How to call with private number in Kenya: A Complete Guide 2024

Have you ever wanted to make a phone call without revealing your number? Whether it's for a surprise, to maintain privacy, or just because you prefer to keep your number hidden, knowing how to call a private number in Kenya is incredibly useful. In this modern era, where our lives are increasingly intertwined with our phones, the need for privacy has never been more pressing.

In Kenya, like in many other parts of the world, there are several ways to ensure your phone number remains unseen by the people you're calling. This guide will take you through everything you need to make private calls in Kenya. We've covered you, from simple dialing tricks like *67 and #31# to more sophisticated methods involving smartphone settings and carrier services.

We'll also explore using burner apps – a clever way to maintain a separate number for specific calls. And for those who prioritize security in their conversations, we'll offer additional tips to keep your phone chats as private as possible. Whether using a state-of-the-art smartphone or a trusty landline, this guide provides practical, easy-to-follow steps to keep your calls confidential and your identity secure.

So, why is caller privacy important? In a world where data privacy concerns are rising, keeping your phone number private can be crucial in protecting your personal information. Plus, it's always good to have control over who gets to see your number and when. Ready to dive in? Let's explore the ins and outs of calling with a private number in Kenya.

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Dialing Special Codes for Privacy

Privacy is a precious commodity in our digital age; sometimes, you must keep your phone number under wraps. Fortunately, in Kenya, there are simple yet effective ways to make a call without displaying your number to the recipient. Let's delve into these special codes that can be your quick go-to solutions for maintaining call privacy.

Understanding Special Dialing Codes

1.The Magic of 67 and #31#

Have you ever heard of *67 and #31#? These aren't just random numbers; they're your key to making private calls. Here's the lowdown on how they work:

2.Dialing 67 - A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Your Phone's Keypad: The journey to a private call begins with your Phone's keypad. It's where all the magic happens.
2. *Enter 67: Before you punch in the number you wish to call, type *67. This code is like a cloak of invisibility for your phone number.
3. Dial the Desired Number: After entering *67, dial the number you want to call, just like you usually would.
4. Make the Call: Hit the call button. The person you call will see "Private" or "Blocked" on their caller ID instead of your number. Neat, right?

It's as simple as that! But remember, you need to dial *67 every time you want to make a private call. It's not a one-time thing but a per-call basis strategy.

3.Using #31# - Another Quick Trick

If *67 sounds like a hassle, don't worry – there's another code in town: #31#. It works similarly:

1. Access Your Phone's Keypad: It all starts here again.
2. Enter #31#: Type in #31# before the number. This code is your ticket to a hidden caller ID.
3. Dial the Number You Wish to Call: Enter the number you want to call.
4. Initiate the Call: Press the call button, and voilà! Your number appears as private or unknown.

Both these techniques are effective for smartphones and landlines. Whether calling a friend or a business associate, these codes offer a quick and easy way to keep your number private.

Smartphone Settings for Caller ID Blocking

In today's smartphone-centric world, almost everyone has a device in their pocket or purse. These powerful tools are not just for calling and texting; they can also ensure your calling privacy. IOS and Android devices have built-in settings allowing you to block your caller ID for all outgoing calls. Let's dive into how you can set this up on your smartphone.

How to Configure Caller ID Blocking on Smartphones

On an iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're an iPhone user, hiding your caller ID is straightforward. Here's how to do it:

1. Navigate to Settings: Tap your iPhone's 'Settings' icon, the gateway to customizing your phone experience.
2. Select Phone: In the settings menu, scroll down and tap 'Phone.' This is where all your call settings live.
3. Show My Caller ID: Here, you'll find an option titled 'Show My Caller ID.' Tap on it to access the caller ID settings.
4. Toggle Off Caller ID: You'll see a toggle switch next to 'Show My Caller ID.' Flip it to the off position, and voila! Your number will be hidden for all outgoing calls.

On an Android Device: Ensuring Privacy

Android users, you're not left out! Here's how you can hide your caller ID:

1. Open the Phone App: Start by opening your phone app. It's where you make all your calls, so it's naturally where you can control your caller ID settings.
2. Access Settings: In the phone app, look for 'Settings,' 'Additional settings,' or 'Call settings,' depending on your device.
3. Choose Caller ID Settings: Find the 'Caller ID' option within the settings. This is where you control how your number shows up when you call others.
4. Select 'Hide Number': You'll find an option to 'Hide number' in the caller ID settings. Select this to ensure your caller ID won't be shown on outgoing calls.

