How To Do Private Number On Telkom In South Africa Easily

Maintaining privacy while making phone calls has become increasingly important. One effective way to protect your identity is by using a private number. But what exactly is a private number? When you make a call with a private number, your caller ID is hidden, so the person you’re calling sees “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller” instead of your actual phone number. This feature is particularly useful if you want to keep your personal information confidential.

Using a private number can be advantageous in many scenarios. Here are some key benefits:

• Privacy: Protects your personal information from strangers, avoiding unwanted callbacks.
• Anonymity: Allows you to make calls without revealing your identity, especially when reaching out to unknown contacts.
• Control: Gives you the freedom to decide when and to whom your number is visible.

When Might You Need to Hide Your Number?

Hiding your number can be particularly useful in various situations, including:

• Business Calls: When reaching out to clients or customers without sharing your personal number.
• Security Concerns: Avoid potential spam, fraud, or harassment by keeping your number private.
• Making Anonymous Inquiries: For instances where you want to inquire about sensitive information without revealing your identity.

If you’ve ever wanted to make a call without disclosing your number, then this guide is for you. I will take you through simple, step-by-step methods to activate the private number feature on Telkom. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly how to hide your caller ID, ensuring your privacy whenever you need it. Let’s get started!

How To Do Private Number On Telkom 

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to hide your number on Telkom using various methods like;

• Using USSD Code
• via Phone Settings
• Using MyTelkom App
• Activating Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) by contacting Telkom customer Care

How To Do Private Number On Telkom Using USSD Code

This is a quick and easy way to hide your number for individual calls.

• Step 1: Open your phone’s dialer app.
• Step 2: Dial #31# followed by the recipient’s phone number. For example, #31#0812345678.
• Step 3: Press the call button. Your number will appear as “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller” on the recipient’s phone.
• Note: This method only hides your number for the specific call you are making.

How To Do Private Number On Telkom Via Phone Settings

This method allows you to hide your number for all outgoing calls directly from your phone settings.

• For Android Users:
  • Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  • Step 2: Go to Call Settings or Network & Internet, then select Calls.
  • Step 3: Tap on Additional Settings or More Settings.
  • Step 4: Choose Caller ID and select Hide Number.
  • Step 5: Your number will now be hidden for all outgoing calls.
• For iPhone Users:
  • Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Phone.
  • Step 3: Select Show My Caller ID.
  • Step 4: Toggle off the Show My Caller ID option.
  • Step 5: Your number will now be hidden for all outgoing calls.

How To Do Private Number On Telkom Using Telkom App

The Telkom app offers an easy way to manage your account settings, including hiding your caller ID.

• Step 1: Download and install the Telkom App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Step 2: Open the app and log in with your Telkom credentials.
• Step 3: Navigate to Settings or Account Settings.
• Step 4: Look for the Caller ID or Privacy settings option.
• Step 5: Toggle the Hide Caller ID or Private Number option to enable it.
• Step 6: Your number will now appear as private for all outgoing calls made via the Telkom network.

How To Do Private Number On Telkom By Activating Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) Through Telkom Customer Care

This is a permanent solution for hiding your number, known as Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR).

• What is CLIR?: Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) is a feature that permanently blocks your caller ID for all outgoing calls. This means your number will always appear as private unless you disable this service.
• Step 1: Dial 10210 or 081180 to contact Telkom Customer Care from your Telkom line.
• Step 2: Follow the voice prompts to connect with a customer care representative.
• Step 3: Request to activate the Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) feature on your line.
• Step 4: Provide any necessary verification details (e.g., your Telkom number and account information).
• Step 5: Confirm the activation of the service with the representative.
• Step 6: Once activated, your number will always appear as private for all outgoing calls.
• Note: To deactivate this feature, you will need to contact Telkom Customer Care again.

Third-party Apps That Offer Caller Id Hiding Services 

Hide My Number | Hide Caller ID

• Availability: This app is available exclusively on the Google Play Store.
• Features: It allows users to automatically hide their caller ID for outgoing calls without manually entering a code each time.
• How It Works: The app integrates with your phone’s dialer and automatically applies the private number feature based on your preferences.
• Note: While convenient, it’s essential to review permissions and privacy policies before using third-party apps to ensure your data remains secure.

