How to Call Back a Restricted Number

What Is a Restricted Number?

A restricted number is a phone number that has been intentionally hidden from caller ID. When a restricted number calls you, your screen might display:

• “Private Number”
• “Blocked Number”
• “Unknown Caller”

People restrict their numbers for various reasons—some do it for privacy, while others may have more questionable motives.

How to Call Back a Restricted Number

If you missed a call from a restricted number, here are a few ways you can try to call it back.

1. Use *69 (Last Call Return)

In many countries, dialing *69 on a landline or cell phone allows you to call back the last number that contacted you.

💡 How it works:

• Dial *69 immediately after receiving the restricted call.
• If the caller is still available, your call will connect.
• Some phone carriers will announce the last caller’s number before connecting the call.

✋ Limitations:

• This method may not work if the caller used *67 to block their number.
• Some phone carriers charge a small fee for using *69.
• It won’t work if another call comes in before you dial *69.

2. Check Your Call Logs or Phone Bill

Even if the call appeared as “Unknown” or “Restricted,” your phone carrier might have recorded the number.

💡 How to check:

• Phone Bill: Log in to your phone carrier’s online account and check your call history. Some carriers list all received calls, including private ones.
• Call Log on Phone: Go to your call history in your phone app. In rare cases, the number may be listed even if it was hidden at the time of the call.

✋ Limitations:

• If the caller has taken extra privacy measures, their number may not be recorded.
• Some phone carriers do not display private numbers on bills for privacy reasons.

3. Use Call Tracing

If you are receiving harassing or threatening calls from a restricted number, you may be able to trace the call using *57.

💡 How it works:

• Dial *57 immediately after the restricted call.
• Your phone carrier logs the caller’s number and can provide it to law enforcement.
• This method is commonly used for reporting harassment.

✋ Limitations:

• The traced number is not disclosed to you—it is only accessible by law enforcement.
• Some carriers charge a fee for using *57.

4. Use a Third-Party App to Identify the Caller

There are apps designed to unmask private numbers, including:

• TrapCall
• TrueCaller
• Hiya

💡 How these apps work:

• When you receive a call from a restricted number, the app intercepts it.
• The app unmasks the caller ID before the call reaches your phone.
• Some apps even provide a name, address, and spam risk level.

✋ Limitations:

• These apps often require a subscription.
• Some private numbers cannot be unmasked due to carrier restrictions.

5. Ask Your Phone Carrier for Help

Your phone carrier may be able to help identify restricted numbers. Some providers offer services to block or trace anonymous calls.

💡 How to check:

• Call your carrier’s customer support and ask if they can unmask restricted numbers.
• Some carriers allow you to block all calls that do not have a caller ID.

✋ Limitations:

• Carrier policies vary—some may not provide this service.
• There may be additional charges for unmasking private numbers.