Do you remember the telephone switchboard? It was an essential component in manual telephone exchange. Is it necessary now? Its relevance is now obsolete with numerous advancements in technology. Thanks to software tweaks, users today have the power in their hands and can do as much as possible, including hiding their caller identities. And learning how to call with a private number in Kenya is the first step to concealing your identity.
It sounds devious, but there are times when you might want to hide your number when making a call. It may be because you do not wish to share your identity with the other party or want to play around.
The good news is that it is possible on all the major telecommunication companies in Kenya (Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom). So, how do you hide your number when calling in Kenya?
What is a private call?
A private call is a process of concealing your caller ID. Using this strategy, a person or a company can hide their contact information. The private call feature is often utilized by telemarketers doing shady businesses or private people who don't want to share their contact information.
How to call with a private number in Kenya
There are various ways you can call with a private number with a private number across all networks in the country. The good thing is that all processes are straightforward and don't involve installing extra software or in-depth tweaking your phone's settings.
On top of this, it works for users with or without smartphones. So, would you like to know how to call with a private number on Airtel and other networks? The process is straightforward.
Using a private number call code
For those trying to figure out how to call with a private number on Safaricom, you will be glad to know that all it takes is the Kenyan code #31#. You must enter this code before the number you dial to conceal your number from the call recipient.
Therefore, all you have to do to become anonymous is dialling #31# then your number. For example, #31#072234…. then call. The call will go through as usual, but the receiver will not view the number but will get a notification of a private number calling.
The code for private number on Safaricom is the same as the one for Airtel and other networks in Kenya. You can use #31# on all networks to become anonymous.
Turning off caller ID from settings
Another hassle-free way to hide your caller ID is by turning it off from your phone's settings. This method works best for people with smartphones.
Use the following steps if you are using an iPhone:
- Open the settings app on your phone.
- Tap phone.
- Tap “Show My Caller ID”.
- Tap the toggle switch next to “Show My Caller ID” to turn it off.
Using the following steps, you can hide your caller ID on an Android phone.
- Open the Phone app on your smartphone.
- Click on the three-bar menu icon on the top-most right section of your screen or more buttons depending on your phone’s user interface.
- Tap on settings to head to dialling options.
- This action will direct you to your phone’s dialler setting with various options. Scroll down and click on more settings or additional settings.
- Tap on “Show Caller ID” or “Caller ID”, depending on your phone’s software version.
- The caller ID is usually set to “Network Default”; choose the “Hide Number” option to hide it.
- Close the dialler settings and make your call.
Does the code #131# hide your number?
The code does not hide your identity; only #31# works. #131# or *131# is Safaricom’s USSD code for Auto Okoa services. Eligible clients can dial the USSD code to access the Auto Okoa menu, where they will be opted into the services after selecting any available options.
Final word on calling via a private number
As you learn how to call with a private number in Kenya, it is essential to know that although it can be helpful, most people don’t trust such calls, and yours might be ignored. People in Kenya associate private numbers with fraud and avoid them like the plague.
Therefore, only use the feature when necessary or during a prank session to get a laugh out of your buddy.
Tuko.co.ke featured an informative article providing more information about clown numbers that you should never think of calling.
What is the concern with these numbers? Most people who have called these numbers have heard creepy voices and even terrifying messages. So, what clown numbers should you not dare call?
