Private number settings let you hide your outgoing caller ID in some situations. Used sensibly, that can be a useful privacy tool. Used carelessly, it can also make genuine calls harder for other people to trust or answer. The right approach is deliberate, limited use rather than hiding your number all the time without thinking about the trade-off.
When withholding your number makes sense
There are legitimate reasons to hide your number. You may be calling a seller on a marketplace, contacting a service for the first time, protecting your personal mobile while handling work-related tasks, or trying not to expose your everyday number too widely. In those cases, withholding caller ID can be sensible.
How it is commonly done in the UK
Many UK users withhold their number on a one-off basis by dialling 141 before the number they want to call. Some providers also let you make withholding permanent until you change the setting. If you need a lasting setup, check your provider's official guidance rather than relying on old forum posts.
Why constant withholding can backfire
A withheld number often looks suspicious because so many nuisance and sales calls use the same tactic. The person you are calling may decline to answer, route you to voicemail, or use anonymous call rejection. If the call is important, hiding your number may make your life harder rather than easier.
A better middle ground
Use number withholding when you have a clear reason, not as the permanent default for every call. If you need ongoing separation between public and private use, a secondary or virtual number is often the cleaner option.