Unblocking Numbers: A Guide For Australians

how to find a blocked number australia

If you're receiving unwanted calls or messages from a blocked number, there are several ways to identify and block the caller. While specific steps may vary depending on your device and service provider, here are some general methods: Utilise your device settings to block the number, use a caller ID app, contact your phone company for assistance, or employ call tracing by dialling *57 after hanging up on the blocked caller. Additionally, you can register your number with the Do Not Call Register to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls.

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Call your phone company

If you're unable to find out who has been contacting you through your phone's settings or your call history, the next step is to get in touch with your phone company. They will be able to provide you with more advanced solutions and may be able to offer additional services to help you identify blocked numbers.

Contacting your phone company is a straightforward process. You can usually find their customer support number on your monthly bill statement or by visiting their website. Many providers offer online chat or messaging services as well, which can be convenient if you prefer not to call. When you reach out, be prepared to provide your account information and details about the blocked calls or messages you've been receiving.

It's important to note that the ability to identify blocked callers may vary depending on your phone company and the specific services they offer. Some providers may have access to more advanced tools and technologies that can assist in uncovering blocked numbers. They might offer features like caller ID, call tracing, or detailed call logs that can help identify blocked callers.

When you call your phone company, explain your situation clearly and ask about the options available to you. They may suggest specific services or features that can help you identify blocked numbers. For instance, they could provide you with a list of recent incoming calls, including blocked numbers, or offer a feature that automatically saves the details of blocked calls for a certain duration.

By engaging with your phone company's customer support team, you can explore a range of solutions and find the one that best suits your needs. They may also provide guidance on blocking unwanted calls or offer additional privacy features to enhance your overall security. Remember to take note of any recommendations or advice given, and don't hesitate to ask questions for further clarification.

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Use a call return service

If you're receiving calls from a blocked number, there are a few methods you can try to return the call. Firstly, it's important to note that the methods may vary depending on your phone model, service provider, and region. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a call return service:

Using a Call Return Service:

  • Pick up the phone briefly: Most providers require you to briefly pick up the phone before you can trace the call. You don't need to speak to the caller; just quickly pick up and hang up.
  • Dial *57: As soon as you hang up, pick up the phone again and dial *57. For rotary phones, dial 1157 instead. You may receive a confirmation message that the call is being traced.
  • Understand your provider's policy: Call your phone company's customer service line to understand their specific process for dealing with blocked or harassing calls. They may direct you to an "annoyance desk" or a similar department.
  • Use a call return number: Some phone service providers offer a call return service. Dialing this number will tell you the number of your last caller. Write this number down so you can call it back.
  • Use a VoIP service: Services like CallHippo provide features such as call masking and rotating caller IDs, allowing you to bypass blocks while maintaining your privacy.
  • Try an international call: International calls sometimes bypass local blocking mechanisms. If you have access to an international calling service, you might be able to reach the person who blocked you. However, this method can be expensive, so it should be used sparingly.
  • Leave a voicemail: Even if your number is blocked, you may still be able to leave a voicemail. This allows you to explain why you're trying to reach the person without intruding on their privacy.
  • Contact law enforcement: If you're experiencing harassment, you can trace the call and then report it to local law enforcement. Provide them with a written log of the times and dates of any harassing calls.
  • Use third-party apps: Install apps like Truecaller or TrapCall to help identify or block unwanted callers. These apps offer caller ID features that can reveal blocked or hidden numbers.

Remember to use these methods responsibly and respect the privacy of others. If someone has blocked your number, consider their reasons before attempting to bypass the block. Additionally, keep in mind that call return services may not work with all phones and providers, so it's always good to check with your phone service provider first.

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Call tracing

If you're receiving harassing calls from blocked numbers, there are a few methods you can use to try and trace them. It's important to note that the way call tracing works may vary depending on your phone company, and certain methods may not work for all phones or in all regions. Here are some options to try:

  • Dial 57: After receiving a call from a blocked number, hang up and immediately dial 57. This traces the call and logs it with your phone company, which can then take action if needed. However, your phone company won't share the caller's number with you directly. Instead, they will provide this information to law enforcement. Please note that this method may not always work, and some carriers charge a fee for using this service.
  • Dial 69: This service redials the last number that called you, allowing you to identify and block the number. However, this only works if the caller's number is not blocked.
  • Call your phone company: Provide them with the date and time of the blocked call, and they may be able to find out who called and block the number for you. If they can't block it, they will give you the number so you can block it yourself.
  • Use third-party apps: Apps like Truecaller and TrapCall can help you identify and block blocked or hidden numbers. While premium versions are available, the caller ID feature on Truecaller is free.
  • Contact law enforcement: If you're receiving threatening or obscene calls, you can contact your local law enforcement for help. They may request that you provide a written log of the times and dates of any harassing calls.
  • Use your phone provider's records: Visit your phone provider's website or call them directly to access your call records, which may include the numbers of people who called you.

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Call blocking handsets

If you're looking to block numbers from calling your landline, there are a few options available to you.

One option is to purchase a handset that has built-in call-blocking capabilities. For example, the Telstra Call Guardian 301, which costs around $72, allows you to block numbers. Additional handsets can be purchased for $29 each, with support for up to 5 extra handsets. Another option is to look at Uniden cordless phones, as many of their models support call blocking. For example, the Uniden SSE45 can block numbers with no caller ID, specific numbers, or even entire prefixes such as "02 97xx xxxx".

If you're not in the market for a new handset, you can also try using a cheap handset that supports Android's automatic spam filter, which is quite effective. Alternatively, you can simply unplug your landline, which is the only surefire way to stop unwanted calls.

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Block on iPhone

If you want to block a phone number on your iPhone, there are several ways to do so. You can block phone numbers, contacts, and emails on your iPhone by following these steps:

  • Open the Phone app, tap Recents, then tap the Info button next to the phone number or contact you wish to block. Scroll down and tap "Block Caller."
  • Open the FaceTime app, tap the Info button next to the phone number, contact, or email address, scroll down, and tap "Block Caller."
  • Open the Messages app and open the conversation thread with the contact you want to block. Tap their name at the top of the conversation, then tap the Info button. Scroll down and tap "Block Caller."
  • Open the Mail app, open the email containing the contact you wish to block, then tap their name at the top. Tap "Block This Contact."
  • Alternatively, you can add a phone number or email address directly to your Blocked Contacts list in the Settings app.

Once you've blocked a number, they can still leave a voicemail, but you won't receive a notification. Messages sent to a blocked number will not be delivered, and the contact won't be notified that their call or message was blocked.

If you want to review or unblock a number, you can view your blocked contacts list by going to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. From there, you can edit the list by tapping the red minus icon next to the number you wish to unblock.

Frequently asked questions

To block a phone number on your iPhone, open the Phone app and tap Recents. Then, tap the Info button and scroll down. Finally, tap Block Caller.

To block a phone number on your Android phone, simply tap 'Block number' after hanging up or before answering. You can also download the Truecaller app, which allows you to identify or block unwanted callers.

You can request a silent number from your phone company. Alternatively, you can use a call screening service or buy a cheap handset that allows you to block numbers.

To call back a blocked number, pick up the phone, then hang up and dial *57. Your phone provider will be able to trace the call, although this method doesn't always work.

You can register your phone number with the Do Not Call Register, a free service that reduces unsolicited telemarketing calls. You can also use call screening or install a spam-blocking app such as Truecaller.

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