How to Do Private Number on Telkom

Sometimes, having a private number on Telkom comes in handy when calling someone in South Africa. When you don’t want the person you’re calling to recognize your phone number, or you don’t want them to be able to call you back, you can make that private number to hide your caller ID. In this guide, we’ll show you the most effective private number code in Telkom. 

Understanding private numbers

When you use a private number, it means the recipient of your call won’t be able to tell your identity right away, even when they previously have your phone number. What would be displayed on their phone would be “Restricted”, “No Caller ID”, Private Caller” or “Blocked.” Also at the end of the call, they won’t be able to call you back because your call does not leave behind a phone number they can use. 

Why hide caller ID on Telkom?

There are many reasons you can consider getting a private number code on Telkom. Here are legitimate reasons people use private numbers:

• To hide their caller ID and keep their phone number private
• To make certain calls without revealing their identity such as calling a journalist or whistleblower.
• To keep whoever you wish to call you from returning your calls
• Keeping your caller ID private can help enhance your security in today’s world where scammers are more prevalent.
• To protect against unwanted calls or harassment
• Some businesses or individuals prefer keeping their caller ID private when making business-related calls.

How to do private number on Telkom

Now let’s talk about how to make private numbers on Telkom. There are different methods for doing so and it all depends on whether you want to keep it on temporarily for specific calls or permanently.

Dial prefix code *31#

This method allows you to make your phone number private on Telkom before you call a target number. Therefore, this technique isn’t permanent and would only keep your phone number hidden for the call you take immediately. To use this method:

• Go to your phone dialer and type *31#
• Next, follow this by entering the target number you want to call. For instance, if your target number is 08100023567. Then you would type *31#08100023567
• Finally, hit the dial button to begin your call.

Phone call settings

Your Android or IOS phone also has native settings that can also make your Telkom private number. This technique is also a permanent one. So until you turn it off, your caller ID will remain private for every call you make. Here’s how to set it up:

On Android:

• Go to the Settings app
• Navigate to the section for Calls
• Next look for the options for “Calling accounts” or “Additional Settings”
• There search for Caller ID or Caller ID display
• Toggle to select “off” “hide” or “disable” caller ID

On IOS:

• Open the Settings app
• Navigate to find the “Phone” setting and tap on it.

• Scroll down the page to select “Show My Caller ID”

• Toggle to switch off “Show My Caller ID”.

Telkom Customer Service

You can also call Telkom customer service to activate the “Caller Line Identification Restriction” or “CLIR” service. As expected, using this method will keep your caller ID hidden for a long time. Here’s how:

• Call the Telkom customer care at 122 or 081180. Alternatively, use the self-service portal on the Telkom website.
• If you’re using the online service, you’ll need to log in using your Telkom phone number and ID.

🔎Read Also: How to Check Vodacom Number

Considerations of Hiding Caller ID

Before choosing to use your Telkom private number, you need to also consider how people may perceive calls from a hidden or blocked caller ID. For starters, many people are hesitant to answer calls from unknown or private numbers. They perceive such calls to originate from scammers or telemarketing companies. So, when you hide your number before making calls, there’s a good chance the recipient may not answer the call because your number isn’t recognizable. Also, some recipients may have apps that reveal your phone number regardless of your efforts to hide it. And if you’re using a business phone, your customers may not be able to identify your company. You must weigh your options carefully before deciding to make your number private.

How to remove private number on Telkom

Now let’s talk about what you can do to deactivate your Telkom private number, especially if you’ve turned it on previously by contacting Telkom customer care:

• Call customer care again: You can reach the Telkom customer service team by dialing 122 or 081180 from your mobile phone. While speaking to the customer representative, you’ll need to explain yourself as much as possible.
• Using the self-service channel: You can also log in to the Telkom website or app to speak to a customer care agent.
• Visit a Telkom Store: You can also visit an authorized Telkom store or retail outlet and speak to a representative. They will help you remove the private number feature from your account.
• Pay the fee: Sometimes the agents might require a fee to deactivate the private number code on Telkom. This often happens if you’ve had the private number feature turned on for more than six months.

Is it possible to track a Telkom private number?

If you know the Telkom phone number, then you can track it using the fantastic tool, LocatePhone, which makes it easy to pinpoint the location of the device for that phone number right to its geolocation anywhere in the world. Here’s how it works;

• Go to the LocatePhone website.
• Type in South African Telkom phone number and find location online

• Next, type in your email to receive details on that phone number.

FAQ

How can I change my phone number to private?

You can change your number to private to hide your caller ID in different ways. You can either use the private number code, such as the *31# for Telkom or call your customer service or use your Android or IOS smartphone’s native settings to keep your caller ID private. 

Is there a charge for hiding my caller ID on Telkom?

Generally, there’s no charge for restricting or hiding your caller ID on Telkom. There’s also no charge for removing the caller ID restrictions afterward. But if you’ve kept your phone number permanently hidden for more than 6 months, the call agents might charge your account to remove it. 

Will a Telkom SIM work with any cell phone or modem?

Yes, your Telkom SIM works with cell phones and modems. As long as your device is SIM-enabled, and the modem unlocked it can work with the Telkom SIM. Nevertheless, you should always check the specific compatibility of your device, especially your modem. You can also consult the Telkom customer service for more information. 

Conclusion

There are many ways to make your private number on Telkom, whether you choose to use the dialer’s code or call Telkom customer care. Always bear in mind the implications of making your phone number private which might mean some people may not pick up your calls. Ultimately, the decision to make your Telkom private number lies with you. And with these activation and deactivation methods we’ve discussed you can turn it on or off when needed.