How to Call with Private Number in Kenya (Safaricom, Airtel, & Telkom)

Sometimes, you may want to keep your phone number private while making a call. Whether it’s for security, privacy, or professional reasons, hiding your caller ID is a simple yet effective way to ensure your number isn’t displayed on the recipient’s phone.

In Kenya, all major telecom providers, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, allow users to make private calls.

This guide will explain when it’s appropriate to call with a private number, how to do so across various networks and devices, and how to remove private numbers when they’re no longer needed.

When to Call with a Private Number

There are several reasons you might want to call someone with your number hidden:

• Maintaining Privacy: If you’re calling someone for the first time, such as a business associate or a stranger, keeping your number private prevents them from saving or misusing it.
• Professional Use: Professionals like doctors, journalists, or lawyers may want to shield their personal numbers during work-related calls.
• Surprise or Pranks: If you’re planning a surprise for a loved one, hiding your number adds an element of mystery. However, be mindful not to misuse this feature.
• Avoiding Callbacks: In cases where you don’t want the recipient to call you back, a private number is ideal.

While using a private number can be beneficial, misuse can lead to blocked calls or even legal action, especially if used for harassment. Use this feature responsibly.

Related: Learn how to identity a private number.

How to Call with Private Number on Safaricom

If you are a Safaricom subscriber, hiding your number for a single call is straightforward:

Option 1: Prefix Code

1. Dial #31# before the recipient’s phone number.
   • For example, to call 0722000000, dial #31#0722000000.
2. Press the call button, and your number will appear as “Private Number” on the recipient’s screen.

Option 2: Change Settings Permanently

1. Open your phone’s Settings.
2. Go to Call Settings > Additional Settings > Caller ID.
3. Select Hide Number.
4. Your number will now be hidden for all outgoing calls until you revert the setting.

How to Call with Private Number on Airtel

Airtel Kenya also allows you to hide your number with simple steps:

Option 1: Prefix Code

1. Dial #31# before the number you want to call.
   • For instance, dial #31#0733000000 to hide your number.

Option 2: Adjust Caller ID Settings

1. Open your Phone Settings.
2. Navigate to Call Settings > Additional Settings > Caller ID.
3. Select Hide Number to make all outgoing calls private.

Keep in mind that some recipients might have apps or services like Truecaller that may still identify your call.

How to Call with Private Number on Telkom

For Telkom users, making a private call follows the same basic steps:

Option 1: Use the Prefix Code

1. Dial #31# followed by the number you want to call.
   • For example, dial #31#0777000000.

Option 2: Modify Caller ID Settings

1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to Call Settings > Caller ID Settings.
3. Choose Hide Number.

If you encounter any issues, contact Telkom customer care for assistance.

Does 31 Make Your Number Private?

Yes, dialing #31# before the recipient’s phone number temporarily hides your caller ID for that specific call. This code works across major networks in Kenya, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom.

For example, to call 0712345678 privately, you would dial #31#0712345678.

If you want your number to remain private for all calls, you can change the settings in your phone as explained earlier.

How to Make a Private Call on Safaricom on iPhone

If you’re using an iPhone, hiding your number while on Safaricom is easy:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on Phone.
3. Select Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle the switch to Off.
5. Your number will now be hidden for all outgoing calls.

To revert, simply toggle the Show My Caller ID switch back to On.

How to Make a Private Call on Safaricom Android

On Android devices, you can hide your Safaricom number as follows:

1. Go to Settings on your phone.
2. Tap Call Settings or Connections.
3. Select Additional Settings and then Caller ID.
4. Choose Hide Number.

Your number will now appear as private for all outgoing calls. To reverse this, repeat the steps and select Show Number or Default Network Settings.

How to Remove Private Numbers in Kenya

If you’ve previously set your number to private and want to revert to displaying it:

Option 1: Use a Code

1. Dial *31# to deactivate the private number setting.
2. This will ensure your caller ID is visible for all calls.

Option 2: Reset Caller ID Settings

1. Open your Phone Settings.
2. Go to Call Settings > Caller ID.
3. Choose Show Number.

Option 3: Contact Your Provider

If the above methods don’t work, contact your service provider’s customer care team for assistance. Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom can reset your settings remotely.

Conclusion

Calling with a private number in Kenya is a handy feature offered by all major telecom providers. Whether you’re using Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom, you can hide your number temporarily with a simple prefix code or permanently by adjusting your phone’s settings.

While this feature has its uses, it’s important to use it responsibly and avoid activities that could be considered intrusive or harmful. If you no longer need to hide your number, reverting to the default settings is just as easy.