How to Call a Restricted Phone Number: Complete Step by Step
– How to Call a Restricted Phone Number –
Wondering how to call a restricted phone number? Chances are you’ll check the number on the screen when your cellphone rings. But sometimes, that number may come through as Restricted, meaning that the person on the other end will probably dial *67 to block the number from displaying.
You can enter a three-digit code to call back a blocked number, but you can also use software to identify incoming telephone numbers in the first place, letting you know if to answer or not.
This article shows you how to find a blocked phone number and call it again. Blocked numbers do not show on your phone as normal caller IDs, meaning it’s difficult to call them back.
You can use the Call-Return code for your country to immediately call back a blocked number after they’ve called you, but you’ll most likely have to use a smartphone app such as TrapCall or Truecaller to identify the number.
Anonymous Call Tracing
Whether you get restricted calls late in the night or repeated calls all day long, blocked numbers can be a nuisance.
Ignoring calls from unknown numbers can sometimes work, but if you expect a big call or use your line for business, that’s not always an option.
Fortunately, there are ways in which you can trace the call back to the original number, but this has limitations.
The best way to call a restricted number is by entering a three-character code that is unique to the type of phone you use.
But that won’t always work, so you may need to rely on apps from third parties to send you the number you are calling.
You can also set up your phone to block incoming calls from unknown numbers, which will keep them from bothering you.
Trace Restricted Call With Code
As smart as telemarketers think they are, the oldest trick in the book can not count on you.
Last Call Return would call back the last call number that came into your account, even giving you the number before calling sometimes.
You’ll do this on a landline by dialing 69 as quickly as possible, or #69 on a cellphone*. This may not operate with all carriers, sadly.
It is important to note, however, that #69 can backfire on you. Some telemarketing apps will see your callback as checking that your number is working and using it to get in touch with you more frequently.
If you get quite a few restricted calls late at night, blocking restricted calls altogether might be worthwhile. That is going to keep them from coming in.
Tracing Using Apps
Technology can be your best friend in tracking down callers. Third-party apps such as Spyzie and True Caller ID & Dialer can provide you with information about incoming callers, though this information may not always be correct.
You may only get the caller’s location, but that can be helpful if you are worried about missing big calls by filtering out unknown callers.
Nonetheless, you may not need an anonymous device to call-trace. Carriers are increasingly offering free tools that will help their customers detect spam calls.
AT&T Call Protect features an improved caller ID that offers information about unwanted callers. Although these systems are newer and not flawless, as time goes by, they are likely to get better.
Block Restricted Calls
It’s only helpful to know who is calling if you can do something about it. When you know the number you can block future calls from it, but with unknown numbers, it won’t help.
Through your phone’s settings, you can block restricted calls, which will guarantee that anyone who blocks their number can not get with, but this could cause you to miss important incoming calls.
If the issue is that you get restricted calls late in the evening, it may be best to use your phones Do Not Disturb feature.
You can set specific hours, as well as make exceptions such as allowing in your Favorites list calls from everyone.
You can also make repeat calls from the same number, which will be helpful if someone from an unknown number is desperately trying to reach you.
Step by Step Methods
Method1: Using a Call-Return Code
Understand that this method may not work for you: Using a call-return code only works when the private or blocked number was the last number to call you, and even the call won’t go through if the masked number doesn’t belong to an individual.
If you use a call-return code and it doesn’t work, you can try tracing the number to report it to your carrier.
‣ Many private or restricted numbers are “robo-calls”, which are automated callers checking to see if your number is still in use. Calling back one of these numbers will alert them that your number is active, allowing other services or scammers to target your number.
‣ If someone calls you between the time you received a call from the private number and the time at which you use the call-return code, you won’t be able to redial the private number.
Determine your country’s call-return code. Common call-return codes include:
‣ United States – *69 or *82
‣ Canada – *69
‣ Australia – *69 or 1832
‣ France – 3131
‣ Israel – *42
Japan – 1361 to retrieve the number. Dialing *1363 will call back the number after we have retrieved it.
‣ UK – 1471 to retrieve the number. Dialing 3 when prompted will call back the number.
‣ Ireland – 142
‣ The Philippines – *999
Dial the call-return code: Using your phone’s dial pad, type in the call-return code and then press the “Call” button.
If you’re on a smartphone, open your phone’s phone app and select the dial pad tab if necessary.
Listen for the caller’s information: In many cases, the call-return service will report the caller’s number to you before calling it back. Perhaps, this is the case for you, make sure that you’re listening for the number.
‣ If using the call-return code simply calls the person, you don’t have to worry about this step or the rest of this method.
‣ Also, if the call-return service reports that the number is blocked or otherwise unavailable, you’ll need to try using TrapCall if on a smartphone. If on a landline or non-smartphone, the only thing that you can do is trace the number for your service provider.
Write down the caller’s number: In case you need to call this person in the future, having their actual number will be beneficial. This will also give you a definitive number to report to your carrier or police if necessary.
Call back the blocked number: Now that you know the number of the person who called you, you should be able to call the number in question like you would usually call a number.
Keep in mind that most blocked numbers are automated calls. If you receive a message saying that the number has been disconnected or something similar, the call wasn’t made by a person.
Try tracing the number: If you’re unable to call back or uncover the number and you don’t have a smartphone, you can trace the number for your carrier by dialing *57 in the United States. For this to work, you must answer the call when it comes in before you can trace it, and you must be prepared to follow up with local law enforcement.
‣ If you’re in a different country, contact your call service to determine what your trace code is.
‣ This step is usually reserved for serious matters (e.g., harassment or scams).
