What is the Difference Between Unknown Caller vs No Caller ID?

March 13, 2024 By Christine Margret No Comments 7 minutes

While Unknown Caller vs No Caller ID may seem alike, they carry distinct meanings. “No Caller ID” occurs when the caller intentionally conceals their number, whereas “Unknown Caller” arises from technical issues where your service provider fails to identify the contact. To learn more about it, keep on reading below.

Unknown Caller vs No Caller ID

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Unknown Caller vs No Caller ID- What’s The Difference?

Distinguishing between “Unknown Caller” vs. “No Caller ID” can be quite the puzzle. Picture this: you’re expecting a crucial interview call, and your phone buzzes with an unknown number flashing on the screen. Heart racing, you answer, only to be greeted by a telemarketer’s spiel about insurance plans.

Frustrating, right? So, you decide to filter out all those mystery calls. But wait, here comes another twist – now you’re getting calls labeled “No Caller ID” too!

Confused, I reached out to my mobile operator for clarity. According to them, “No Caller ID” means someone purposely hides their number, while “Unknown Caller” signifies a glitch where the number isn’t recognized by your service provider.

Their advice? Decline such calls and consider using third-party apps for added security. Let’s understand both in detail.

What Does “Unknown Caller” Mean?

When your phone flashes “Unknown Caller,” it means your device couldn’t fetch caller ID info due to network glitches. Even if the caller’s in your contacts, your provider struggles to ID them.

This label might pop up for international calls too. Your provider might not recognize foreign numbers due to telecom variations.

If an unfamiliar number calls unexpectedly, it’s wise not to answer. Important folks will leave a message if needed. Keep your voicemail ready for any important updates!

What Does “No Caller ID” Mean?

When you spot “No Caller ID” on your phone, it means the caller deliberately kept their number hidden, maybe for privacy or professional reasons. This trick is common among fundraisers or telemarketers who don’t want you calling them back.

But here’s the catch: while some genuine callers use this feature, it’s also a favorite tactic of scammers and stalkers. They hide behind it to pull off shady schemes without getting caught. This sneaky move can lure curious folks into answering, unknowingly falling into scammers’ traps. Stay vigilant!

Advantages and Disadvantages of “Unknown Caller” Vs. “No Caller ID”

So, let’s break down the pros and cons of “Unknown Caller” and “No Caller ID” for both those making calls and those receiving them.

For an “unknown caller,” the perk is that it might be less intimidating for recipients cautious about answering unknown numbers. Yet, it can be a bother for those who prefer knowing the caller’s identity before picking up.

On the flip side, “no caller ID” gives callers the power of anonymity. But, it can be a source of frustration for recipients not keen on responding to blocked or private numbers.

Ultimately, the choice between unknown or no caller ID lies with the caller. However, it’s crucial to understand that recipients may hesitate to answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. Choose wisely!

The Purpose of Unknown Caller

The purpose behind an Unknown Caller is often rooted in technical hiccups rather than deliberate intent. When a call is labeled as Unknown Caller, it’s usually because the recipient’s carrier network can’t recognize the calling number. Sometimes, users intentionally hide their information by dialing *67 before dialing the recipient’s number.

But here’s the key difference between No Caller ID and Unknown Caller: No Caller ID is a deliberate action by the caller to hide their information using a specific setting. On the other hand, Unknown Caller indicates a technical issue on the carrier network’s end, where it struggles to interpret the incoming number.

How to Block No Caller ID on iPhone and Android: A Step-by-Step Guide

To safeguard against potential scams and protect personal information, it’s essential to block No Caller ID and Unknown Caller calls. Fortunately, both Android and iPhone devices offer features to block such calls. Follow these steps:

Blocking on Android:

Unlock your Android device and open the Phone app.
Tap on the three vertical dots at the top-right corner of the screen.
Select “Settings.”
Tap on “Block” or a similar option.
Activate the “Block Private Numbers” option.

Note: The steps might vary based on the Android device manufacturer. For further assistance, contact your carrier service provider.

Blocking on iPhone:

Unlock your iPhone and open the “Settings” app.
Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
Look for the “Silence Unknown Callers” option.
Toggle the “No Caller ID” option to block.

How to Block Unknown Caller ID on iPhone and Android: A Step-by-Step Guide

For Android:

Android users can easily block calls from Unknown Caller IDs by following these steps:

Unlock your device and open the Phone app.
Tap the three vertical dots at the top-right corner.
Select “Settings.”
Tap on “Block” or a similar option.
Toggle the “Block Unknown Caller” option to activate.

Note: “Unknown” doesn’t necessarily mean unsaved numbers attempting to call.

For iPhone:

To block Unknown Callers on iPhone, follow these steps:

Unlock your iPhone and open the Phone app.
Tap “Recent Calls” at the bottom.
Tap the ‘i’ icon next to the Unknown Caller ID.
Scroll down and select “Block Caller.”
Confirm by tapping “Block” to activate the block.

How to Reveal An Unknown Caller?

To uncover unknown callers, there are several methods you can employ:

1. Utilize the 57 Technique

When you receive an unknown call, dial *57 to trace the number. This sends a request to your service provider, initiating a trace on the previous caller’s number. If successful, you’ll receive a confirmation sound or beep indicating the trace was successful. This service, known as Malicious Caller Identification Service (MCIS), is a paid option offered by major phone companies. Any associated fees will be added to your monthly bill. However, if the trace is unsuccessful, you’ll receive an unsuccessful beep sound. Despite this, it’s a valuable tool to determine the origin of an unknown call.

2. Employ True Caller App

Another effective method is to use the True Caller app, available for both Android and iPhone users. This app not only identifies unknown callers but also provides tools to automatically block spam calls. By screening incoming call details, True Caller can reveal the identity of unknown callers, offering peace of mind and protection against unwanted calls.

3. Reach Out to Your Phone Company

Your phone company can also assist in identifying unknown callers. They have access to private number details and can provide information if a particular number has been repeatedly calling, threatening, or harassing you. However, there may be limitations due to privacy laws that prevent the carrier from revealing personal information without proper cause. In some cases, they may require involvement from relevant law enforcement agencies to divulge such information.

4. Report to Local Authorities

If you continue to receive calls from unknown numbers and feel threatened or harassed, filing a report with local authorities is advisable. Provide as much detail as possible, including the voices heard, call times, and any other pertinent information. This enables the police to work with network carriers and employ advanced techniques to track down the individual behind the unknown calls. Cooperation with law enforcement agencies is crucial in resolving such situations and ensuring your safety.

Conclusion- Unknown Caller vs No Caller ID

In conclusion, knowing the difference between “Unknown Caller” and “No Caller ID” can help you better understand incoming calls on your phone.

When you see “Unknown Caller,” it means your phone couldn’t recognize the number due to technical issues with the network. On the other hand, “No Caller ID” means the caller deliberately hid their number, either for privacy or professional reasons.

Being aware of these distinctions can help you decide whether to answer a call or take precautionary measures to block unwanted or potentially risky calls. Always prioritize your safety and privacy when dealing with unknown or anonymous callers.