Making your number private is actually pretty simple. For a one-off call, just dial #31# before the number you're calling. If you want permanent privacy, you can usually find a 'Show My Caller ID' setting buried in your smartphone's options. These tricks work instantly on most Aussie carriers and are your first line of defence against unwanted calls.
Why Phone Number Privacy Is Non-Negotiable Today
Let’s be honest, our phone numbers are everywhere. We dish them out for online shopping, Gumtree listings, and loyalty programs without even thinking about it. But this casual sharing has turned our personal numbers into hot property for scammers and relentless marketers. Learning https://onsilent.com/non-classe/how-to-make-number-private/ isn't just about dodging annoying calls; it's a crucial step in modern digital self-defence.
Think about the last time you listed something for sale online or signed up for a new service. Every time you do that, you're leaving another digital breadcrumb that leads straight back to you. It's this constant exposure that has so many of us looking for ways to get back some control over our personal info.
The Real Risks of an Exposed Number
The danger goes way beyond a few unwanted sales calls. Having your phone number out in the wild can open the door to some seriously invasive privacy breaches. Scammers have become incredibly sophisticated, and your number makes their job a whole lot easier.
The fallout can be pretty grim:
- Targeted Phishing Scams: Crooks use your number to send convincing text messages (smishing) designed to trick you into coughing up sensitive data.
- Identity Theft: Your phone number is often the key to the castle—it’s used to verify your identity for bank accounts and social media, making it a prime target for thieves.
- Unwanted Tracking: Data brokers are notorious for scooping up phone numbers and selling them. They link them to your location, what you buy, and what you do online.
The importance of protecting personal information is so significant that it requires clear corporate policies, like a company's official Privacy Statement. This just goes to show the massive responsibility organisations have to look after the data they collect from us.
And the threat is only getting bigger. Here in Australia, protecting your phone number has become more critical than ever, thanks to a huge spike in data breaches. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, a massive 1.8 million user accounts were compromised. That’s a shocking 388% jump from the previous quarter.
This surge makes one thing crystal clear: we can't just rely on companies to keep our data safe. We need to take matters into our own hands. Taking control starts with knowing what tools you have available, and that’s exactly what this guide is for.
Making a Single Call Private Instantly
Sometimes you don't need to go full-on private all the time. You just want to make a one-off call without sharing your number. Think about ringing a seller from a Gumtree ad, chasing up a quote from a tradie, or following up on a job application. For moments like these, you need a quick, temporary way to mask your number.
Thankfully, Australian mobile carriers have a dead-simple way to do this with a special prefix. The beauty of this method is that it doesn't mess with your phone's permanent settings. It's like throwing on an invisibility cloak for your caller ID, just for that one call.
The Magic Prefix for On-Demand Privacy
The process couldn't be easier, and it works the same whether you're with Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, or any other Aussie provider. All you have to do is punch in a specific code before you dial the number you want to call.
For every mobile network in Australia, the code is #31#.
So, if you wanted to call the number 0412 345 678 without your number popping up on their screen, you’d simply dial:#31#0412 345 678
When you hit the call button, the person on the other end will just see "Private Number," "Blocked," or something similar instead of your actual phone number. It’s that easy. Once you hang up, your caller ID goes back to normal for every other call you make, unless you use the prefix again.
The infographic below gives you a broader look at the different ways you can manage your phone privacy, from these quick fixes to more permanent setups.
As you can see, keeping your number under wraps involves a few key strategies. It all starts with your phone's built-in settings and can extend to using dedicated call-blocking apps for more heavy-duty protection.
Australian Carrier Codes for Private Calls
Need a quick refresher? Here's a simple table showing the prefix codes for Australia's major mobile networks. It's a handy guide for when you need to make a private call on the fly.
| Mobile Carrier | Prefix Code to Dial | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | #31# | #31#0412345678 |
| Optus | #31# | #31#0412345678 |
| Vodafone | #31# | #31#0412345678 |
| All others | #31# | #31#0412345678 |
Yep, it really is that straightforward. No matter who you're with, the #31# code is your go-to for single-call privacy across Australia.
When Is Per-Call Blocking the Best Choice?
This method is perfect for those specific, short-term situations where you want to stay in control of who gets your contact details. It's the ideal tool when you're dealing with strangers or businesses for a one-time thing and don't fancy getting unsolicited calls or texts down the line.
Consider using the #31# prefix when you're:
- Responding to online ads: Keep your number safe when calling sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.
- Requesting business quotes: Get the info you need from multiple businesses without ending up on all their marketing lists.
- Contacting potential employers: Keep things private during the early stages of a job search.
This per-call blocking feature is a seriously powerful tool for maintaining your privacy in the moment. It puts you in complete control, letting you decide exactly when to share your number on a call-by-call basis. Think of it as a fundamental first step in managing your digital footprint.
