Blocking Numbers In Australia: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make your number blocked in australia

If you want to block your phone number from being displayed when making a call in Australia, you can do so on a call-by-call basis or permanently. For landlines, you can request a silent number from your service provider, which may come with a small monthly fee. For mobile phones, you can dial #31# followed by the number you want to call. You can also use your iPhone settings to change how you receive SMS or calls.

Characteristics Values
Blocking a number on iPhone Go to Focus and add your preferences. For example, use the default Do Not Disturb and add which numbers can still call.
Blocking a number on Android Tap 'Block number' after hanging up or before answering.
Blocking a number from calling your landline Request a silent number from your service provider.
Blocking a number from calling your mobile Dial 1831 or #31# followed by the number you want to call.
Blocking a number from sending you SMS or MMS Cannot be blocked.
Blocking a number from appearing on the recipient's phone Get a silent number or dial 1832 or *31# before dialling the number you want to call.
Blocking a number from telemarketing calls Register your number on the Do Not Call Register.

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Block numbers on an iPhone

If you want to block your phone number from being displayed when making a call or sending a text message (SMS) in Australia, you can do so on a call-by-call basis or permanently.

To block your number from being displayed permanently, you can contact your local service provider and request that they hide your number. For landlines, a small monthly fee may be charged for this service.

Alternatively, you can dial the following codes before the number you want to call to block your number on a call-by-call basis:

  • Landline: 1831
  • Mobile: #31#

If you want to block numbers on an iPhone, you can do so by following these steps:

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Tap "Favorites", "Recents", or "Voicemail".
  • Tap the "i" icon next to the number or contact you want to block.
  • Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller", then confirm by tapping "Block Contact".
  • (Optional) To manage your blocked contacts, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Here, you can edit the list by tapping "Edit" or unblock a contact by tapping their name and then "Unblock".

You can also block numbers directly from the FaceTime, Messages, or Mail apps. Blocking a contact in one app will block them across all four apps (Phone, FaceTime, Messages, and Mail).

Additionally, you can use the "Do Not Disturb" mode and allow only specific numbers to reach you, or you can enable Silence Unknown Callers to automatically silence and send potential spam or fraud calls to voicemail.

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Block numbers on an Android phone

If you want to block your phone number from being displayed when making a call or sending a text message, there are a few methods you can use. For mobile phones, you can dial #31# followed by the number you want to call. To permanently block your number, you can contact your service provider and request that your number be hidden. This service may come with a small monthly fee, and your details will not be published in directories.

If you want to block numbers on an Android phone, the process is straightforward. From your home screen, open the Phone app and tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner. From the list that appears, tap 'Settings', then 'Block Numbers'. You will see a list of numbers, including unknown numbers and contacts. Find the number you want to block and tap it, then tap 'Done' to add it to your blocked list. To unblock a number, simply tap the red minus sign next to their name or number.

You can also use your iPhone settings to change how you receive SMS or calls. Go to 'Focus' and add your preferences. For example, you can use the default 'Do Not Disturb' setting and add which numbers can still call while Focus is turned on. You will then only receive notifications for calls or SMS during the times you have chosen.

Additionally, you can register your mobile number on the 'Do Not Call Register' to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls.

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Register for the Do Not Call list

If you are looking to block your phone number from being displayed when making a call from your mobile phone or landline in Australia, there are a few methods you can use.

One way is to dial #31# followed by the number you want to call. This will block your number for that specific call. However, if you want to permanently block your number from being displayed, you need to contact your service provider and request them to activate the service. For example, if you have Telstra, you can call them and follow the prompts until you reach the appropriate person to ask them to hide your number. This usually comes with a small monthly fee.

Now, if you are looking to block unsolicited telemarketing calls, you can register your home, mobile, or fax numbers for free on the Do Not Call Register. This service is provided by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which enforces telemarketing and spam laws. Once you register, telemarketers and fax marketers have 30 days to stop calling you. It is important to note that this will not stop all unwanted calls, as some scammers may still target your number.

Additionally, blocking a number on your iPhone or Android device is a straightforward process. On an iPhone, you can go to your settings and change your preferences for receiving calls or SMS. For example, you can use the "Do Not Disturb" feature and allow only specific numbers to call you during that time. On Android devices, you can simply tap "Block Number" after hanging up or before answering, and your phone will never ring for that number again.

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Get a silent number

A silent phone number, also known as an unlisted number, does not show up on the phone you call. This is except for when calling some telcos or emergency services. When signing up for a new telco, you can ask for a silent number. Some telcos may charge an ongoing fee for this service, so it is worth shopping around.

If you have a silent phone number and you want it to show up when you call another number, you can dial 1832 (*31# from a mobile) before the number you want to call. If you have a landline (home phone), you can pay a small monthly fee (Telstra charges $2.93) to hide your number. Simply call your service provider and ask them to hide your number. This will also mean that your personal details will not be published in directories such as the White Pages.

It is important to note that if you make a call to emergency services, your number will always show, even if it is silent. Additionally, you may still receive telemarketing calls even if you have a silent number. To stop these calls, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register.

If your silent number has been displayed when calling a business, you could consider making a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

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Block numbers on a landline

There are several options to block unwanted calls from reaching you on your landline phone. These options vary depending on your phone service provider and the types of calls you want to block.

Most modern phones, including landlines, have built-in call-blocking features that allow you to block specific phone numbers or types of calls. You can usually access these settings through the "menu" option on your phone, where you would typically adjust your ringtones, time, and date. Some phones may allow you to block entire ranges of phone numbers, such as all incoming mobile calls or calls from specific area codes.

Additionally, you can register your phone number with the Australian government's Do Not Call Register by visiting www.donotcall.gov.au or calling 1300 792 958. This free service adds your number to a list shared with registered telemarketers, signalling that they cannot call you. While this won't stop all calls, it will significantly reduce legitimate telemarketing calls.

If you want to block anonymous or withheld numbers, you can contact your service provider and request to enable the Anonymous Call Rejection feature. This automatically rejects calls from callers who have chosen to hide their numbers.

For more comprehensive blocking, you may need to purchase additional devices that offer blocking features. However, keep in mind that scammers frequently change their phone numbers, so blocking individual numbers may not always be effective. Robocall blocking can be a more efficient solution, as it requires no intervention from you and prevents spam calls from reaching your landline.

Lastly, consider using a cheap handset plugged into your landline, which can provide access to Android's automatic spam filter.

Frequently asked questions

To temporarily block your number on a call-by-call basis, dial 1831 (or #31# from a mobile) and then dial the number you are calling. This is known as CND blocking.

To permanently block your number from appearing on all calls from your phone, contact your telco. This is known as a silent number. Some telcos may charge an ongoing fee for this service.

You can register your number with the Do Not Call Register, a free service that allows consumers to block unsolicited telemarketing calls. You can also use a mobile phone to block numbers and make use of Android's automatic spam filter.

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