Ever wanted to keep your phone number hidden during a call?
Maybe you’re trying to protect your privacy, avoid being added to contact lists, or simply keep your number confidential.
Vodacom South Africa makes it incredibly easy to ensure your number doesn’t show up on someone else’s screen.
This guide will walk you through simple, effective ways to make your number private, so you can stay in control of who sees your information.
Here’s a clear and detailed guide to help you make your Vodacom number private.
Option 1: Private Number on a Per-Call Basis
This method is perfect if you only need to make a specific call private.
Steps:
- Open your phone’s dial pad as if you’re about to make a regular call.
- Dial
#31#
followed directly by the number you want to call. For example:- To call 082 123 4567 privately, dial:
#31#0821234567
.
- To call 082 123 4567 privately, dial:
- Press the call button to place the call.
- The recipient will see “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller” instead of your number.
Option 2: Permanent Private Number (CLI Restriction)
If you want all your outgoing calls to remain private without having to input a code each time, activate Caller Line Identity Restriction (CLI Restriction).
Steps to Activate CLI Restriction:
- Dial
*31#
on your phone. - Press the call button to activate the private number setting for all outgoing calls.
- You’ll receive a confirmation message indicating the service is active.
Steps to Deactivate CLI Restriction:
- Dial
#31#
if you want to turn off the private number feature. - Press the call button, and your outgoing calls will show your number again.
- You’ll receive a confirmation message when the setting is deactivated.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- Emergency Calls: When calling emergency services, your number will always be visible, even if CLI Restriction is active.
- Certain Businesses: Some businesses or organizations use technology that bypasses private number settings and can display your number.
- Caller ID Blocking: The person you’re calling may have features to block calls from private numbers, which could prevent your call from connecting.
Troubleshooting Issues
If you encounter problems making your number private:
- Ensure you’ve entered the codes correctly.
- Check if your phone supports these settings (some models may require enabling additional features in settings).
- If issues persist, contact Vodacom customer support for assistance.
A Note on Responsible Usage
Making your number private can be useful for personal security and privacy.
However, avoid using this feature for harassment, scams, or any inappropriate behavior.
Respect others’ privacy and boundaries when making private calls.