How to Permanently Hide Your Number on Any Smartphone
While punching in a code before each call is fine for a one-off, it’s a bit of a hassle if you want your number hidden all the time. If you value your privacy on every single call, you need a more permanent, "set and forget" solution.
The good news is, you can do this by diving into your phone's settings.
This approach makes sure every call you make automatically shows up as "Private Number," so you never have to think about dialling a code again. It's the best option if you regularly contact new clients, reply to online ads, or just prefer to keep your personal number under wraps as a general rule.
The steps are a little different for iPhone and Android, but the idea is the same: you're telling your phone to stop broadcasting your Caller ID.
Hiding Your Caller ID on an iPhone
Apple makes this pretty straightforward. The setting is tucked away in your Phone options, and once you flip the switch, it stays off until you decide you want it back on.
Here’s the path to get there:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Phone.
- Find the option labelled Show My Caller ID and give it a tap.
- You’ll see a single toggle. Flick it to the off position (it’ll go from green to grey).
And that's it. Your number will now be hidden for all outgoing calls. If you ever need to show it for a specific call, you can temporarily override this by dialling *31# before the number you're calling.
Making Your Number Private on Android Devices
Because there are so many different Android phones out there, finding this setting can be a bit of a treasure hunt. A Google Pixel menu looks different from a Samsung Galaxy, but the option is always buried somewhere in your phone dialler's settings.
For Google Pixel and Stock Android Phones
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon (usually in the top-right corner) and choose Settings.
- Go to Calling accounts and select your SIM.
- Tap on Additional settings.
- Select Caller ID and pick Hide number from the pop-up menu.
For Samsung Galaxy Phones
- Open your Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
- Look for Supplementary services and tap it.
- Tap Show my caller ID and then choose Hide number.
This permanent setting is the most effective way to manage your phone privacy proactively. It shifts the default from open to closed, putting you firmly in control of who gets to see your number.
With so many phones in circulation, this level of control is more important than ever. In early 2025, Australia had 34.4 million cellular mobile connections—that's 128% of the population, a figure inflated by people using multiple SIMs for work and personal life. It just goes to show how vital phone number privacy has become.
Thankfully, since 100% of mobile connections now run on modern broadband networks, the tech to support these privacy features is built into every device. You can get more details on Australia's digital landscape in this 2025 report from datareportal.com.
If you want to explore other ways to keep your number private, our guide on how to block caller ID covers all the tools at your disposal.
Getting Your Number Unlisted with Your Carrier
Blocking your number for outgoing calls is a great start, but it's really only half the battle. Your details might still be floating around in public phone directories or online databases, leaving the door wide open for marketers and anyone else who knows where to search.
For a much more robust layer of privacy, you can ask your carrier to make your number completely unlisted.
This involves getting in touch with your mobile provider directly and asking for what they usually call a “silent” or “unlisted” number. It’s a different beast to just making your number private for calls you make. An unlisted number is scrubbed from public directories and operator-assisted services, essentially making you invisible to public lookups.
Private vs Unlisted: What's the Difference?
It’s easy to get these two mixed up, but they do completely different jobs. Nailing the distinction is key, so you know exactly what to ask for when you chat with your provider.
- Private Number: This is all about your outgoing calls. Flick this setting on, and your Caller ID gets hidden. The person you’re ringing will just see “Private Number” or “Blocked.”
- Unlisted Number: This affects your number's public visibility. It yanks your name and number out of public phone books (think the White Pages) and directory assistance services.
Here’s a simple way to think about it: a private number is like wearing a mask when you go to someone's house. An unlisted number is like taking your house off the map entirely.
Having your number unlisted is a powerful data minimisation practice. You’re telling your carrier to stop sharing your contact details with third-party directory services, which significantly reduces your public data footprint and makes it harder for your information to be scraped and sold.
How to Request an Unlisted Number
The only way to get this sorted is by contacting your carrier. When you call customer service for providers like Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone, be super clear about what you’re after.
Use specific language like, "I'd like to make my number a silent line," or "Please unlist my mobile number from all public directories."
This request is your right under Australian privacy laws, and the ongoing threat of data breaches has made it more important than ever. In 2024, Australia saw a record 1,113 data breach notifications—a whopping 25% jump from the year before. Malicious cyber attacks were the culprit behind 69% of these breaches, often targeting sensitive info like our phone numbers. You can discover more insights about Australian data privacy from twobirds.com.
Most carriers will handle this for free, but it never hurts to double-check if any fees apply. Once it’s done, it can take a bit of time for your number to disappear from all existing databases, but it will stop it from being included in any future publications. It's a crucial step for anyone serious about making their number private at the network level.
