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There are several ways to make your phone number private in Australia. You can ask your telco for a silent number, which hides your number from appearing on the phones you call. Alternatively, you can temporarily block your caller ID on a call-by-call basis by dialling #31# before the number, although your number will still be visible when calling emergency services or a telco. You can also change your smartphone settings to make your number private by default, or get a second number through an app or business.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Ask for a silent number from your telco |
| Dial #31# before the number you are calling | |
| Dial 1831 before the number you are calling | |
| Dial *31# before the number you are calling | |
| Change your smartphone settings | |
| Use a second number | |
| Use a different device | |
| Use a different SIM | |
| Register your number on the Do Not Call Register | |
| Change your number | |
| Limitations | Telcos can still see your number for billing purposes and other legal reasons |
| Your number will always show when calling emergency services | |
| Your number will always show when sending an SMS or MMS |
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What You'll Learn
Ask for a silent number from your telco
When signing up with a telco, you can request a silent number, also known as an unlisted number. This will prevent your phone number from appearing on the phones of those you call (except when calling some telcos or emergency services). Some telcos may charge a fee for this service, so it is worth shopping around to find a suitable provider.
If you have a silent number, but it is displayed when calling a business, it may be that they are using Automatic Number Identification (ANI) software to show call numbers. In this case, you could consider making a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
It is important to note that even with a silent number, you might still receive telemarketing calls. To prevent this, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register, which marketers must follow. Additionally, if you make your number public, for example, by putting it on a flyer or online, telemarketers may still be able to obtain it.
If you wish to temporarily make a call without your number showing, you can dial 1832 or *31# before the number you are calling. This will override your silent number settings for that call only.
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Dial #31# before the number to hide your caller ID
If you want to hide your caller ID in Australia, you can dial #31# before the number you are calling. This method is known as CND blocking and will prevent your phone number from being displayed on the recipient's phone. Instead of your phone number, the recipient will see 'anonymous', 'private number', or 'unknown caller'.
This method works for both mobile and landline numbers, and it has been tested on Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus networks. However, it is important to note that your carrier still logs your number, and it will be provided in any potential legal investigation. Additionally, if you dial an emergency service number, such as 000 or 112, your number and GPS location will be displayed.
Dialing #31# before the number is a temporary solution, and you can also explore ways to permanently block your caller ID by contacting your telco or changing your phone settings.
It is worth noting that some people may not answer private numbers due to spam, so consider this when deciding to hide your caller ID.
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Register your number on the Do Not Call Register
Registering your number on the Do Not Call Register (DNCR) is a great way to make your phone number more private in Australia. The DNCR is a secure database that allows individuals and organisations to register, check, or remove their Australian telephone, mobile, and fax numbers to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls and faxes.
You can register your number on the Do Not Call Register by visiting the official website. It is important to note that if your number is primarily used or maintained for business purposes, you cannot register it on the DNCR. Registered numbers may still receive calls from exempt organisations, such as registered charities, research companies, registered political parties, and educational institutions. These organisations must still follow the rules that protect consumers from unwanted calls.
Even with your number registered, you may still receive scam calls. It can be difficult to differentiate between a scam call and a legitimate business call. However, a legitimate caller should not have an issue with you verifying their identity. You can do this by calling them back on a verified number from a bill or legitimate website. If you continue to receive scam calls, you can report them to Scamwatch.
While the Do Not Call Register helps reduce unwanted calls, it may not stop all telemarketing calls. If you have made your number public, such as on a flyer or online, telemarketers may still obtain your number. Additionally, some telemarketers use random or patterned dialling, which means they could unintentionally call your number. To further reduce telemarketing calls, you can consider obtaining a silent number, also known as an unlisted number, from your telco provider. This type of number does not show up on the phones you call, except when calling certain telcos or emergency services.
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Change your smartphone settings to make your number private
If you want to make your phone number private, there are a few methods you can use. One way is to contact your telco and request a silent number, also known as an unlisted number. This will prevent your number from appearing on the phone you call, except when calling some telcos or emergency services. Some telcos may charge a fee for this service, so it is worth shopping around.
Another method is to change your smartphone settings. On an iPhone, go to 'Show My Caller ID' and switch this off to hide your number. For Android phones, the process varies depending on the device, but you can usually find the setting to hide your caller ID in the Phone app. You can also dial #31# before the number you are calling to make your number appear as private for that call only. This method works for both mobile and landline numbers and is useful if you do not want to change your settings permanently.
It is important to note that even if you have a private number, your number may still be visible to some recipients, such as telcos and emergency services. Additionally, if you make your number public, such as by posting it online, telemarketers may be able to obtain your number. To prevent telemarketing calls, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register.
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Contact your telco to block your caller ID permanently
If you want to keep your phone number private, you can contact your telco to block your caller ID permanently. This process is known as Calling Number Display (CND) blocking or Caller ID blocking.
To permanently block CND on all calls from your phone, you need to contact your telco. This is known as an 'unlisted service' or a silent number. Telcos are responsible for keeping your phone number private. When you sign up for a telco, you can request a silent number. Some telcos may charge a fee for this service, so it is worth shopping around.
If you have a silent number, your telco will automatically block it from showing up on the phone you call. However, your number will still be visible when calling some telcos or emergency services, such as 000 or 112. Your number will also be displayed when sending text or multimedia messages and cannot be blocked.
You can also temporarily block your caller ID on a call-by-call basis. To do this, dial 1831 (or #31# from a mobile) before dialling the number you wish to call. This will hide your number from the person you are calling.
If you are experiencing problems with your caller ID, you should first complain to your telco. If they do not resolve the issue, you can contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
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Frequently asked questions
Dial #31# before the number you are calling. This will hide your caller ID for that call only.
Ask your telco for a silent number, also known as an unlisted number. This will hide your number from the person you are calling (except when calling some telcos or emergency services). Some telcos may charge a fee for this service.
Register your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register.
On an iPhone, go to Settings and turn off "Show My Caller ID". On an Android phone, go to Settings, tap "Caller ID", and select "Hide Number".
