How many times have you received an unwanted call from a telemarketer or a pesky creditor, only to wish you could make them disappear? If you’re like most people, you’ve tried various methods to block these calls, including using certain codes to prevent them from reaching your phone. But have you ever wondered, is it 67 or 69 to block a call? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of call blocking codes, explore their history, and provide answers to this burning question.
The History of Call Blocking Codes
Before we dive into the specifics of 67 and 69, let’s take a step back and examine the history of call blocking codes. In the early days of telecommunications, phone companies used a variety of codes to manage calls and provide additional features to customers. These codes, often referred to as “star codes,” were typically preceded by an asterisk (*) or a pound sign (#) and were used to access special features or services.
In the 1960s and 1970s, phone companies began to introduce call blocking codes as a way to give customers more control over their phone service. These codes allowed users to block certain types of calls, such as anonymous or toll calls, and even trace harassing calls. Over time, the use of call blocking codes became more widespread, and today they remain an essential tool for managing unwanted calls.
*67: The Per-Call Blocking Code
So, what about 67? This code is often referred to as the “per-call blocking code.” When you dial 67 before a phone number, it blocks your caller ID information for that specific call only. This means that the person you’re calling will not be able to see your phone number on their caller ID display. *67 is commonly used when you want to keep your phone number private, such as when calling a business or a stranger.
Here’s how it works:
- Dial *67 on your phone.
- Enter the phone number you want to call, including the area code.
- The call will be connected, and your caller ID information will be blocked.
It’s important to note that *67 only blocks your caller ID information for that specific call. It does not permanently block your number from being displayed on caller ID. If you want to block your caller ID information for all calls, you’ll need to contact your phone service provider to set up a permanent block.
*69: The Call Return Code
Now, let’s talk about 69. This code is often referred to as the “call return code.” When you dial 69, you can automatically dial the phone number of the last call you received. This feature is useful if you miss a call and want to call the person back, but you don’t have their phone number.
Here’s how it works:
- Dial *69 on your phone.
- The phone number of the last call you received will be automatically dialed.
Note that 69 only works for the last call you received, and it doesn’t provide any information about the caller, such as their name or location. Additionally, 69 may not work if the caller has blocked their caller ID information or if they’re calling from a private number.
Other Call Blocking Codes
While 67 and 69 are two of the most well-known call blocking codes, there are several others that you can use to manage unwanted calls. Here are a few examples:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| *70 | Temporarily disables call waiting for a single call. |
| *72 | Forwards calls to another phone number when your line is busy or not answered. |
| *77 | Enables anonymous call rejection, which blocks calls from callers who have blocked their caller ID information. |
| *82 | Unblocks caller ID information for a single call. |
Conclusion
So, to answer the question, is it 67 or 69 to block a call? The answer is neither! 67 is used to block your caller ID information for a specific call, while 69 is used to automatically dial the phone number of the last call you received. While both codes are useful, they’re not actually used to block calls.
If you’re tired of receiving unwanted calls, there are other steps you can take to block them. Consider registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, which can help reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. You can also contact your phone service provider to set up call blocking features or use a third-party call blocking app.
Remember, staying informed about call blocking codes and features can help you take control of your phone service and reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. So next time you’re wondering, “Is it 67 or 69 to block a call?”, you’ll know the answer!
What is the difference between *67 and *69?
The difference between 67 and 69 is their functionality. 67 is a vertical service code that allows you to block your caller ID from being displayed on the recipient’s phone. This means that when you dial 67 before the phone number, your caller ID will be blocked, and the recipient will not be able to see your phone number. On the other hand, *69 is a call return code that allows you to call back the last number that called you.
It’s essential to note that 67 only blocks your caller ID and not your number entirely. This means that if you’re calling a business or organization that uses caller ID systems, they may still be able to track your number. In contrast, 69 only works if you have a touch-tone phone and Caller ID service. It’s also important to note that not all phones or carriers support these codes, so it’s best to check with your service provider to see if they offer these services.
How do I block a call using *67?
To block a call using 67, simply dial 67 before the phone number you’re calling. For example, if you want to call the number 555-1234, you would dial 67-555-1234. This will block your caller ID from being displayed on the recipient’s phone. It’s essential to note that you need to dial 67 every time you want to block your caller ID, as it’s not a permanent setting.
Remember that 67 only blocks your caller ID and not your number entirely. This means that if you’re calling a business or organization that uses caller ID systems, they may still be able to track your number. It’s also important to note that not all phones or carriers support 67, so it’s best to check with your service provider to see if they offer this service.
How do I use *69 to call back the last number that called me?
To use 69 to call back the last number that called you, simply dial 69 on your phone. This will automatically call back the last number that called you. It’s essential to note that you need to dial *69 immediately after receiving the call, as the number will only be stored for a short period.
It’s also important to note that not all phones or carriers support 69, so it’s best to check with your service provider to see if they offer this service. Additionally, 69 may not work if the caller has blocked their caller ID or if the call was from a private or restricted number.
Will *67 and *69 work on my cell phone?
67 and 69 are vertical service codes that were originally designed for landline phones. However, many cell phone service providers also support these codes. To find out if your cell phone service provider supports 67 and 69, it’s best to check with them directly. Some carriers may have different codes or methods for blocking caller ID or calling back the last number that called you.
It’s also important to note that some cell phones may have different settings or features that can block caller ID or allow you to call back the last number that called you. For example, some smartphones have a “show my caller ID” or “hide my caller ID” setting that can be enabled or disabled. You can check your phone’s user manual or contact your carrier to find out more about these features.
Can I use *67 and *69 with VoIP phones?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones use internet-based technology to make calls. While many VoIP service providers support 67 and 69, it’s not a guarantee. It’s best to check with your VoIP service provider to see if they support these codes.
Some VoIP service providers may have different methods or settings for blocking caller ID or calling back the last number that called you. For example, they may have a web-based interface where you can manage your caller ID settings or a different code to dial. You can check your VoIP service provider’s user manual or contact their customer support to find out more about these features.
Are *67 and *69 universal codes?
67 and 69 are not universal codes that work on all phones and carriers. While they are widely supported in the United States and Canada, they may not work on phones or carriers in other countries. If you’re traveling abroad or making international calls, it’s best to check with your service provider to see if they support 67 and 69.
It’s also important to note that even if 67 and 69 are supported, they may not work in all situations. For example, some business or organizations may have systems in place to track caller ID, even if you’ve blocked it using *67. It’s always a good idea to check with your service provider to see if they offer any other methods for blocking caller ID or calling back the last number that called you.
Are there other ways to block a call or call back the last number that called me?
Yes, there are other ways to block a call or call back the last number that called you, depending on your phone and service provider. For example, some phones have a “do not disturb” mode that can block calls from specific numbers or at specific times. You can also use third-party call-blocking apps or services that can block calls from unwanted numbers.
Additionally, some service providers offer call management features that allow you to block calls or call back the last number that called you. For example, they may offer a “call return” feature that allows you to call back the last number that called you, even if you don’t have *69. You can check with your service provider to see what features they offer and how to use them.