Silent (unlisted) number
A silent phone number (also known as an unlisted number) does not show up:
- in print or electronic phone directories
- in operator-assisted directory services, such as 1223
- on the phone you call (except for the emergency call service)
When you sign up to a telco, you can ask for a silent number.
Some telcos may charge an ongoing fee for a silent number, so shop around to choose a telco.
Show your silent number
If you have a silent phone number, it will not show up on the phone you call (except for the emergency call service).
Your telco automatically bars your silent number from showing up on a phone you call.
Sometimes you may want to have your silent number show on a phone you call. To make your number show up when you call another number, dial 1832 (or *31# from a mobile) first and then the number you want to call.
If you make a call to the Triple Zero (000) emergency call service, your number will always show, even if it is silent. This helps the operator:
- confirm where the emergency is
- contact the nearest emergency service
- ring you back if the call drops out
Stop calls or texts you don't want
Telemarketing calls
You might get telemarketing calls even if you have a silent phone number.
Some telemarketers dial at random or in a pattern to make calls, which means they might get your number.
If you make your number public (for example, if you put your number on a flyer or anywhere online), telemarketers might get your number.
To stop telemarketing calls, register your number on the Do Not Call Register.
Telemarketers must follow the rules of the register.
Spam or marketing texts
There are steps you can take to stop advertising messages (spam).
SMS marketers must follow the spam rules.
Threatening texts or calls
If you get a threatening text or call, first contact the police. Then tell your telco.
When you tell your telco, they must:
- run a trace to find out who threatened you and report that to the police
- help you to stop the person from contacting you
You can find out more information from your telco. For example, Telstra has information on unwelcome calls.
Calling number display
Calling number display (CND) is a feature of your phone that shows the number of the person calling you and for people you call to see your number.
When you make a call to other people, your number is usually displayed to them. You can check with your telco whether your landline number is displayed. To check your mobile number dial *#31#
The Communications Alliance has a fact sheet on CND.
Stop your number showing
There are ways to stop your number being displayed. This is known as CND blocking.
To block CND on all calls from your phone, contact your telco.
To block caller ID for an individual call, dial 1831 (or #31# from a mobile) then the number you are calling. Generally, this will make sure the person you are calling will not see your number.
If you have problems with caller ID, complain to your telco.