Important Things To Be Aware Of When Using the Private Number Feature 

When using the private number feature to hide your caller ID, it’s essential to keep a few considerations in mind. Here are some important points to be aware of:

1. Not All Calls Will Be Anonymous:
   • Certain services like emergency numbers (112, 911), toll-free numbers, and some business lines can still see your caller ID, even if you use the private number feature.
2. Trust Issues:
   • Many people tend to ignore or reject calls from private numbers, assuming they might be spam or telemarketing. If you frequently call important contacts with a hidden number, it may reduce trust or the likelihood of them answering.
3. Blocking on the Receiver’s End:
   • Some individuals or businesses have settings that automatically block calls from private or unknown numbers. Your call may not go through if the receiver has enabled such settings.
4. Temporary vs. Permanent Solution:
   • Using USSD codes or phone settings provides a temporary way to hide your number. However, activating Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) via Telkom Customer Care is a more permanent solution. Choose the method that best suits your needs.
5. Legal and Ethical Concerns:
   • While hiding your caller ID can enhance privacy, it should be used responsibly. Making anonymous calls for harassment, threats, or illegal activities is prohibited and can lead to serious legal consequences.
6. Compatibility Issues:
   • Not all phones or network providers support the option to hide caller ID, especially when using specific settings or third-party apps. Always check compatibility with your device and network.
7. Caller ID Hiding Charges:
   • Some network providers may charge a small fee for activating or using services like CLIR. Verify with Telkom if there are any associated costs to avoid unexpected charges.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Hiding Your Number on Telkom 

When attempting to hide your number on Telkom, you might encounter a few common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them effectively:

1. Caller ID Still Visible After Using USSD Code:
   • Cause: The USSD code #31# may not work if the receiver’s network doesn’t support hiding caller ID.
   • Solution: Try using your phone’s settings to hide your caller ID permanently, or use a different method like activating CLIR via Telkom Customer Care.
2. Settings to Hide Caller ID Not Available on Your Phone:
   • Cause: Some Android and iPhone models may not have the option to hide caller ID in their settings.
   • Solution: Use the USSD code #31# before dialing the number or consider using the Telkom App to manage your caller ID settings.
3. Call Fails When Caller ID is Hidden:
   • Cause: The recipient’s phone or network may automatically block calls from private or unknown numbers.
   • Solution: Inform the recipient beforehand to expect a private number call or disable the private number feature temporarily to place the call.
4. USSD Code Not Working:
   • Cause: USSD codes might not work correctly if you have a poor network connection or if there is an issue with Telkom’s services.
   • Solution: Ensure you have a strong signal, then try again. If the issue persists, restart your phone and try dialing the code once more.
5. CLIR Activation Not Taking Effect:
   • Cause: The Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) might not activate immediately due to delays in Telkom’s system updates.
   • Solution: Wait a few hours and try making a call again. If your number is still visible, contact Telkom Customer Care to confirm that the service has been activated correctly.
6. Telkom App Not Reflecting Caller ID Settings:
   • Cause: The Telkom app may not update settings due to an outdated app version or technical glitches.
   • Solution: Update the app to the latest version from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. If the issue continues, log out and log back into the app or reinstall it.
7. Caller ID Setting Reverts After Restarting the Phone:
   • Cause: Some devices may reset caller ID preferences after a restart or software update.
   • Solution: Recheck your caller ID settings after restarting your phone. For a more permanent solution, consider activating the CLIR feature through Telkom Customer Care.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Do Private Number On Telkom 

How do I hide my number on Telkom for a single call?

To hide your number for a single call on Telkom, simply dial #31# followed by the recipient’s phone number (e.g., #31#0812345678). This will ensure your caller ID appears as “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller” for that call.

Can I permanently hide my number on Telkom?

Yes, you can permanently hide your number by activating the Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) service through Telkom Customer Care. Once activated, your caller ID will be hidden for all outgoing calls until you choose to disable the feature.

Why is my caller ID still visible even after using the private number feature?

This may happen because certain numbers, like emergency services or toll-free lines, can still detect your caller ID even if you use a private number feature. Additionally, the recipient’s phone settings or network may override the caller ID restriction.

Is there a charge for hiding my number on Telkom?

Using USSD codes or phone settings to hide your caller ID is typically free of charge. However, activating permanent services like CLIR may come with a small fee. It’s best to check with Telkom Customer Care for any applicable charges.

Can I hide my number using the Telkom App?

Yes, you can hide your number using the Telkom App. Simply log in, navigate to the Settings or Account Settings section, and toggle the Hide Caller ID option. This will ensure your number remains private for outgoing calls made through the Telkom network.

Conclusions On How To Do Private Number On Telkom 

Thank you for taking the time to read this comprehensive guide on how to do private number on Telkom. We’ve explored several methods to help you hide your caller ID, including using USSD codes, adjusting phone settings, using the Telkom App, and activating Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) through Telkom Customer Care. Each method offers unique advantages, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs for privacy and anonymity.

Remember to pick the most convenient method and regularly check your settings to ensure your number remains private when needed. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who use Telkom and might also benefit from this information.

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