What is a Restricted Call? Definition, How to Block, and Safety Tips

Most people have ever received a call labeled “Restricted,” “Private,” or “Unknown” on their caller ID. What does it mean, and why would people choose to hide their numbers? These questions leave many users not sure whether to answer or block the call.

In fact, a restricted call is when the caller intentionally blocks their number from appearing on your caller ID. It’s a deliberate privacy choice, not an accidental lack of caller information.

To help you deeply understand the restricted call, this complete guide covers the key differences between different types of calls, like private/unknown numbers and VoIP calls, and explores the reasons why people use these calls, along with safety tips to block and trace them.

What Exactly is a Restricted Call?

When a call is restricted, it indicates that the caller is intentionally hiding their number from your caller ID. It operates across mobile and landline devices, set up by the callers themselves or their phone service providers. This is often used by someone or businesses who want to keep their identity private for various reasons.

Besides, you may notice these calls are labeled as “Restricted,” “Private,” or “Unknown” on your caller ID. What’s the difference between a restricted call and a private/unknown number? Let’s explore them in the following parts.

Restricted Call vs. Private/Unknown Number

At first glance, a restricted call may seem similar to a private or unknown number. However, the key difference between them is how the caller’s information is hidden and the purpose behind it.

A restricted call means that the caller is deliberately blocking their number through settings or by using a special code, such as *67 in the U.S. A private number is often used interchangeably but refers to the same intentional blocking. An unknown number, by contrast, is typically a call where the number isn’t transmitted (e.g., international calls, unregistered lines) rather than actively blocked.

Here are the key differences between them

Restricted Calls vs. VoIP Calls

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a communication technology that enables your calls over the internet using services like Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp. VoIP calls often show a user ID or registered number instead of a phone number, while restricted calls are traditional phone calls where the number is manually blocked.

In a word, VoIP calls can be restricted, but not all VoIP calls are restricted. This is because restricted calls can work on both PSTN (traditional phone system) and VoIP networks, while VoIP calls rely on internet connectivity.

How Does a Restricted Call Work

A restricted call often works by blocking the caller ID transmission during a call setup. When the call feature, like Android’s “Block Number,” is enabled, its service provider will block the number from being sent to the recipient’s network.

The restricted call can be set up temporarily or permanently. To be specific, if you want to make the call for one time, dial a code like *67 (in the U.S.) before a number-this hides the ID for that call. If you prefer permanent restrictions, you can tweak your phone settings (iOS/Android) or adjust your carrier account to block the phone number automatically. Once enabled, the recipients will see “Restricted,” “Private,” “Unknown,” or other similar labels on their screen.

Why Do People Use Restricted Calls

There are many possible reasons why people might make restricted calls or use private numbers, and they can be divided into two main purposes: legitimate or malicious. Most restricted calls serve legitimate needs, such as privacy protection and business uses, while 9% to 23% of such calls are flagged as spam or fraud, according to Hiya Global Call Threat Report in Q2 2025.

Legitimate Reasons

1. Data Privacy

This is the most common reason both individuals and businesses use restricted calls to protect the privacy of their phone numbers.

For individuals, they may want to hide their numbers when contacting sellers online, responding to ads, or reaching out to someone they do not know well. For example, a person calling a stranger from Facebook Marketplace may use a restricted call to avoid potential misuse of their information.

For businesses, they often restrict their outbound numbers to keep internal lines private. A customer service agent, for instance, may use a restricted call so the customer cannot bypass the support system and ring the agent’s personal or direct extension.

2. Business Use

Lots of companies, particularly in sales teams and call centers, choose to make restricted calls so that customers can contact them but cannot call them back. For example, a sale representative uses a restricted call to reach out for service promotions, which ensures all follow-up communication goes through the company’s official hotline or CRM callback system.

3. Emergency Services

In addition, some emergency or government agencies restrict their numbers to protect operational privacy and prevent public callbacks. A police investigator, for instance, may contact a witness using a restricted number to avoid revealing a direct line. This method not only protects witnesses from potential harm but also preserves the integrity of sensitive operations.

Malicious Reasons

1. Scams

Many fraudsters use restricted calls to hide their identity while attempting to scam or steal personal information from individuals. They may disguise themselves as bank employees, insurance agents, or other professionals to defraud. These calls may pop up something like “urgent account alerts,” “verification requests,” “refund approvals,” and more.

2. Harassment

Harassment is another common malicious use of restricted calls. Some individuals may use restricted calls to harass others while keeping their identity concealed. This situation often happens in cases of stalking, bullying, or unwanted romantic advances. If the caller’s phone number can’t be traced promptly, this will lead to significant distress and insecurity for the victim.

