If you want to make a phone call without displaying your phone number to the person receiving the call, you can use your phone’s Caller ID settings or, where supported, a caller-ID code.
When you make a private call, the recipient may see “Private Number,” “Unknown,” or “No Caller ID” instead of your phone number.
This guide explains how to call with a private number in Kenya, including how to hide your number for a single call and how to turn off Caller ID on Android and iPhone.
How to Call With a Private Number for One Call
One of the quickest methods is to add #31# before the number you want to call.
For example, if you want to call 0712345678, enter:
#31#0712345678
Then press the call button.
If your network supports the feature, your number will be withheld for that call and the recipient may see the call as Private Number or Unknown Caller. Kenyan technology publications including TechMoran and TechWeez have documented the use of #31# for individual calls on Safaricom.
Example
Instead of dialing:
0712345678
Dial:
#31#0712345678
This is useful if you only want to hide your number for a particular call.
How to Hide Your Number on an iPhone
You can also hide your Caller ID directly from the iPhone settings.
On current versions of iOS:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Select Phone.
- Tap Show My Caller ID.
- Turn Show My Caller ID off.
Your phone number will then be hidden on outgoing calls where your carrier supports the feature. Apple notes that if the Show My Caller ID option is missing or unavailable, you may need to contact your mobile carrier.
How to Hide Your Number on Android
The exact menu names vary between Samsung, Tecno, Infinix, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other Android phones.
Generally:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Open Settings.
- Look for Calls, Calling accounts, or Call settings.
- Select your SIM/mobile network.
- Look for Additional settings or More settings.
- Tap Caller ID.
- Select Hide number.
On some Android phones, you may see options such as:
- Network default
- Hide number
- Show number
Choose Hide number if you want your outgoing calls to appear as private.
The exact procedure can differ depending on the Android version, phone manufacturer and network configuration.
How to Make a Private Call on Safaricom
Safaricom users can try the #31# method for an individual call.
For example:
#31#0722000000
Then press the call button.
If supported on your line, the recipient should not see your normal number.
For persistent Caller ID settings, you can also check your phone’s calling settings and select Hide number.
Can You Make a Private Call on Airtel Kenya?
The ability to hide Caller ID can depend on the network and phone configuration.
If #31# does not work on your Airtel line, check your phone’s Caller ID settings and select Hide number if the option is available.
You can also contact Airtel customer support if the Caller ID option is unavailable or the network does not accept the setting.
How to Show Your Number Again
If you no longer want your calls to appear as private, return to your phone’s Caller ID settings.
On iPhone
Go to:
Settings → Apps → Phone → Show My Caller ID
Turn the option back on.
On Android
Go to:
Phone → Settings → Calling accounts/Calls → Additional settings → Caller ID
Then select:
Show number or Network default
The exact menu may be different depending on your phone.
Why Would Someone Hide Their Phone Number?
There are legitimate reasons for withholding Caller ID.
For example:
- Protecting personal privacy
- Making a business-related call without immediately sharing a personal number
- Calling someone when you do not want your number stored
- Keeping your personal number separate from certain communications
However, hiding your number does not make you immune from identification by your network provider or authorities where lawful processes apply.
Can a Private Number Be Traced?
A private Caller ID mainly prevents the recipient’s phone from displaying your number.
It should not be interpreted as making a call completely anonymous.
Mobile network operators maintain network records, and applicable legal processes may allow information to be obtained by authorized parties.
Therefore, Caller ID hiding should not be used for harassment, fraud, threats or other unlawful activity.
Why Is My Number Still Showing?
If your number continues appearing even after you try to hide it, several things could be responsible.
1. Your network may not support Caller ID hiding
Some carriers or plans may restrict the feature.
2. Your phone settings may override the code
Check the Caller ID setting on your phone.
3. The recipient may have caller-identification services
Some caller-identification systems may identify callers using information beyond the basic Caller ID display.
4. Your phone software may use different settings
Samsung, Tecno, Infinix, Xiaomi, Nokia and other Android phones can have different menus.
5. The network may reject the request
If the feature doesn’t work after trying the available settings, contact your mobile network provider.
Private Number vs Unknown Number
Although people often use the terms interchangeably, Private Number and Unknown Number can have different causes.
A Private Number usually means the caller has withheld their Caller ID.
An Unknown Number can appear when the network or receiving phone cannot obtain or identify the caller information.
The exact wording depends on the recipient’s phone and network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I call someone with a private number in Kenya?
For a one-time call, try adding #31# before the number you want to call. For example, #31#0712345678. Availability can depend on your network.
How do I hide my number permanently?
Use your phone’s Caller ID settings and select Hide number, if supported by your network.
How do I hide my number on an iPhone?
Go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Show My Caller ID and turn it off. Apple says carrier restrictions may prevent this option from appearing.
How do I hide my number on Android?
Open the Phone app, go to its calling settings, find Caller ID, and select Hide number where the option is available.
Does hiding my number make me completely anonymous?
No. Hiding Caller ID mainly prevents your number from being displayed to the person you call. It should not be considered a guarantee of anonymity.
Final Word
Calling with a private number can be useful when you want additional privacy during a particular call. In Kenya, you can try #31# followed by the number for a one-time private call, while Android and iPhone users can also check their Caller ID settings.
Remember to use Caller ID hiding responsibly and never use it for fraud, harassment, threats or other unlawful activities.
