How to Call with a Private Number in Kenya
Sometimes, you may want to keep your phone number hidden when making a call. Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom all allow you to hide your caller ID so the recipient sees “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller.” Whether for privacy, business, or personal reasons, here’s how to call with a private number in Kenya.
What Does a Private Number Mean?
A private number is when your phone hides your caller ID so that the person receiving your call cannot see your number. This feature is useful when you want to protect your identity or make anonymous calls.
How to Call with a Private Number Using a Code
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Dial #31# before the phone number you want to call.
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Example: To call 0722123456 privately, dial #31#0722123456.
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The recipient will see “Private Number” instead of your actual number.
How to Hide Your Number via Phone Settings
On Android
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Open the Phone app.
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Tap the three dots (menu) and go to Settings.
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Select Caller ID or Additional Settings.
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Choose Hide Number.
On iPhone
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Go to Settings.
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Tap Phone.
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Select Show My Caller ID.
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Toggle it off to hide your number.
How to Permanently Block Your Caller ID
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Contact your mobile service provider (Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom) and request them to permanently disable caller ID on your line.
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This will ensure all your outgoing calls appear as private unless you choose to show your number again.
Important Things to Note
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Some recipients may reject or ignore private numbers.
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Certain businesses and government institutions do not accept calls from hidden numbers.
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Hiding your number does not make your call completely anonymous—your service provider can still trace it.
Common Questions About Private Numbers
Can I send SMS with a private number?
No, SMS messages always show the sender’s phone number.
Is calling with a private number free?
Yes, there are no extra charges for hiding your number.
Can I hide my number when calling internationally?
Yes, as long as the recipient’s network supports caller ID blocking.
How do I unhide my number after calling privately?
Simply remove the #31# code or switch caller ID back on in your phone settings.
Conclusion
Calling with a private number is simple and free, whether by dialing a code or changing your phone settings. It’s a handy feature when you want privacy, but always use it responsibly since some people may avoid answering calls from hidden numbers
