Lyla Lindsey
There are several ways to hide your phone number in Australia, whether you're sending a text or making a call. From a mobile phone, you can dial #31# before the number you're calling to make your number appear as Private or No Caller ID. You can also adjust your phone's settings to make your number private by default. Additionally, you can use a virtual number app or service, such as BenkoPhone, to send and receive texts without revealing your actual phone number.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Dial #31# before the number you want to text |
| Applicability | Landline and mobile phones |
| Limitations | Your number will be displayed when calling a telco or emergency service numbers, such as 000 and 112 |
| Alternative methods | Use a virtual number app such as BenkoPhone, Buzzy App, BurnerPhone, Sonetel, or Google Voice (not available in Australia) |
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What You'll Learn
Use #31# before the number
If you're in Australia and want to hide your caller ID, you can key in the code #31# before the number you are dialling. This works for both mobile phones and landlines. It is a temporary solution, and a quick and easy way to hide your number.
When you make a call or send a text, your mobile phone will, by default, show your caller ID (phone number). However, you can turn this off by using the #31# prefix. This will prevent the person you are contacting from seeing your number. Instead, they will see 'No Caller ID', 'Anonymous', 'Private Number', 'Unknown Caller', or something similar.
This method is particularly useful when you need to make a quick, anonymous call, or when you are calling back unknown callers. It is a simple way to protect your privacy and keep your phone number hidden.
It is important to note that this method may not work when calling certain numbers, such as telcos or emergency services. Additionally, if the person you are calling does not answer and you leave a voicemail, they may still be able to see your number.
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Change your settings to private
If you're looking to change your settings to private when texting in Australia, there are several methods you can use. The specific steps depend on the make and model of your phone, as well as your service provider. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started:
- Toggle on Private Messaging: On both iOS and Android devices, you can usually enable private messaging with a simple toggle switch. This option is often found within your messaging app's settings. Enabling this feature hides specific conversations behind a passcode or PIN, ensuring privacy.
- Hide Caller ID: If you wish to conceal your phone number when sending text messages, you can hide your Caller ID. On iPhones, go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and turn it off. For Android devices, navigate to Phone > Settings > Call Settings > More Settings > Caller ID and disable it. This will prevent your number from appearing on the recipient's device.
- Use a Third-Party App: Consider using a third-party messaging app that prioritizes privacy, such as Confide, Signal, Private SMS & Call, or Calculator Pro+. These apps often offer features like end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and additional security measures to protect your conversations.
- Auto-Delete Messages: To ensure that your messages remain private even if someone gains access to your phone, set them to auto-delete after a certain period. On iPhones, go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages, and choose to delete messages after 30 days or a year. This way, sensitive information won't remain on your device indefinitely.
- Lock Your Messaging App: You can add an extra layer of security by locking your messaging app with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID. This ensures that even if someone has access to your phone, they won't be able to open your messaging app without authentication.
- Disable Message Previews: By default, iPhones display message previews on the lock screen, which can be a security risk. To turn this off, go to Settings > Notifications > Messages. Under Lock Screen Appearance, select "Show Previews" and choose "Never." This hides the sender's name and message content until you unlock your phone.
- Use a Second Number: If you want to keep your primary number private, consider getting a second number for your phone. Various apps and services, such as Buzzy App, BurnerPhone, or Sonetel, offer this feature. This way, you can make and receive calls and texts without revealing your personal number.
Remember to explore the settings of your messaging app and phone, as there might be additional privacy features specific to your device and service provider. Additionally, when choosing third-party messaging apps, always research their privacy policies and opt for reputable options to ensure your data remains secure.
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Use a virtual number app
Using a virtual number app is a great way to hide your number when texting in Australia. This option is perfect if you're looking for a quick, easy solution that doesn't require a separate SIM card. Here's how you can use a virtual number app:
- Choose a Virtual Number Service: Several apps and businesses offer virtual numbers for Australia. EasyRinger and KrispCall are two popular options. EasyRinger provides Australian virtual numbers with no hidden fees, minimum contract lengths, or hassle. KrispCall is another well-known provider that offers a free demo trial and integrates directly into your business setup.
- Sign Up and Select Australia: To get started, create an account with your chosen virtual number service. During the sign-up process, select Australia as your preferred country or location. This step ensures that you will get an Australian virtual number.
- Pick Your Number: After selecting Australia, you will usually have the option to choose your specific virtual number. Some providers allow you to select the city or state associated with the number, giving you a local presence in that area. This feature is especially useful if you want to appear as a local business in a particular region.
- Make Calls and Send Texts: Once you have completed the sign-up process and chosen your Australian virtual number, you can start using it to make calls and send text messages. You can continue using your existing phone and handset without any additional SIM cards. Your virtual number will mask your actual phone number, keeping it private.