3. Telemarketing

Restricted calls also occur in telemarketing, especially for those who engage in illegal or aggressive marketing activities. This method can help them avoid being detected and make it harder for customers to trace or block them. Unlike legitimate business needs, these calls usually bypass call-blocking apps or services for scams or unwanted offerings.

How to Block Restricted Calls on Any Device

Blocking restricted calls has become increasingly important to protect your privacy and reduce disturbances. According to reports from Hiya:

“Nearly 20 billion calls globally were flagged as suspicious, with a significant number being unknown or restricted calls.”

So, how to block restricted calls successfully? You can refer to the following 3 methods depending on your device and needs.

Blocking Restricted Calls on iPhone (iOS)

On iPhone (iOS), you can restrict calls by using the built-in feature: “Silence Unknown Callers”. This feature can forward the call from numbers not in your contact list directly to voicemail, preventing your phone from ringing, while it also blocks legitimate calls from unknown numbers, such as businesses. Here’s how to enable it:

Step 1. Navigate to your iPhone app settings and tap on “Phone” or “Face Time”

Step 2. Scroll down a bit to “Call Filtering” and tap on “Silence Unknown Callers”.

Step 3. Toggle on the switch next to the feature. Then the unknown calls will be blocked.

Blocking Restricted Calls on Android Devices

The process may vary from different Android devices depending on your manufacturer, but most devices provide a similar feature to block restricted calls. Let’s follow the guick guide below:

Step 1. Open your Android phone and tap on the “Gear-shaped” icon to open the “Settings” option.

Step 2. Scroll down to select “Call Settings”, find and tap on “Block numbers, Spam and Call Screen, or other similar features.

Step 3. Toggle on the option of “Block calls from unknown/private numbers” or “Filter spam calls” to enable it.

Using Carrier Services and Third-Party Apps

Using the built-in feature of your phone is simple and straightforward, but it lacks advanced spam detection. If you want to have a more customizable approach or network-level solution, carrier services and third-party apps are worth trying.

Carrier services are reliable, network-level solutions often provided by your phone network operator. They can filter restricted or unknown numbers before they even reach your phone. Here are several best free carrier services that help you block restricted or unwanted calls:

• Verizon Call Filter
• T-Mobile Scam Shield
• AT&T Call Protect
• Sprint's Call Screener

Third-party apps offer you more flexibility and customization when blocking restricted or unknown calls. These apps can identify, block, and even trace restricted calls to suit your needs. After testing dozens of tools, we narrowed it down to the top 3 third-party apps:

• Hiya
• RoboKiller
• Truecaller
• Call Blocker

Can You Trace a Restricted Call

Yes, you can trace a restricted call—but it’s not always easy, as these numbers are designed to stay hidden. However, you can try the 3 accessible methods that have been proven useful.

Method 1. Contact Your Carrier Service

Many carrier services can assist you in tracing a call if you are constantly harassed by unwanted calls. It’s a straightforward and reliable way. To trace the call successfully, you should provide key details as possible, including call times, dates, and content, so that they can use their network data to trace the number or file a formal complaint.

Method 2. Use Expert Call Tracing Apps

In fact, there are some professional call tracing apps, like Hiya and Truecaller, that can help you identify the hidden phone number. These apps track numbers by matching call patterns or using community-driven reports from their massive databases. It’s a user-friendly and fast solution.

Method 3. Law Enforcement Agencies

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reach out to law enforcement agencies. In certain extreme cases, such as criminal activity or harassment, this approach is the most effective. They trace the origin of restricted calls through legal channels, ensuring your legal rights are protected.

FAQs

1. How to make a restricted call?

The simplest method is to dial *67 before the phone number you want to call to hide your number. Besides, you can turn off the "Show my caller ID" setting in your phone's settings for all calls if possible.

1. How to call back a restricted number?

In most cases, it’s difficult to call back a restricted number directly because most restricted numbers block any callbacks.

1. Is it safe to answer a restricted call?

Most restricted calls from certain call centers are legitimate, and you can answer them. However, some can be scams, so it’s best to be cautious and avoid giving out your personal information.

1. Who sends restricted phone calls?

Restricted phone calls can be sent by individuals, businesses, government agencies, scammers, and telemarketers due to legitimate or malicious reasons.

1. How to find out who called from a restricted number?

It is not easy to find out who called from a restricted number, but some third-party apps may help identify the caller. Besides, you can try contacting the carrier service and law enforcement agencies, although it’s time-consuming.

1. What is a restricted call on Verizon/Android?

A restricted call on Verizon or Android is similar to other networks, where the caller’s number is hidden either by dialing a special code or by the carrier.