No caller ID shouldn’t seem like a dead end. What if you could turn the tables on these hidden callers? Behind that blocked number is a wealth of information. All you need is the proper tools and techniques, which we will explore in this article. In no time, you can unmask hidden numbers, block spam, and take back control of your phone.

What is no caller ID?

“No Caller ID” refers to an incoming phone call where the caller intentionally conceals their identity. Usually, what would appear on your screen is “Unknown,” “Blocked,” or “No CallerID”.  This feature is often used by legitimate businesses, like hospitals, for privacy purposes. However, malicious actors such as spam and scam callers have begun using it to force engagement. The scale of this problem is increasing. In 2025, the Pew Research Center survey indicates 68% of U.S adults receive scam calls weekly. 

How to track a no caller ID phone call? 

The entire idea of a scammer or spammer forcing you to engage with them by keeping their identity hidden is menacing. Fortunately, here are some measures you can take to avoid speaking with spammers or scammers.

Use call trace *69

This is one of the best-known immediate action codes. You should always use this method. It requires that immediately after receiving a missed or answered “No Caller ID” call, you should dial the code *69 from your landline or mobile phone. The service would call back the last number that you dialed. Note that the primary function is to redial the number, not display it on your screen. Hence, if the number is blocked in a sophisticated way, the message would state that the phone number is “Unavailable.”

Dial *57

You should only use this code when you receive a harassing or threatening “No Caller ID”. It requires that you immediately dial the code “57 to activate a call trace using your telephone carrier automatically. However, note that this method won’t give you the caller’s phone number. Instead, it would log the details of that call, including the originating number, time, and date with your phone carrier. Then you can contact the law enforcement and have them send an order to your phone carrier to access the records. 

With carrier services

Many mobile carriers offer built-in services to combat spam and scam calls, which are the primary sources of “No Caller ID” calls. They won’t directly help you find out the no caller ID number. However, they’ll ensure that the calls that finally reach you are from important people. That said, you need to have set them up beforehand. Significant examples include AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, and T-Mobile Scam Shield. Typically, these tools offer a free service that automatically blocks fraudulent calls and alerts you to suspected spam. However, you’ll need their paid versions to access robust caller ID and reverse phone lookup.

With call-blocking & identification apps

Your mobile carrier isn’t the only one providing call-blocking and identification features. There are also third-party apps that use crowdsourced data and advanced algorithms to identify callers. Some great examples include Trapcall and Truecaller. 

• Trapcall

Trapcall is a service that specializes in unmasking blocked calls. When a “No Caller ID” call comes in, you can send it to the TrapCall voicemail. The service would then force the caller ID to be revealed using its database access and provide the results via text or app. There’s also call blocking and spam protection. 

• Truecaller

Truecaller specializes in identifying spam and telemarketing numbers. When the call comes in, even from an “Unknown” number, the app will cross-reference global databases to display the name or add labels such as “Telemarketer” or “Scam Likely.” That said, it works best for widespread spam numbers rather than a single private person who blocked their ID.

Via reverse phone lookup service

When you want to investigate that unknown phone number after the call, you should use a reverse phone lookup service. It helps after you’ve obtained the number through a service like TrapCall or if the caller left a voicemail. A reverse phone lookup service, such as LocatePhone, provides access to a growing global database, allowing users to view as much detail as possible, including connected social media profiles. Even when there aren’t enough details known about the number, you’ll see the carrier it’s registered to. This is beneficial, mainly since spammers or scammers are more commonly found using certain service providers. Here’s how it works:

• Go to Reverse call lookup by LocatePhone
• Enter phone number(plus country code).

• Click the lookup button. 
• Select the “Unlock All Results”
• Enter your email address. 

How to deal with no caller ID calls?

The most effective way to manage caller ID is by combining technology, vigilance, and proactive reporting. While it isn’t always possible to find who’s behind that phone call, you can still take charge of your peace of mind. Here are three critical steps you must employ.

Watch for red flags and risks.

First, always look for red flags. Fortunately, all scammers use a basic script in various ways. If you answer any call and immediately encounter any of these, hang up immediately:

• Urgency or veiled threats: The caller claims to be from the IRS, law enforcement, or a utility company. They demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or service disconnection. Legitimate companies never operate that way.
• Request for personal information: The caller asks for Social Security numbers, bank account details, passwords, or one-time verification codes. 
• Tantalizing offers: They say you won a prize, a vacation, or a lottery you never entered. These are classic scams designed to take your money or information.
• Pressure verification calls: The caller says, “Can you hear me?” because they want to record your voice to verify your identity and authorize transactions. 

Silence or block an unknown caller

You can simply block unknown callers from ever calling you. However, this comes with the risk that legitimate companies that keep their caller IDs secret won’t be able to reach you. That said, here are the two ways to manage them on either IOS or Android:

• On iPhone, go to Settings, then Phone, and select “Silence Unknown Callers”
• On Android, go to “Settings”, followed by “Apps” and then “Phone”. Finally, select “CallerID & Spam and then mark it to “Filter Spam Calls”

Report spam calls to the FTC

Reporting unwanted calls is also a crucial step in combating scammers. It won’t stop the individual scaler immediately. However, it helps the regulators and law enforcement target the worst offenders. Here’s how:

• Register your number at DoNotCall.gov. Scammers will often ignore this, but telemarketers won’t call you either.
• File a complaint: Report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the same website, DoNotCall.gov. 

FAQ

Can you track no caller ID on iPhone?

You can’t directly unmask “No Caller ID” from your iPhone. The only thing is silencing unknown callers, which means you won’t see them anymore. However, to unmask them, consider setting up third-party services like Truecaller or using carrier services like AT&T Call Protect. For additional investigation, use reverse phone lookup tools, such as LocatePhone.

Can you call back a no caller ID?

No, you can’t directly call back a “No Caller ID”. This is because the feature holding back the originating phone number makes sure there’s no “number to redial. It’s also why using the code *69 may sometimes fail to retrieve the phone number as well.

Can VoIP numbers also be traced?

Yes, but it’s more complicated since calls from VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) can only be traced through their service providers. Scammers often also use disposable spoofed VoIP numbers to make tracing even more difficult. You could try reverse lookup services to find as much information as possible about that VoIP number. 

Conclusion

“No Caller ID” calls can be anything from a minor annoyance to a potential security risk. And it isn’t always possible to unmask callers intentionally using this approach to connect with you. But you are far from powerless. Use the techniques we’ve discussed in this article, alongside recognizing red flags and actively reporting spam. Ultimately, you won’t be able to identify every hidden number. But you can reclaim your privacy and take charge of your security.