- Explore Additional Features: Many virtual number apps offer extra features to enhance your calling and texting experience. For example, you may be able to set up interactive voice menus, voicemail, call forwarding, and more. These features can improve your privacy and professionalism when communicating with others.
- Consider Cost and Pricing Plans: Some virtual number services offer basic packages with affordable local call rates and SMS fees. Others provide pricing plans with additional features tailored to businesses. Compare the pricing plans of different providers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a virtual number app to hide your number when texting in Australia. Remember to review the features, pricing, and privacy options provided by each service to make an informed decision.
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Get a second number
If you want to hide your phone number when texting in Australia, one option is to get a second number for your phone. This can be done without needing a separate SIM card. There are various apps and businesses that offer second phone number services in Australia, each with different features and pricing plans. Here are some of the top options:
Numero
Numero is an all-in-one telecom app that offers international communication services with virtual numbers, eSIMs, and versatile calling plans. Other features include voicemail, call forwarding, and "Hide My Number." Numero allows you to stay connected anywhere without a SIM card, making it ideal for travellers and businesses. You can obtain an additional phone number for your business with a 7-day free trial, followed by a subscription of $9.99 monthly. This allows you to seamlessly separate your business and personal communications.
IPlum
IPlum is a mobile-first solution designed for business professionals. It provides a separate line with calling, texting, and phone system features on your mobile for individuals or enterprises. iPlum works on your existing smartphone without changing carriers and offers enterprise-level security controls. It provides HIPAA compliance for healthcare professionals and mobile communication compliance for financial and legal sector employees. iPlum also offers advanced features such as auto-attendant, extensions, call recording, transcriptions, and auto-text reply.
TextNow
TextNow is an app that gives you a free phone number to make calls and send texts across North America. It is the only provider of free nationwide cellular service, supported by ads. TextNow also offers affordable international calling to over 230 countries. By downloading the app, you can get a secondary phone number with a customizable area code. TextNow can be used as your business line across multiple devices, including your phone, tablet, and computer. You can purchase a SIM Activation Kit to enable a TextNow-enabled SIM card, providing unlimited nationwide talk and text for free.
2ndLine
2ndLine operates over your device's existing internet connection, facilitating communication with numbers across the US and Canada. Recipients of your texts and calls do not need to be 2ndLine users. During setup, you choose an area code from the US or Canada and then select a number from the available options. Please note that 2ndLine only offers numbers registered in the US and Canada.
Hushed
Hushed is a secondary phone number app focused on privacy and security. With Hushed, you can get a second telephone number from as little as $1.99 and use it for as long as needed, making it a great choice for long-term use. A temporary number ensures that incoming calls won't reach your real number.
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Contact your service provider
If you want to keep your phone number private when sending text messages in Australia, one option is to contact your service provider and request that they hide your number when you send texts. Here are the steps you can follow:
Firstly, identify your service provider. In Australia, some of the major mobile network operators may include specific companies. If you're a customer of one of these providers, you can assume that they are your service provider. If you're not sure who your provider is, you can usually find this information on your phone bills or by checking your SIM card details.
Once you know your service provider, initiate contact by locating their customer support channels. Most providers offer multiple avenues for you to reach out for assistance. This can include phone, email, or online chat options. Choose the method that is most convenient and accessible for you.
When interacting with customer support, clearly articulate your request to hide your phone number when sending text messages. Inquire about any specific services or features they offer to achieve this. For instance, they may provide a number-blocking solution or a specialized service for sending anonymous texts. Understand the options available to you through your provider.
It's important to be aware of any limitations or conditions associated with their offered solutions. Ask relevant questions to clarify their process, such as whether you will still be able to send and receive texts normally and if there are any additional charges or subscription fees involved. Understand the full scope of their service.
Finally, follow the instructions provided by the customer support team to activate the number-hiding feature. This could involve a simple process or a more involved procedure, such as subscribing to a specific plan, modifying your text message settings, or using a particular code or prefix before the recipient's number when sending messages. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of the steps required by your specific service provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately, it is not possible to hide your number when sending an SMS (text message) or MMS (photo/video/audio message) in Australia. However, you can hide your number when making a phone call by dialling #31# before the number you are calling.
To hide your number when making a phone call, you can dial #31# before the number you are dialling. This will make your number appear as "No Caller ID" or "Private" on the receiving device. Alternatively, you can contact your local service provider and ask them to hide your number.
Yes, there are apps that provide you with a second number, allowing you to send texts and make calls without revealing your personal number. Examples of such apps include BenkoPhone, Buzzy App, BurnerPhone, and Sonetel.
Yes, you can acquire a second phone number without an app by contacting your local service provider and requesting a silent or unlisted number. Some telcos may charge a monthly fee for this service.
