How to Stop Anybody From Making Calls with Your Phone — Lock Out Local & International Outgoing Calls (Updated Guide)

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Smartphone showing outgoing-call barring confirmation with a padlock icon and another phone attempting to make a blocked call.


If you’ve ever worried someone else might use your airtime — family members, curious friends, or a careless employee — there are fast ways to restrict outgoing calls right from the handset. In 2014 I shared a neat trick using GSM call-barring codes; this post expands that into a complete, up-to-date guide with clear steps, warnings, and safer alternatives so you stay in control of who can call from your phone.

Quick reminder: network codes and behavior can vary by country and carrier. Always test changes and, if unsure, contact your mobile operator for exact instructions.

What this guide covers

  • How to use call-barring dial codes to block outgoing local and international calls

  • How to remove or change the PIN used with those codes

  • Troubleshooting when codes don’t work

  • Safer and more flexible alternatives (carrier controls, parental controls, app solutions)

The classic dial codes (from my 2014 post)

I originally posted these GSM codes — I’ve presented them here exactly as I wrote, and then I explain how they work and how to use them safely.

  • Lock local outgoing calls: *33*0000#

  • Unlock local outgoing calls: *33*0000#

  • Lock international outgoing calls: 331*0000#

  • Unlock international outgoing calls: #331*0000#

Important: Keep in mind the exact syntax and the default PIN (here shown as 0000) may vary by network and region. A common pattern for GSM supplementary services is *33*PIN# to activate barring, and #33*PIN# to deactivate it, while international call barring often uses *331*PIN# and #331*PIN#. Treat 0000 as an example PIN — change it to your personal PIN when possible.

Step-by-step: how to lock outgoing calls

  1. Decide the PIN — if your network uses a PIN for call barring, choose one you’ll remember (some networks use a default like 0000 or 1234). Write it down and store it securely.

  2. Dial the locking code — enter the code for the call type you want to block, for example *33*0000# (as in your old post) to attempt to block local outgoing calls. Press the call key.

  3. Wait for confirmation — your phone should display a confirmation or the network will send a message. If you see an error, note the message and try the alternative formats (*33*PIN# or #33*PIN#).

  4. Test the block — try placing an outgoing call (you can attempt a non-critical number like your own voicemail). If the call is blocked, the change worked.

How to unlock outgoing calls

  • Use the provided “unlock” codes, or the deactivation format your carrier specifies. In your post you used *33*0000# and #331*0000# — if those don’t work, try the mirrored forms (#33*PIN#, #331*PIN#) or contact your operator.

Troubleshooting: why the code might not work

  • Carrier differences: Not all carriers support all GSM supplementary-service codes, or they may require a different syntax.

  • SIM vs. phone lock: Some locks are SIM-level (controlled by your carrier) and some are phone-level (controlled by device settings).

  • Default PIN changed: If 0000 is not the carrier default, the code will fail. Try your known security PIN or contact the carrier.

  • Prepaid or blocked accounts: Some codes behave differently on prepaid plans or in regions where call-barring is restricted.

If you get stuck, call your carrier’s customer support and ask them to activate outgoing-call barring or to set a barring PIN for your line.

Safer alternatives and additions

Relying purely on dial codes can be fine, but consider these more flexible options:

  • Carrier-side call barring: Ask your mobile operator to enable outgoing-call barring for your number. They can set or reset the PIN for you. This is the most robust method.

  • SIM PIN and device lock: Always use a SIM PIN and a secure device lock (PIN, strong password, or biometric). The SIM PIN prevents anyone from moving your SIM to another device to make calls.

  • Parental-control profiles / user accounts: Many phones let you create restricted user profiles that disallow outgoing calls or place limits. Useful for shared devices.

  • Third-party apps: Some apps can restrict outgoing calls or require a PIN before dialing. Use reputable apps and read permissions carefully.

  • Remove credit or top-up control: For phones where misuse is recurring, limit the airtime balance or use controlled top-ups.

Safety & privacy tips

  • Never share your barring PIN publicly.

  • If you hand the phone to a technician or someone you trust, disable the bars only if you can re-enable them afterward.

  • Keep records of any carrier-provided confirmation messages when you change call-barring settings.

When to contact your carrier

If the codes won’t activate, if you receive confusing error messages, or if you suspect your account has been tampered with, contact your operator immediately. They can:

  • Confirm the correct codes for your network and country

  • Reset or set the barring PIN for you

  • Apply permanent network-side barring if needed

Final thoughts

Locking outgoing calls is a powerful — and often underused — way to protect airtime and control who can use your phone. The old *33 and *331-style codes i posted in 2014 still form the foundation of many call-barring systems, but carrier differences mean you should always verify the exact code and default PIN for your network. Combine codes with SIM/device locks and carrier-side controls for the best protection.

Internal links (related resources)


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