But while blocking is meant to protect privacy, it can sometimes create communication barriers — especially if you genuinely need to reach someone who has blocked your number. Whatever the case, finding a way to reconnect — ethically and safely — is what this guide is all about.
In the sections below, we’ll explore how number blocking actually works, why some calls get filtered out, and most importantly, several legitimate methods to call a blocked number. You’ll also learn about privacy laws and alternative ways to get back in touch without crossing personal boundaries.
Understanding what “blocked number” means
Before trying to call a blocked number, it’s important to understand what blocking actually does — and what it doesn’t. When someone blocks your number, your calls and texts don’t simply “disappear.” They’re filtered or redirected in ways that vary depending on the phone, carrier, or app being used.
Being blocked by a person vs. a carrier or network
There are two main types of call blocking:
- Personal blocking: This is when an individual manually blocks your number through their phone settings or messaging app. Your calls typically go straight to voicemail, and your messages may not be delivered.
- Carrier or network blocking: This happens at the service level, often due to spam filters or security algorithms used by your mobile carrier. Your number might be flagged if it’s associated with high call volume, suspected spam activity, or incomplete caller ID information.
How phone blocking works on different devices
- On iPhone: When your number is blocked, calls are sent directly to voicemail without ringing. The person you’re calling doesn’t receive any notification. Text messages appear to send normally on your end but are never delivered.
- On Android: Behavior can vary by manufacturer (Samsung, Google, etc.), but typically, your call will disconnect after one ring or go straight to voicemail. Some Android phones even play a busy tone or message indicating that calls are being blocked.
- Third-party apps: Tools like Truecaller, Hiya, and carrier apps add an extra layer of filtering. They may block calls before they even reach the device, making them harder to bypass with simple tricks.
Signs indicating your number may be blocked
It’s not always easy to tell when you’ve been blocked, but here are a few common signs:
- Your calls go straight to voicemail repeatedly.
- You hear a single ring before disconnection.
- Text messages show as “sent” but never “delivered.”
- Calls connect when using another phone or a hidden number.
These signs alone aren’t proof, but together they can strongly suggest that your number has been blocked by the recipient or filtered out by their carrier.
Legal and ethical considerations before you try
Before attempting to call someone who has blocked your number, it’s essential to understand the legal and ethical boundaries involved. While there are legitimate reasons to reconnect, such as resolving a business issue or clarifying a misunderstanding, there are also clear lines you shouldn’t cross.
Why bypassing a block can raise legal or privacy issues
In most countries, there’s no specific law prohibiting someone from hiding their caller ID or using alternate methods to place a call. However, repeatedly attempting to contact someone who has clearly chosen not to engage could fall under harassment or privacy violation laws.
For instance:
- In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulate telecommunication privacy. Persistent unwanted contact may be treated as harassment under local or state laws.
- In the EU, GDPR and local data protection laws extend privacy rights to digital communication, including phone contact.
- In general, using spoofing technology to disguise your identity for malicious, deceptive, or fraudulent purposes is illegal under most telecom regulations.
So while there are lawful methods to reach a blocked number, they must always be used responsibly and respectfully.
Respecting personal boundaries and consent
Blocking someone is often a personal decision. It could stem from a desire for space, discomfort, or simply wanting fewer distractions. Trying to override that choice can damage trust or escalate conflict.
If you’re calling for personal reasons, consider whether a message through another medium (like email, social media, or a mutual friend) might be more appropriate. For professional or urgent matters, it’s best to keep your message short, polite, and direct once contact is reestablished.
Quick methods to call a blocked number
If you’ve confirmed that your number is blocked and you have a legitimate reason to reach the person, there are a few practical ways to try — without crossing legal or ethical boundaries. The following methods can help you make the call while keeping your identity private or routing through alternative systems.
Use caller ID blocking to hide your number
The simplest and most common way to call someone who’s blocked you is by hiding your caller ID. When you do this, your call appears as “Private,” “Unknown,” or “No Caller ID” on the recipient’s screen.
How to do it:
- In the U.S. and Canada, dial *67 before the number you’re calling (for example, *67 555-123-4567).
- In the U.K., use 141 before the number.
- In Australia, use 1831.
You can also hide your number permanently in your phone settings:
- iPhone: Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → Toggle Off
- Android: Phone App → Settings → Caller ID → Hide Number
Tip: Some people automatically block calls from private or hidden numbers, so this method may not always work.
Call using a VoIP service or internet calling app
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services allow you to make calls over the internet instead of traditional phone networks — and that can make a big difference if your number has been blocked at the carrier level. Since VoIP uses cloud-based routing rather than a mobile network, it can sometimes bypass network-based blocks or spam filters that stop regular calls from going through.