Using Apps to Create a Second Private Number
Sometimes, just hiding your caller ID isn’t quite enough for total privacy. If you really want to put a solid wall between your personal life and other activities, a dedicated second number is the way to go. And no, you don't need another phone or SIM card to make it happen.
This is where third-party apps step in, giving you a virtual phone number that acts as a complete shield for your real one.
This strategy is brilliant for all sorts of modern situations. Think about using it for your online dating profiles, managing calls for a freelance gig, or signing up for services without ever giving away your primary contact details. It's like having a disposable or long-term private line that offers a robust defence against unwanted calls and messages.
How Do These Virtual Number Apps Work?
It all comes down to Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. Instead of using traditional mobile networks, these apps route your calls and texts over the internet. When you sign up, you get to pick a brand new, real phone number that works entirely through the app.
This means every call and message to your virtual number is handled inside the app, keeping it totally separate from your phone's normal call log and messaging.
You can make and receive calls, send texts, and even set up a separate voicemail, all while your actual SIM card number stays completely under wraps. It's a clean and simple solution for compartmentalising your communications without the hassle of juggling two phones.
The main advantages of this approach are pretty clear:
- Complete Anonymity: Your real number is never exposed to anyone you contact with your virtual one.
- Better Organisation: Keep your business, online dating, or personal calls neatly separated.
- Flexibility: You can hang onto the number for as long as you need or get rid of it without impacting your main line.
A virtual number is like having a digital post office box for your phone. It lets you interact freely while keeping your personal "address" safe and sound. This method is a game-changer for anyone wanting to maintain a clear boundary between their public activities and private life.
Choosing the Right App in Australia
When you're looking for an app, you'll want something that’s reliable, easy to use, and has straightforward pricing. Many of these services are subscription-based, giving you a number and a bundle of call minutes or texts for a monthly fee. It’s a pretty affordable way to gain some serious privacy.
Some popular options available to Aussies include apps like Burner, Hushed, or Sideline. They all have slightly different features and pricing, so it's a good idea to compare them to see what fits your needs. For instance, some are perfect for short-term, disposable numbers, while others are built for professionals needing a permanent second line for their business.
Having a second number is also a fantastic tool for filtering out junk. If your virtual number starts getting hammered with spam, you can just ditch it and start fresh. This tactic works really well alongside other methods. For more tips, check out our guide on how to block spam calls on iPhone, which can help keep all your lines clear.
Ultimately, using an app for a private number gives you back control over who can contact you and when. It’s a proactive step toward reclaiming your digital privacy in a world that’s always trying to get your number.
Common Questions About Hiding Your Number
Even with all the tools and settings at your disposal, you might still have a few questions rattling around. Making your number private can feel a bit complex, but don't worry, the most common concerns have pretty straightforward answers.
Let's clear up any confusion so you can feel totally confident about your privacy choices.
If I Hide My Number, Can Emergency Services Still See It?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the biggest worries people have, but it's a solved problem.
When you dial Triple Zero (000) in Australia, any caller ID blocking is automatically switched off for that call. Emergency operators will always see your phone number and your approximate location, regardless of your personal settings. Your safety is the number one priority.
The system is built this way to make sure first responders can find you. It's a critical exception to the usual privacy rules, so you can hide your number from the public while knowing it's always visible to the services that need it most.
Caller ID blocking is a great tool for day-to-day privacy, but it never gets in the way of emergency calls. This ensures you can always get help when you need it, making it a safe feature to use without a second thought.
Can Someone I Call Find Out My Private Number?
Generally, no. When you use a prefix like #31# or the permanent setting on your phone, your number shows up as a generic label like 'Private Number' or 'Blocked'. The person on the other end has no simple way to trace it back to you.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. Some businesses or even individuals use services that automatically reject anonymous calls, which means your call just won't go through. Also, be a bit careful with voicemails – some carrier systems have been known to reveal your number if you leave a message. It's a rare quirk, but worth knowing about.
Will Hiding My Number Stop Spam Calls and Texts?
Unfortunately, no. Hiding your outgoing caller ID is a one-way street; it only affects the calls you make.
It does nothing to stop the spammers, scammers, or marketers who have already got their hands on your number. They’ll still be able to call and text you just like before.
To properly fight off incoming spam, you need a different set of tools. This means using your carrier's spam filters, manually blocking nuisance numbers, and getting yourself on Australia's Do Not Call Register.
Is It Legal to Make My Number Private in Australia?
Yep, it’s completely legal. In fact, all major Australian carriers are required to offer this feature as a recognised consumer right.
Using a private number for privacy reasons is totally fine. However, using it to harass, threaten, or engage in any illegal activities is a serious criminal offence that law enforcement can and will investigate.
Ready to take control of your calls and filter out the noise for good? OnSilent uses smart AI to manage your calls, block spam, and ensure you only focus on the conversations that matter. Learn how OnSilent can save you time and stress.