Do you ever wish to make a call without revealing your number?
Whether it’s for a surprise call or a need for privacy, Vodacom South Africa makes it possible to dial as a “Private Number.”
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to master private calling.
Understanding Private Numbers
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s clarify what a private number is:
- What It Does: When you make a call as a private number, the person receiving the call won’t see your phone number on their caller ID. Instead, they’ll typically see “Private Number,” “Unknown,” or something similar.
- Why Use It: There are various reasons to use private numbers, including:
- Surprise calls to friends or family
- Protecting your privacy in certain situations
- Making inquiries without disclosing your number
- Avoiding unwanted callbacks (in some cases)
Methods for Making Your Vodacom Number Private
Vodacom offers a few convenient ways to make your calls private:
1. Per-Call Basis
This is the simplest method for occasional private calls:
- Dial #31# before the number: Just add #31# before the phone number you want to call. For example, if the number is 082 123 4567, you would dial #31#082 123 4567.
- That’s it! Your call will go through as a private number.
2. Permanent Setting (Caller Line Identity Restriction)
If you want to make all your outgoing calls private by default, you can activate Caller Line Identity Restriction (CLI Restriction):
- *Dial 31#: This code will activate CLI Restriction.
- Dial #31# to deactivate: If you ever want to switch back to showing your number, just dial #31#.
Important Notes
- Emergency Calls: Your number will always be visible when you call emergency services, even with CLI Restriction active.
- Some Businesses: Certain businesses and organizations might have technologies that can reveal private numbers.
- Caller ID Blocking: The person you’re calling can sometimes use features like “Caller ID Blocking” to prevent private numbers from calling them.
Staying Safe and Respectful
While private numbers have their uses, it’s important to be mindful of how you use them. Avoid using private numbers for harassment, scams, or any malicious activities.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble with private calling, check your phone settings, confirm that you’re dialing the codes correctly, and consider contacting Vodacom customer support for assistance.
