Here's how to identify and display a call from a hidden or unknown number

It is not uncommon to receive calls from unknown numbers, or from hidden numbers. Indeed, some malicious people can have fun calling us on a private number or from a number that is not on our contact list. These unwanted calls can quickly become annoying, especially when the person on the line hangs up as soon as you answer the phone.

 Unmasking an unknown or hidden number is not an easy task. However, there are tricks to try to find out who is behind this call. We tell you more.

First you have to differentiate between an unknown number, and a hidden or private number. The first refers to a number that is not part of our contact list, and that our phone has not identified. As for the hidden number, it means that the caller has voluntarily hidden his telephone number. The way to recognize the caller differs depending on the case.

How to find out who is calling on an unknown number?

In this case, the number is displayed, but we cannot know who it is, since it is not saved in our contact list. The first instinct to have when you receive an unknown number is to copy the phone number and paste it into the Google search engine. You may come across forums or pages that complain about that same number, especially if it's spam, sales calls, or even worse, scams.

If Google does not provide you with any useful information, you can use the yellow pages or the white pages. Their databases will allow you to find out who this unknown number belongs to. If the search does not yield any results, you can use applications designed for this purpose. We can take the example of Truecaller or NumBuster. These apps provide information about the caller, including their first and last name, provided they are registered in their database. These applications also offer the possibility of blocking unwanted calls, especially those from telemarketers or spammers.

How to unmask a private or hidden number?

Some malicious people can call us without us being able to know their phone number. To do this, they simply dial #31# followed by our number. This is how, when our phone rings, we see “Unknown number” or “Private number” displayed.

Call forwarding to identify a hidden number

Automated call forwarding is a technique that can be used for Android or Iphone phones, but it may not work on the first try. To activate it, you must ask your mobile operator to redirect your incoming calls to another number. So any hidden number that tries to reach you will be shown when redirected to your second number.

Use apps to recognize hidden number

Some applications downloadable from Play store can help you identify a hidden number, but their effectiveness is controversial. These apps aren't 100% safe, but you can try them out and see which one works for you. For example, you can use mSpy. Although it is basically a parental control app, you can use it to protect yourself from malicious people. mSpy allows you to record all the information about the calls you receive, including the caller's number, even if it is a hidden call. This application also allows you to block unwanted numbers. Moreover, you can use it to filter the numbers that call your children, and thus anticipate situations of telephone harassment.

Contact the police to find out who is calling on a hidden number

The most reliable and secure method of exposing the identity of the caller is to request it from the police, especially if this number is harassing you. The police will trace the number and inform you of its owner.

How to avoid receiving calls from unknown or hidden numbers?

The only way to get rid of these annoying calls is to block them

– For Android phones: Go to “Settings”, then “Call blocking”. Choose “Block list” and tap on “Block anonymous calls”.

– For iPhone phones: Go to “Settings”, then open “Do not disturb”. Choose "Manual", press "Allow calls from", and then "All contacts".

Only, the disadvantage with this setting is that you risk blocking all numbers that are not on your contact list. This can concern malicious people who call on a hidden number, but also people you may know, but whose number is not saved on your phone.

These tips will help you identify any anonymous calls you receive. This will protect you from malicious calls, or even spam, and will prevent you from changing your phone number.