Ever felt the need to keep your number private when making a call?
Maybe you’re contacting someone for the first time, making a sensitive call, or just want to stay anonymous for personal reasons.
Thankfully, if you’re using Telkom South Africa, hiding your number is simple and doesn’t require any special apps or advanced skills.
With just a few easy steps, you can make your number show up as a “Private Number” or “No Caller ID” on the recipient’s phone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Your Number Private on Telkom South Africa
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your number is hidden from the person you are calling.
Method 1: Using a Prefix Code
- Open the Dialer
Access your phone’s keypad or dialer application where you enter phone numbers. - Dial the Prefix Code
Type *31# into the dialer. This code activates caller ID blocking for the next call. - Enter the Phone Number
Immediately after the prefix code, input the full number of the person you want to call. For example, if their number is 0812345678, you would type:*31#0812345678
. - Press Call
Tap the call button to initiate the call. The recipient will see “Private Number” or “No Caller ID” on their phone instead of your number.
Method 2: Per-Call Blocking with Vertical Service Codes
- Open the Dialer
Navigate to your phone’s dialer or keypad. - Dial the Blocking Code
Type #31# into the dialer. This option is ideal for occasional private calls. - Input the Full Phone Number
Directly after the blocking code, enter the complete phone number. For example:#31#0812345678
. - Make the Call
Tap the call button. Your number will not be displayed on the recipient’s screen.
Important Details to Keep in Mind
- Built-in Caller ID Blocking on Smartphones
Some devices allow you to hide your number automatically for all outgoing calls:- Go to your phone’s Settings menu.
- Locate the Call Settings or Phone section.
- Select Caller ID and set it to Hide Number.
- Emergency Calls
Even if you block your caller ID, your number will still be visible to emergency services for safety reasons. This includes calls to police, ambulance, or fire departments. - Third-Party Applications
While there are apps claiming to enable private calling, ensure they are from trustworthy developers. Poorly reviewed apps may compromise your data security. - Charges
Telkom may charge a fee for calls made using these private number features. Confirm any costs by consulting Telkom’s latest tariff guide. - Unsuccessful Blocking
In some cases, the recipient’s network or phone settings may override your private number request. If this happens, consider alternative methods or reach out to Telkom’s customer service.