Remember, while these settings are handy, some carriers might have restrictions on this feature. But don't worry, there's usually a way around these limitations.

Assistance from Wireless Carriers

Sometimes, the manual blocking methods of your caller ID may seem tedious, or you've encountered some carrier restrictions. In such cases, your wireless carrier can be your best ally in maintaining your calling privacy. Whether you're a Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom user in Kenya, seeking help from your carrier is a viable option. Let's look at how you can make this happen.

Utilizing Carrier Services for Caller ID Privacy

Your phone carrier can provide a more permanent solution for hiding your caller ID. Here's what you need to do:

1. Dial Customer Support: The first step is to contact your carrier's customer or technical support. For most pages in Kenya, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, you can dial 100.
2. Request Caller ID Blocking: Once connected, request your number be blocked for all outgoing calls. This service is usually straightforward and can be a great relief for those wanting consistent privacy.
3. Implementation by the Carrier: The carrier will implement the change after your request. Once this is done, your number will consistently appear private or unknown for all outgoing calls.
4. Temporary Unblocking: What if you need to unblock your number for a specific call? There's a solution for that, too. You can dial *82 before the number you're calling to free your caller ID temporarily.

This method is beneficial for individuals using different types of phones or those who want all lines on their accounts to maintain privacy.

Using Burner Apps and Additional Tips

Beyond the traditional methods of hiding your caller ID, there's a modern twist to maintaining your calling privacy - burner apps. These apps are perfect for those seeking an extra layer of anonymity or wishing to keep separate numbers for different purposes. In addition to this, we'll also share some additional tips to ensure your phone conversations remain as secure as possible.

Advanced Privacy with Burner Apps

For those who want more control over their privacy or wish to maintain separate numbers for different purposes, burner apps offer a convenient solution. These apps create a second phone number that can be used for making calls without revealing your number. Some popular burner apps include:

1. Burner(Android, iPhone)
2. Hushed(Android, iPhone)
3. Google Voice

Burner, for example, allows you to route calls through a secondary number, providing an extra layer of anonymity. The app typically offers a 7-day free trial, costing $5 per line monthly.

Hushed offers a cost-effective option, with plans starting at $2 per week for 60 texts and 20 call minutes. Google Voice, on the other hand, lets you create a new number for free and make calls and texts while using your existing Phone's minutes and data.

These apps protect your privacy and offer convenience, especially for managing different facets of your life, like work and personal calls.

Additional Tips for Secure Phone Conversations

While burner apps and caller ID blocking are great, there are additional measures you can take to ensure the security of your phone conversations:

1. Use Secure Calling Apps: Apps like Signal, WhatsApp, or Viber offer end-to-end encryption, adding an extra layer of security to your conversations.
2. Be Cautious with Sensitive Information: Even with privacy settings, avoiding discussing highly sensitive details over the Phone is wise.
3. Consider Landlines for Sensitive Calls: Landlines are often seen as more secure than mobile phones for extremely confidential conversations.

With these methods and tips, you can make private calls in Kenya for personal or professional reasons. Remember, while having the tools to maintain your privacy is excellent, using these features responsibly is equally essential.

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FAQs

This section addresses some common questions regarding making private calls in Kenya, providing concise and informative answers to enhance your understanding.

What are the benefits of making private calls?

• Privacy and Anonymity: The primary benefit is maintaining your privacy. By hiding your number, you can keep your personal information confidential.
• Control Over Personal Information: It allows you to control who has access to your phone number, reducing unwanted calls or potential spam.
• Flexibility in Communication: Private calling is especially useful for surprise calls or contacting unfamiliar parties.

Are there any risks associated with using private numbers?

• Potential Mistrust: Some people might hesitate to answer calls from private numbers, perceiving them as suspicious.
• Limited Use: Certain organizations and individuals may block incoming calls from personal numbers for security reasons.

Can all phones use the 67 and #31# codes?

• Broad Compatibility: Yes, most phones, including smartphones and landlines, can use these codes. However, the effectiveness might vary depending on the carrier's policies and the phone model.

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Conclusion

Navigating the world of private calls in Kenya doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're a tech-savvy smartphone user or prefer the simplicity of a landline, the methods outlined in this guide – from dialing special codes to using burner apps – offer you various ways to keep your number hidden. Remember, while maintaining your privacy is important, using these methods responsibly and ethically is equally crucial. With these tools at your disposal, you can now make calls with the confidence that your privacy is protected.