Names and mobile numbers on phone calls from private numbers or blocked numbers will not be visible. Finding out a number like this is difficult without resorting to special services or taking legal action. In most cases, you won't be able to redial a blocked number, and the only people who can find out the number's information are your cellular operator or law enforcement. However, if you receive frequent calls like this and want to stop them, you can investigate further using a phone tracking service or a dedicated cell phone app. Or alternatively, learn how to block all phone calls from private numbers.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Tracking Using a Landline
Step 1. Trace the phone call by dialing *57 immediately after ending the call with the private number or blocked number
You should only take this step if the call is threatening or obscene. Your telephone operator will receive this notification, and record the number and date and time the call was made. You are then expected to take legal action by reporting the date and time of the phone call you tracked to the police or other authorities. A recorded sound will be played to let you know that the number has been tracked and stored in the archives of your telephone operator, as well as providing guidance on reporting the person calling you to the authorities.
- You have to answer the phone call to track it down. Even if the caller disconnects when you pick up, you can still track him as long as the call has been answered.
- Some phone carriers and authorities require you to trace at least three times before taking legal action.
- You will have to pay for this service to most telephone carriers, whether or not you decide to report the number to the authorities. This fee can reach up to around IDR 130,000.00 for each phone call.
- You should only track calls that are threatening, obscene, or harassing.
Step 2. Activate the option to reject calls from unknown numbers in your telephone service by picking up the phone and pressing *77
Since figuring out a blocked phone number is so hard to do, perhaps rejecting all calls from a number like this in the future can help. This option will be activated and all unknown numbers, private numbers, or blocked numbers will be rejected. To turn off this option, you just need to dial *87 and hang up.
The unknown number calling you will receive a message to hang up and identify the number before calling you
Step 3. Try calling the number by dialing *69
This will activate the callback option, and the voice recording will give you the phone number of the person who last called you along with the date and time of the call, as well as the option to call them back. Callbacks can only provide information about the person who last called you.
- Unfortunately, this option cannot be used on blocked numbers or private numbers. If the number is blocked or hidden, an error message will tell you that the operator cannot provide data about the person calling you.
- If you have activated the option to reject unknown numbers, but still receive threatening or obscene calls, you can use the callback option to find out the number.
- This service may need to be activated by your telephone operator first, so contact their customer service to see if they provide callback service.
- You don't have to pick up a phone call to use a callback service. Some annoying callers or phone marketers will usually call you at the same time, so you just have to wait for the ringing to stop, and use the callback option to find out the number.
Step 4. If all else fails, ask your caller for the number directly
Ask the telephone marketer to put you on a list of numbers you don't want to call. Most telephone marketers need verbal reassurance that you won't be called back, or they'll keep calling you until you either end up buying or say they don't want to be called again.
Some callers may be difficult to talk to or accept your explanations. Don't give out your personal information and don't let the conversation go on to make you feel uncomfortable. Remember, you can always hang up to get out of the conversation
Step 5. Record the ongoing conversation with the caller and present it to the appropriate authorities
If there is a clear pattern of phone calls, it is likely that the authorities will take legal action. Record the date and time, as well as the conversation content of all blocked phone calls.
- If you are going to sue the caller, the fees may be substantial and the process quite lengthy.
- Be prepared to take difficult steps such as changing your phone number to protect yourself or following the guidelines given by the authorities to trace the number. This means you may have to interact with the caller or talk for a while on the phone to be able to track it.
Method 2 of 3: Unlocking the Number with Mobile
Step 1. Find out about services to unlock phone numbers and consider whether they suit you by visiting the website and reading user reviews
You can download several services to open blocked numbers to your cellphone, such as Trapcall and the Caller Identification App (CIA). Most of these services are paid and can be used on most smartphone devices. This service can open blocked or private numbers, record your conversations, and help block unwanted calls.
- Trapcall: Trapcall is a subscription service with a number of different service options. The most basic options will help you unlock a blocked phone number as well as provide some basic information about the number.
- Caller Identification App: although this service can't open blocked phone numbers, you can block unwanted calls and find out caller information from general data.
Step 2. Prepare your phone to use Trapcall or other similar apps
This means you have to download it to your phone by searching for and installing it from your phone's app store. You may have to purchase the application or subscribe to use the service.
This service should provide a step-by-step guide on how to install it on your phone. For example, to set up a Trapcall, you just need to dial a few numbers and send them. Each phone has a special set of numbers assigned by Trapcall via its website, according to your phone number, mobile operator and location. Then you will be given the option to test your phone and they will call you on an automatic number
Step 3. Unlock the blocked number
Each service has different guidelines for opening blocked numbers. Most services require you to wait for a call from a blocked number or private number, then press "Decline" or "Decline" on your phone. A few moments later, a phone call or message will come in along with the phone number that has been unlocked.
You can also call the number directly, view the information, or block it from contacting you again
Method 3 of 3: Blocking Phone Numbers on Smartphone
Step 1. Block phone number using iPhone
Unfortunately, this method can only be used if you know the phone number calling you. If your iPhone has an iOS version later than 8, you can block any number or contact. Open the "Phone" app and tap the circular symbol with a small "i" next to it to open the contact information. Swipe down and there should be an option to "Block This Number". Tap to block your contact.
Manage the contacts you block by going to "Settings" > "Phone" > "Block". Next, you can add other numbers you want to block or tap "Edit" to remove them from the list of numbers you blocked
Step 2. Block phone number on Android phone
Unfortunately, this method can only be used if you know the phone number or contact that called you. There are several ways to block phone calls on Android devices. The easiest way is to open the "Phone" app and go to the next screen. Tap the three-dot symbol, select "Settings", and tap "Call". On the next screen, tap on "Call Blocking".
- Tap "All incoming calls" to enable blocking all calls from your block list.
- If you don't have a blocked call list yet, tap "Block List" to enter the number.
Step 3. Block phone number on Windows 8 phone
Unfortunately, this method can only be used if you know the number calling you. Enable call blocking by swiping "Home Screen" and selecting "Settings". Tap on “Call+SMS Filter” and enable “Block Call+SMS” until the bar turns green.
- Block a specific number by going to the call list to search for the number to block. Press and hold the number for a few seconds until a small menu appears. Select "Block Contact".
- Manage the numbers you block by going to "Settings" > "Call+SMS Filter" > "Blocked Contacts".
Tips
- Every smartphone has different ways and steps to block contacts. Read the device's user manual or contact its service center for more information.
- Not all smartphones have the option to block numbers, especially on older phones.
- Find a way to record annoying calls or write down the information for reference. This will be useful if you want to file a lawsuit.
- Change your phone number and make sure to add it to the list of numbers marketers won't accept phone calls.
Warning
- Some services are not available in some countries.
- Only use a call tracker if you want to file a lawsuit. This service is a serious measure and is usually only used as a last resort to find out the origin of a blocked number.
