Hiding Your Number In Australia

If you want to make your phone number private in Australia, there are several methods you can use. One way is to dial #31# before the number you are calling, which will make your number appear as private on the receiver's phone. Additionally, you can request a silent number from your telco provider, which will prevent your number from being displayed on most outgoing calls. To stop receiving telemarketing calls, you can register your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register. You can also adjust your smartphone settings to hide your caller ID or use a second number provided by apps and services. It's important to note that your carrier still logs your number, and it will be displayed when calling emergency services or certain telcos.

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Dial #31# before the number

If you want to make your phone number private when calling someone in Australia, you can dial #31# before the number. This will temporarily block your caller ID for that specific call, and the person you're calling will only see "No Caller ID" or "Private Number" on their device. This method works for both landlines and mobile phones. It's important to note that dialling #31# before a number does not guarantee complete anonymity. Your carrier still logs your number, and it may be revealed in legal investigations or when calling emergency services. Additionally, some call centres use Automatic Number Identification (ANI) software that can override call blocking.

To ensure your number remains private, you can also request a "silent number" or "unlisted number" from your telco provider. This service may incur an additional fee, and your number will not be displayed in public directories or when making calls (except to some telcos and emergency services). Another option is to use a second number for your phone, which you can acquire through various apps and services, such as Buzzy App, BurnerPhone, or Sonetel. These services provide an extra layer of privacy by allowing you to make calls and send messages without revealing your personal number.

While dialling #31# before a number is a quick and easy way to make your number private for a single call, there are alternative methods for achieving longer-term privacy. Adjusting the settings on your smartphone or registering your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register can help prevent unwanted calls and protect your privacy. Additionally, if you're concerned about your number being displayed when calling businesses, you can consider making a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

It's worth noting that hiding your phone number can be useful in various scenarios, such as when you're providing feedback to a company or making a business call from your personal phone while on vacation. However, it's important to use this feature responsibly and not for illegal or malicious purposes. By dialling #31# before a number in Australia, you can make your number private on a call-by-call basis, giving you more control over your privacy.

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Register your number on the Do Not Call Register

To make your phone number appear private on a call-by-call basis, you can dial #31# before making a call. However, if you want to avoid unsolicited telemarketing calls altogether, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register. This is a free service provided by the Australian Government where consumers can register their home, mobile, or fax numbers to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls. It is important to note that registered numbers can still be contacted by exempt organizations, including registered charities, research companies, political parties, and educational institutions. Telemarketers and fax marketers have 30 days from the date of registration to stop calling your number.

To register your number on the Do Not Call Register, you can follow these steps:

• Check if your number is already registered: Before registering, you can check if your number is already on the Do Not Call Register by using the online form or calling 1300 792 958 if you registered your number over the phone.
• Register your number online: You can register your number online by providing your contact details, including your name, email address, and the phone number(s) you wish to register.
• Verify your registration: After submitting your registration, you may receive a verification call or email to confirm your registration. Follow the instructions provided to complete your registration.
• Allow time for telemarketers to update their lists: Once your number is registered, telemarketers have 30 days to check their lists and stop calling your number. During this time, you may still receive telemarketing calls, but they should cease after the 30-day period.
• Report any issues or complaints: If you continue to receive telemarketing calls after the 30-day period, you can report the issue to the Do Not Call Register. Additionally, if you receive threatening or scam calls, it is recommended to contact the police and your telecommunications provider.

By following these steps, you can effectively register your number on the Do Not Call Register and reduce the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls you receive. It is important to note that even with your number registered, you may still receive calls from exempt organizations and the occasional telemarketer who has not updated their lists yet.

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Ask your telco for a silent number

When signing up with a new telco, you can request a silent number. This will prevent your number from appearing on the recipient's phone when you call them. However, it will still be visible when calling some telcos and emergency services, such as 000 and 112. Some telcos may charge a fee for this service, so it is worth comparing different providers.

If you already have a phone number and want to make it private, you can request a silent number from your current telco. They may be able to change your number to a private one, but they might charge a fee for this service.

If you have a silent number but find that it has been displayed when calling a business, you can make a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. If your telco has wrongly disclosed your phone number, you should first complain to them. If they do not resolve the issue, you can contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.

It is important to note that even with a silent number, you may still receive telemarketing calls. To stop these, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register. Additionally, if you make your number public, such as by putting it on a flyer or online, telemarketers may still obtain your number and contact you.

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Change your smartphone settings

If you want to make your phone number private, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, you can contact your phone carrier and request a silent or unlisted number. This will prevent your number from appearing on the phones of those you call, except for some telcos and emergency services. Some carriers may charge a fee for this service, so it is worth shopping around.

Secondly, you can temporarily block your caller ID on a call-by-call basis. To do this, dial #31# before the number you are calling. This will hide your number from the person you are calling, but your carrier will still log your number and it may be revealed in any potential legal investigation. This method will not work when sending text or media messages.

Thirdly, you can change your smartphone settings to make your number private by default. The steps to do this will vary depending on your device and carrier, but it often involves toggling the "Hide Caller ID" or "Caller ID Blocking" setting.

Additionally, you can register your phone number on the Do Not Call Register to stop receiving telemarketing calls. This will not make your number private, but it will reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.

It is worth noting that even with a private number, your number may still be visible to some businesses due to the use of Automatic Number Identification (ANI) software. If you have a silent number and it is displayed when calling a business, you can make a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

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Use a second number

If you want to make your phone number private, you can get a second phone number. This can be done by setting up another phone with a different number and diverting it to your main phone. Alternatively, you can use a VoIP number and set up a sip client on your phone. There are also virtual phone number services available, such as Ringover, which allow you to make and receive unlimited business calls from an Australian number.

Another option is to get a prepaid SIM card with a cheap carrier or a burner phone, which is a no-contract, prepaid mobile phone that you can use temporarily and then discard. You can also add a second number to your dual SIM device for a small monthly fee.

If you have a Google account, you can use Google Voice to get a permanent second number for free. This allows you to make and receive calls and texts, and your contacts will see your Google Voice number for caller ID.

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