Method 2: Using TrapCall on Smartphones
Understand how TrapCall works: TrapCall takes incoming blocked calls on your iPhone or Android.
- TrapCall offers a free seven-day trial, after which point it costs $5.95 per month (plus a one-time $4.95 setup fee) to use.
Download TrapCall: Open your iPhone’s App Store or your Android’s Google Play Store, then do:
‣ iPhone — Tap Search, tap the search bar, type in trap call, tap Search, tap GET to the right of “TrapCall: Stop
‣ Block…”, and enter your Touch ID or Apple ID password when prompted.
Android — Tap the search bar, type in trap call, tap TrapCall: Unmask Blocked & Private, tap INSTALL, and tap ACCEPT.
Open TrapCall: Tap OPEN in the app store, or tap the TrapCall app icon on one of your phone’s home screens.
Tap Start Free Trial. It’s a green button at the bottom of the screen.
‣ On Android, you’ll tap Sign Up here.
Enter your account details: Fill out the following fields:
‣ Phone — Enter your phone number.
‣ PIN — Enter a four-digit code that you’d like to use to log into TrapCall.
‣ Email — Enter an email address that you’d like to associate with TrapCall.
‣ Plan — Tap this field, swipe from left to right to select the “Basic” plan, and tap Select Basic at the bottom of the screen.
Tap Continue: It’s at the bottom of the screen.
Select a payment method: Tap one of the payment options at the top of the screen. Your options will usually include a credit/debit card option and PayPal.
Enter payment information: Add your card’s number, security code, expiration date, and any other information that’s requested.
- If you use PayPal instead of a card, you’ll need to sign in to your PayPal account when prompted and agree to the on-screen terms, after which point you’ll be redirected back to the TrapCall app.
- When using PayPal, you may have to repeat the process a few times before TrapCall will recognize that you’ve entered payment information.
Tap Create My Account: It’s a green button at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to the “Permissions” page.
Enable TrapCall access: TrapCall will request access to your contacts, call blocking, and notifications.
To enable access for these items, tap the switch to the right of a category, then confirm your choice when prompted.
You may not have this option on Android.
Tap Continue: It’s at the bottom of the page.
Set up TrapCall: After a few seconds, TrapCall will prompt you to allow it to call you with a blocked number. Do so, then follow the on-screen setup instructions to finish optimizing TrapCall for your phone.
Wait for a blocked number to call: Unfortunately, TrapCall cannot unmask blocked numbers that called you in the past.
Decline the call: When the call comes in, tap the “Decline” or “Hang Up” button on the screen. This will add the number to TrapCall’s “Unmasked” section.
Allowing the call to ring out will prevent TrapCall from capturing its information.
Open TrapCall: Once you’ve declined the call, you’ll need to open TrapCall by tapping its app icon.
It may prompt you to log in. If so, enter your phone number and your PIN before proceeding.
Tap the Unmasked tab: It’s at the top of the screen. Doing so will open a list of recently unmasked calls, which should include the blocked call that you just declined.
Review the unmasked number: You should be able to see the call number, as well as any public information about the number (e.g., the name of the person or company who called).
Method3: Using Truecaller on Smartphones
1. Download Truecaller: Truecaller is a free app for both iPhone and Android users which can be used to identify and unmask unknown callers, especially if the callers are on a spam list.
2. To Download: open your smartphone’s App Store or your Android’s Google Play Store, then do the following:
- iPhone — Tap Search, tap the search bar, type in true caller and tap Search, tap GET next to the “Truecaller” heading, and scan your Touch ID or enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
- Android — Tap the search bar, type in truecaller, tap Truecaller: Caller ID, SMS spam blocking & Dialer in the drop-down menu, tap INSTALL, and tap ACCEPT when prompted.
- Truecaller offers the option to upgrade to a paid account which will increase the number of contact requests you can receive per month, as well as include the removal of ads.
3. Open Truecaller: Tap OPEN on the Truecaller app page to do so.
4. Enter your phone number: Tap the “Your phone number” text box, then type in your phone number (area code included).
5. Tap GET STARTED: It’s at the bottom of the screen.
6. Tap Yes when prompted: Doing so will cause Truecaller to send a verification text to you.
7. Verify your phone number:
Open your phone’s Messages app, review the six-digit code in the text message, and then type the code into the text box in Truecaller.
8. Create an account: Fill out the following fields:
- First Name — Type in your first name.
- Last Name — Type in your last name.
- You can also enter your email address in the “Email” text box, but this isn’t required.
9. Tap Continue: It’s at the bottom of the page.
10. Enable Truecaller in your smartphone’s Settings.
- iPhone — Tap Open Settings, then tap the “Back” button in the top-left corner of the screen, tap Phone, tap Call Blocking & Identification, and tap the white “Truecaller” switch. You can then return to Truecaller by double-pressing the Home button and tapping the Truecaller window.
- Android — Since this may vary depending on your Android’s model, follow the instructions in Truecaller.
11. Tap Skip: It’s in the top-right corner of the screen.
12. Allow Truecaller for your contacts: Tap Allow Permissions, then tap OK or Allow when prompted.
13. Update your Truecaller spam list: Tap the Spam ID tab, then tap Update now near the middle of the screen. This will ensure that the spam list is up to date with the latest spam numbers.
14. Keep Truecaller installed: Truecaller will automatically expose scam or spam calls and you should be able to view spam callers’ numbers if you want to call them back.
- If you’re receiving a call from a private number (e.g., another person’s cell phone), Truecaller won’t always display the number. If you encounter this problem, you can try using TrapCall instead.
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