Omari Gates
If you want to keep your phone number private in Australia, you have several options. You can request a silent or unlisted number from your telco provider, which will automatically block your number from appearing on the phones you call (except for some telcos and emergency services). Alternatively, you can temporarily block your caller ID on a call-by-call basis by dialling 1831 or #31# before the number. If you're using an iPhone, you can also turn on the Silence Unknown Callers feature or download a spam call-blocking app. For Android users, the process to block your number may vary depending on your phone model, so it's recommended to search for specific instructions online. Additionally, you can acquire a second number for your phone without needing a separate SIM card, or use services like Google Voice (although this is not currently available in Australia).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Telco responsibility | Telcos are responsible for keeping your phone number private. |
| Telco complaint | If your telco discloses your number, complain to them. If unresolved, contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. |
| Silent phone number | A silent phone number (unlisted number) does not show up on the phone you call, except for some telcos and emergency services. |
| Telco sign-up | When signing up, request a silent number. Some telcos charge a fee for this. |
| Displaying silent number | To display your silent number, dial 1832 or *31# from a mobile, then the number. |
| Emergency calls | Your silent number will always show for emergency calls (e.g., 000). |
| Telemarketing calls | Register on the Do Not Call Register to stop telemarketing calls. |
| Caller ID | Caller ID or Calling Line Identification shows your number or name to the person you're calling. |
| CND blocking | Contact your telco to permanently block CND (Calling Number Display). |
| Temporary CND blocking | Dial 1831 or #31# from a mobile, then the number, to temporarily block CND. |
| SMS and MMS | Your number cannot be blocked when sending SMS or MMS messages. |
| iPhone settings | Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Calls > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. |
| Android settings | Android phones vary; search your phone model to find out how to block your number. |
| iOS and Android toggle | The fastest method is usually toggling off Caller ID in settings on iOS and Android. |
| Default privacy | Change your settings to make your number private by default. |
| Manual blocking | Key in #31# before dialling to display "No Caller ID" on the receiver's phone. |
| Second number | Get a second number without a separate SIM or use Google Voice (not available in Australia). |
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What You'll Learn
Complain to your telco and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
If you have a silent phone number and it has been displayed when calling a business, you could consider making a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). The OAIC is an independent government agency and acts as the national data protection authority for Australia. It is headed by the Australian Information Commissioner, who is the only one with the power to exercise information policy functions. All other commissioners can exercise privacy and freedom of information functions.
Under the Privacy Act, a person can make a complaint to the OAIC about the handling of their personal information by Australian, ACT, and Norfolk Island government agencies, and private sector organisations covered by the Privacy Act. The OAIC also has the power to conduct privacy audits of these agencies and organisations. If you are dissatisfied with the result of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, you may also seek a review by the OAIC.
Before contacting the OAIC, you should first complain to your telco, as they are responsible for keeping your phone number private. If your telco does not resolve the issue, you can contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). The TIO can be contacted via phone, email, fax, or post. They also have an online complaints form. The TIO has a zero-tolerance policy on aggression and violence and treats everyone with respect, honesty, and courtesy.
If you have problems with caller ID, you should also complain to your telco. You can contact your telco to permanently block CND (Calling Number Display, also known as caller ID) on all calls from your phone.
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Get a silent phone number
In Australia, a silent phone number, also known as an unlisted number, does not show up on the phone you call. However, it may still be displayed when calling some telcos or emergency services, such as 000 and 112. To obtain a silent number, you can request one when signing up with a telco, and some telcos may charge an ongoing fee for this service.
If you have a silent number but it has been displayed when calling a business, you can make a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Additionally, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman handles complaints regarding silent lines, considering the law, good industry practice, and fairness in all circumstances.
It's important to note that even with a silent number, you might still receive telemarketing calls. To stop these, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register, which telemarketers are required to follow.
If you wish to make a call and temporarily hide your silent number, you can dial 1832 (*31# from a mobile) before dialling the number you wish to call. However, when calling emergency services, your number will always be displayed, even if it is silent.
To summarise, obtaining a silent phone number in Australia involves requesting one from your telco, which may incur an additional fee. You can also take steps to enhance your privacy by registering on the Do Not Call Register and using temporary number blocking when making certain calls.
