk Home recommend users ignore such calls as they may be initiated by scammers with the intention to cause financial harm.

To better understand the difference between No Caller ID and Unknown Caller, let us analyze their independent definitions and purpose.

Differences Between “Unknown Caller” and “No Caller ID”

An “Unknown Caller” appears when the phone carrier is unable to identify the caller, often due to technical issues, network limitations, or international calling protocols.

On the other hand, “No Caller ID” shows up when the caller intentionally hides their information.

The table below highlights the key differences between these two terms:

The Purpose of No Caller ID

No Caller ID calls are initiated by people who deliberately wish to mask their phone number and identity. The option of hiding the phone number entirely is present on several mobile devices by updating specific settings. Once the feature of No Caller ID is activated, a user can initiate calls privately without disclosing details about their phone number.

This feature is conventionally used by businesses or telemarketers that do not wish to disclose private information about the organization concerned. General users may also work with this feature if they wish to communicate with a recipient only once, without any commitments of a follow-up call. The text “Unknown” or “Private” is displayed on the caller ID when a call is initiated with the activated No Caller ID setting.

The Purpose of Unknown Caller 

As already specified, calls made by an Unknown Caller are generally detected when the recipient’s carrier network does not recognize the calling number. Users may also mask calls by dialing *67 before feeding in the actual number of the recipient concerned. 

However, the primary difference between No Caller ID and Unknown Caller is the final intention of the caller. By activating the No Caller ID feature, a user intentionally hides their information from the recipient through this special setting. In contrast, receiving calls from an Unknown Caller refers to a technical issue faced by the carrier network to interpret a number.

Interesting Read: Block Calls on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Block No Caller ID on iPhone and Android?

Users must consider blocking No Caller ID and Unknown Caller calls as scammers might initiate them with an agenda to leak personal information. Fraudulent calls are conventionally made from hidden caller IDs. Thankfully, modern mobile devices offer additional amenities that allow us to block calls made from No Caller ID iPhone and Android. Follow the steps highlighted below:

Block on Android

Android users must follow these simple steps to block No Caller ID calls:

• Step 1: Unlock your device and navigate to the Phone application.
• Step 2: Now click on the three vertical dots featured on the top-right side of the screen.
• Step 3: Select the “Settings” option.
• Step 4: Click on the “Block” option.
• Step 5: Toggle and activate the “Block Private Numbers” option.

The instructions highlighted above are subject to change according to the Android manufacturer concerned. Seek assistance from your carrier service provider to gain more information.

Block on iPhone

iPhone users must follow these simple steps to block No Caller ID calls:

• Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the primary “Settings” application.
• Step 2: Scroll through to locate and click on the “Phone” option.
• Step 3: Users will be able to locate the “Silent Unknown Callers” option under this tab.
• Step 4: Toggle the “No Caller ID” option On to block.

How to Block Unknown Caller ID iPhone and Android?

Block on Android

Android users must follow similar steps to block calls made from an Unknown Caller ID. Here is how:

• Step 1: Unlock your device and navigate to the Phone application.
• Step 2: Now click on the three vertical dots featured on the top-right side of the screen.
• Step 3: Select the “Settings” option.
• Step 4: Click on the “Block” option.
• Step 5: Toggle the “Block Unknown Caller” option On to activate.

Users must note that the term “Unknown” does not indicate unsaved numbers attempting to connect via call.

Block on iPhone 

iPhone users can effectively block Unknown Callers by navigating to the “Recent Calls” option. Here is how:

• Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the primary Phone application.
• Step 2: Now Click the “Recent Calls” option, which should be at the bottom of your screen.
• Step 3: Tap the ‘i’ icon situated adjacent to the Unknown Caller ID.
• Step 4: A pop-up option will appear where users must scroll through to identify the “Block Caller” option.
• Step 5: Tap on the block option to activate.

Related Article: How to Block Calls on Android with Ease?

Unmask No Caller ID Calls

Sometimes, there is a legitimate need to know the identity of the caller. Hence, the need for unmasking No Caller ID calls arises. Government officials or doctors often use this strategy to keep the identity of a patient secret. Be sure to follow the steps highlighted below to track No Caller ID:

A. Dial *69

A simple way to unmask No Caller ID calls is by dialing in *69 after receiving the call from an individual. Users must first accept the call and then punch in *69 in the dial pad to reveal contact information.

B. Try Phone Lookup Service Online

There are multiple phone lookup service providers online that can assist users in tracking calls made by No Caller IDs. However, most of these platforms offer paid services and may not disclose complete caller identity. Thus, it is imperative that users conduct thorough research of the platform before paying for the lookup services.

C. Install Call Blocking and Third-Party Dialer Applications 

Users may choose to download and work with external call blocking and dialer applications, which sometimes highlight contact details and the name of the caller with No Caller ID. Most of these apps are available for free; therefore, it’s worth giving these apps a shot.

D. Try Calling Back

Users may try calling Unknown Callers back and addressing the issue directly to find relevant answers. For additional assistance, ensure to inform your carrier network so that effective solutions are identified.

Why do you Receive Calls from No Caller ID or Unknown Callers?

Scammers generally initiate no Caller ID and Unknown Caller ID calls. However, other privacy-related reasons exist for professionals, such as doctors and government officials to adopt this calling technique. Certain business organizations may also need to conduct anonymous calls to uphold privacy.

Moreover, the Unknown Caller ID is often generated due to technical issues a carrier network faces as it fails to recognize a number. Calls made from an Unknown Caller ID do not specifically indicate scams. The best example would be initiating international calls, which are often not recognized by local carrier networks.

However, users must be aware of calls made from No Caller ID or Robocalls and effectively block the number concerned to maintain safety and data privacy.

Conclusion

These were some of the foremost aspects that helped us to understand the difference between No Caller ID and Unknown Caller. Smartphone users must collaborate with expert carrier firms with enhanced security protocols to limit fraudulent activities through Unknown Caller and No Caller IDs.

Have more questions about No Caller ID vs. Unknown Caller ID? Connect with the customer support team at Talk Home to find all the answers. Talk Home provides the widest network reach in the UK, making 5G connectivity easier, faster, and affordable. Check the official website of Talk Home to learn more.

FAQs