Popular VoIP options include:
- Voiso
- Skype
- Google Voice
- Viber
Voiso, for example, is a professional-grade cloud calling platform designed for secure, high-quality communication. It lets users make and receive calls using a business phone number, manage caller IDs, and maintain compliance with local privacy regulations. For legitimate or business-related reasons — like reconnecting with a client or confirming an urgent matter — Voiso ensures that your call is delivered reliably and professionally, even when traditional mobile routes fail.
Most VoIP platforms, including Voiso, also let you control your caller ID visibility or use alternate numbers for privacy. Before making a call, review your app’s caller ID and privacy settings to confirm how your information appears to the recipient
Use a different phone or SIM card
If you urgently need to reach someone and have consent to do so (for example, a missed business call or an emergency), try calling from another number:
- Borrow a friend’s or colleague’s phone.
- Use a secondary SIM card or prepaid number to test whether the block is device- or network-based.
This can help determine if your original number was blocked manually or automatically filtered by a spam system.
Tip: Services like Google Voice or Burner let you create temporary numbers for short-term communication while protecting your privacy.
Contact through an operator-assisted call
Before modern smartphones, operator-assisted calls were a reliable way to connect anonymously. While this method is rarely used today, some regions still allow you to request an operator to place a collect or assisted call.
However, most carriers have phased out this feature, so it’s typically only available for landlines or business lines. For mobile users, VoIP or secondary-number apps are far more accessible.
Device-specific workarounds
Every smartphone handles blocked calls a little differently. Knowing how your device processes blocked or hidden numbers can help you find legitimate workarounds when you need to reach someone. Here’s how it works on iPhone and Android devices.
How to call a blocked number on iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, Apple gives you built-in options to hide your caller ID — a simple and effective way to test whether your number is being blocked.
Steps to hide your number on iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone
- Select Show My Caller ID
- Toggle the switch off
Once disabled, your number will appear as No Caller ID or Private on the recipient’s phone. This can help your call go through if the person has blocked your specific number.
Another method you can try is to use FaceTime Audio. FaceTime calls rely on Apple ID rather than your phone number. If the other person uses iMessage or FaceTime, your call may still connect even if your number is blocked. Just open Contacts → Tap the person’s name → Tap FaceTime Audio.
Note: If the person has blocked your Apple ID, this method won’t work. Always respect that boundary.
How to call a blocked number on Android
Android devices vary by brand, but most include similar features for hiding your caller ID.
Steps to hide your number on Android:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu (or Settings)
- Go to Caller ID and spam or Call settings
- Tap Caller ID and choose Hide number
Your number will now show up as “Private” or “Unknown” on outgoing calls.
However, if your Android call still won’t connect, consider using a VoIP platform such as Voiso. Unlike standard mobile calls, Voiso routes calls through the internet, giving you a business-grade number that isn’t tied to your mobile line. This is especially useful for professionals trying to reconnect with clients or contacts whose networks may have flagged your number.
Tip: Always test your call settings first. Some carriers override your Caller ID preferences, so using a VoIP line can give you greater control over how your calls are displayed.
FAQs
Does *67 work for calling blocked numbers in all countries?
No. The *67 code works in the U.S. and Canada, but not in every country. Different regions use different prefixes to hide your caller ID — for example, 141 in the U.K. and 1831 in Australia. If you’re outside these areas, check your carrier’s website for local alternatives or use your phone’s Caller ID settings instead.
Can VoIP calls always bypass a blocked number?
Not always. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, like Voiso, sometimes connect even when carrier-level blocking is active, because they route calls through the internet rather than traditional phone networks. However, if a person has manually blocked your contact within the app or platform, your calls may still be restricted. Always use these methods responsibly and avoid repeated unwanted contact.
How can I hide my caller ID without using a special code?
You can disable Caller ID directly from your phone settings:
- iPhone: Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → Toggle Off
- Android: Phone App → Settings → Caller ID → Hide Number
Alternatively, VoIP apps like Voiso let you manage Caller ID visibility and display a professional business number for privacy or brand consistency.
Is it illegal to try to call someone who blocked me?
In most cases, it’s not illegal to make one attempt to contact someone who has blocked you. However, repeated or deceptive attempts to reach someone against their wishes may be considered harassment or a privacy violation, depending on local laws. When in doubt, use respectful communication channels or contact the person through legitimate professional means.
Will texting work if my number is blocked for calls?
Usually not. If someone has blocked your number, both calls and SMS messages will typically be filtered out. On iPhones, messages might appear as “sent,” but they’ll never reach the recipient. On Android devices, you may get a “message not delivered” notification.
Can a blocked number still leave a voicemail?
It depends on the device and carrier. On iPhones, blocked callers are usually sent directly to voicemail, but the message appears in a “Blocked Messages” folder the recipient rarely checks. On Android, the voicemail may not go through at all. Using a professional VoIP system like Voiso ensures your messages are logged properly and delivered securely, especially for legitimate business communication.
