What is *85 on a phone?

What Does *85 Do on a Phone?

If you’ve ever dialed a code starting with an asterisk (*) on your phone, you’ve likely used what’s known as a Vertical Service Code (VSC). These short codes control various calling features—many of which are built right into your phone line but fly under the radar. One of these is *85.

When you dial *85, you're disabling Calling Name and Number Delivery for incoming calls. In simpler terms, this means that when someone tries to call you, your phone (or your network) will no longer display their name or number. It’s a privacy-focused feature—useful if you want to keep incoming caller info hidden, though it's more commonly used in business or PBX systems than in everyday personal use.

It’s easy to confuse *85 with similar codes like *79 or *86, but each does something different. For example, *79 typically disables Do Not Disturb mode, while *86 cancels an active Automatic Callback—essentially ending the system’s attempt to reconnect you after a busy signal. So, while these codes look alike, their functions are distinct.

The good news? These features are usually free and easy to toggle. Just dial the code, wait for the confirmation tone, and you're done. No app, no settings menu—just dial and forget.

Still, be mindful: disabling Calling Name and Number Delivery might mean you miss important caller info. It’s worth re-enabling it when privacy isn’t a top concern. And if you're unsure what a code does, check with your service provider—especially since features can vary slightly between carriers.

So next time you see *85, remember: it’s not magic, just a quiet little tool hiding in plain sight, helping you control who—and how—you’re reached.