Blocking Unwanted Calls: A Guide For Australians

how do I block a phone number australia

If you want to block a phone number in Australia, there are several methods you can use. One way is to contact your phone service provider and request that they block the number for you. Another method is to download a third-party app that detects and blocks spam phone calls. Additionally, you can manually block numbers on your iPhone by going to Settings > Apps > Phone, and turning on Call Blocking & Identification. For temporary blocking, you can enter #31# before dialling the number you wish to call, which will withhold your number.

Characteristics Values
Block a phone number on iPhone Putting their number on private will not block the number from calling
Contact your provider to block the number
Block a phone number on landline Request a silent number
Unplug the cable
Forward the call to a dummy number
Telstra can block the number
Use a receiver with call-blocking options
Use call screening
Block a phone number on Android Download a third-party app that detects and blocks spam phone calls
Use Silence Unknown Callers
Block the SIM card to prevent its use in any other phone
Block the handset to prevent it from being used with any SIM card
Block outgoing caller ID Dial #31# from your phone and press the green call icon on your phone

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Blocking a phone number on iPhone

If you're receiving unwanted calls, FaceTime calls, messages, or emails from someone in Australia and want to block them from contacting you in the future, you can do so directly from your iPhone. Here's how:

Blocking a Phone Number in the Phone App:

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Tap on "Recents" to view your recent calls.
  • Tap the "Info" button next to the phone number or contact you wish to block.
  • Scroll down and tap "Block Caller."
  • Tap "Block Contact" to confirm.

Blocking a Phone Number in the FaceTime App:

  • Open the FaceTime app.
  • Tap on the "Info" button next to the phone number, contact, or email address you want to block.
  • Scroll down and tap "Block Caller."
  • Tap "Block Contact" to confirm.

Blocking a Phone Number in the Messages App:

  • Open the Messages app.
  • Tap on the conversation with the contact you want to block.
  • Tap the contact's name or number at the top of the conversation.
  • Tap the "Info" button.
  • Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller."

Blocking an Email Address in the Mail App:

  • Open the Mail app.
  • Open the email from the sender you wish to block.
  • Tap their name at the top of the email.
  • Tap "Block this Contact."
  • Tap "Block Contact" again to confirm.

You can also manage your blocked contacts and view the list of blocked numbers and email addresses through the Settings app. Go to "Settings," then tap on the relevant app (Phone, FaceTime, Messages, or Mail). Under the appropriate section, tap "Blocked Contacts" to view the list.

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Blocking a phone number on landline

If you are a Telstra customer, you can block specific numbers from ringing your landline phone. You can also block your number from being displayed on someone's caller ID. If your landline handset doesn't have call block features, you can purchase one that does from Telstra, such as the Telstra Call Guardian. This allows you to screen calls by requiring the caller to announce themselves before placing the call. That way, you don't have to pick up the phone, and an unwanted caller may avoid calling at all. If you get a lot of unsolicited calls from telemarketers, consider registering your Telstra landline number on the Do Not Call Register. It is free and run by the government to prevent unsolicited calls.

If you are being harassed by phone calls from hidden numbers, you could consider the services of a professional private investigator. They can help you confirm who is calling.

If you want to block your own phone number from being displayed when making a call from a landline, dial 1831, followed by the number you wish to call. This will block your number on the receiving party's device, so your call can be anonymous.

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Using a third-party app to block a number

If you have an iPhone, you can use third-party apps to block spam calls. First, ensure that your device is running on iOS 13 or later. Then, you can turn on Silence Unknown Callers to avoid getting calls from people you don't know. This feature blocks phone numbers that aren't in your contacts list or that you haven't previously communicated with via text or email. Calls from blocked numbers are sent to voicemail and appear in your recent calls list.

You can also use third-party call identification apps to block spam calls. When you receive a call, your device will check the caller's number and compare it to the list of phone numbers in your chosen third-party spam app. If there's a match, iOS will display a label such as "Spam" or "Telemarketing". You can choose to block the number manually on your device, and it will appear under Blocked Contacts. Additionally, you can reorder or prioritise your apps by tapping "Edit" and dragging them in your desired order.

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Contacting your provider to block a number

If you want to block a phone number in Australia, one option is to contact your provider and ask them to do it for you. This can be done by calling your provider's customer service line and speaking to a representative, or through your online account if your provider offers this service.

Some providers may offer a service where they can block specific numbers from contacting you. This can be useful if you are receiving unwanted calls or messages from a particular number. It is worth noting that this method may not always be effective, as some providers may not offer this service, or there may be ways for the blocked number to still contact you, such as by calling from a private number.

Additionally, some providers may offer a service to block all private numbers. This can be useful if you are receiving unwanted calls or messages from unknown numbers. However, blocking all private numbers may not be ideal if you also receive important calls from private numbers, such as from employers or doctors.

Another option to consider is changing your number. While this may be a hassle, it can be an effective way to stop receiving unwanted calls or messages, especially if the source is unknown or blocked.

Finally, if you are experiencing harassment or stalking, you may want to consider contacting the authorities and seeking legal advice in addition to blocking the number through your provider.

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Blocking your own number temporarily

If you want to block your own phone number temporarily, you can do so on a call-by-call basis. This works for both mobile phones and landlines.

To block your number when making a call from a mobile phone, dial #31# followed by the number you want to call. Your number will then be withheld for that call.

To block your number when making a call from a landline or home phone, dial 1831 followed by the number you wish to call.

There may also be settings in your phone that you can use to block your caller ID. Refer to your handset manual for more information.

Additionally, if you want to block your phone number and SIM card to prevent their use in case of loss or theft, you can contact your mobile provider to do so.

Frequently asked questions

To block a phone number on an iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Phone. Tap Call Blocking & Identification. Under Call Identification Apps, turn the app on or off. You can also reorder the apps based on priority. Just tap Edit and then drag the apps in the order you want them. When you receive a call, your device checks the caller’s number and compares it to the list of phone numbers in your third-party spam apps. If there's a match, iOS displays the identifying label chosen by the app, for example, Spam or Telemarketing. If the app determines that a phone number is spam, it may choose to block the phone call automatically. You can also manually block numbers on your device.

You can download a third-party app that detects and blocks spam phone calls. You can also register your phone number on the Do Not Call Register, a free service where consumers can register their phone numbers to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls.

You can ask your provider to block the number, or you can change your number to a silent number.

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