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Dial 1831 or #31# before the number you're calling
If you want to make your phone number unknown in Australia, one way to do this is by dialling 1831 or #31# before the number you're calling. This method is known as CND (Calling Number Display) blocking, and it allows you to temporarily block caller ID on a call-by-call basis. By dialling these codes before the number, you can hide your number from being displayed when you make a call. This means that the person you are calling will not see your number.
It is important to note that this method of blocking your caller ID may not work when calling certain telephone companies (telcos) or emergency service numbers, such as 000 and 112. In these cases, your phone number may still be displayed. Additionally, your number cannot be blocked when sending text or multimedia messages.
To permanently block your caller ID on all calls, you may need to contact your telco and request a silent or unlisted number. Some telcos may charge an ongoing fee for this service. Alternatively, if you have an iPhone, you can go into your settings and turn off "Show My Caller ID". For Android users, the process may vary depending on the specific phone model, so it is recommended to search for instructions specific to your device.
By dialling 1831 or #31# before the number you're calling, you can temporarily hide your phone number in Australia. However, for a more permanent solution, you may need to contact your telco or adjust your device settings.
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Turn on Silence Unknown Callers
If you are an iPhone user, you can turn on the 'Silence Unknown Callers' feature to make your phone number unknown in Australia. This feature blocks phone numbers that you have never been in contact with and don't have saved in your contacts list.
To turn on 'Silence Unknown Callers', first ensure that you have saved all important contacts. This is because the call will still go to voicemail and appear in your recent calls list, but you won't get a notification while the call is ringing.
Next, go to Settings > Apps > Phone. Scroll down to Calls, then tap Silence Unknown Callers. Tap to turn on the feature.
You can also download a third-party app that detects and blocks spam phone calls. Multiple apps with this feature are available from different developers.
If you have an Android phone, the process can be a little tricky as different phones have their own setup for blocking your number from showing up. You may need to search how to block your specific phone model.
Another option to make your phone number unknown in Australia is to request a silent number from your telco provider. A silent number does not show up on the phone you are calling (except for some telcos and emergency services). Your telco provider will automatically block your silent number from appearing. Some telcos may charge an ongoing fee for this service.
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Download a call blocking app
If you're looking to make your phone number unknown in Australia, one option is to download a call-blocking app. These apps can help to prevent unwanted calls and protect your privacy.
For iPhone users, Apple offers a built-in feature called Silence Unknown Callers, which can be enabled in your settings. This feature blocks calls from unknown numbers, sending them straight to voicemail. You can also download third-party apps from the App Store that offer more advanced call-blocking features. These apps can identify and block spam calls, giving you more control over who can reach you. Some popular options include Truecaller, Hiya Spam Blocker, and Call Control.
Android users also have a variety of call-blocking apps to choose from on the Google Play Store. One popular option is Call Blocker by Unknownphone.com, which allows you to block any phone number you want and identify commercial calls. It also provides information on telephone scams and lets you report suspicious numbers. Another option is Should I Answer, which provides detailed information about calls and lets you block incoming or outgoing calls from unknown numbers.
When choosing a call-blocking app, it's important to read reviews and compare features to find one that suits your specific needs. Some apps offer additional features, such as SMS fraud detection or the ability to block calls from specific number series, which can further enhance your privacy.
By using a call-blocking app, you can make your phone number more private and reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make your phone number unknown by disabling the "Show My Caller ID" setting on your phone. On an iPhone, go to Settings, scroll down to Phone, then scroll down to "Show My Caller ID" and toggle it off. On Android, the process may differ depending on your phone model, so you may need to search online for specific instructions. Additionally, you can dial #31# before the number you are calling to hide your caller ID for that specific call.
Yes, you can request a silent number from your telco provider. A silent number will not show up on the phones you call, except when calling some telcos or emergency services. Some telcos may charge a fee for this service. Alternatively, you can use a second number for your phone without needing a separate SIM or download an app that provides a different number for calling and receiving calls.
If you receive telemarketing or spam calls, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register. Additionally, you can manually block specific numbers on your device or download apps that detect and block spam calls. If you believe your telco provider has wrongly disclosed your number, you should first file a complaint with them. If the issue remains unresolved, you can contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
