Have you ever gotten a call from a “Private Number” and wondered who’s on the other end? It’s like receiving a package without a return address—suspenseful and frustrating, right? Let’s dive into why these calls occur, and most importantly, how you can remove them and get back to peace of mind.
What Is a Private Number and Why Does It Matter?
We’ve all been there—mid-conversation, or even in the middle of an important task, when your phone rings, and the number is listed as “Private” or “Unknown.” You pick up, and it’s either an unsolicited call, a telemarketer, or sometimes a scam. While some callers use private numbers for legitimate reasons, like companies protecting customer privacy, others may use them to pull off deceptive schemes.
But how do you deal with these private number calls in Kenya? Before we jump into how to block them, let’s first understand why people use private numbers in the first place.
Why Do People Use Private Numbers?
There are a number of reasons why someone might choose to call from a private number. Here are some of the most common:
- Privacy: Individuals may want to keep their personal numbers safe and secure from the public.
- Business Purposes: Many businesses use private numbers to protect the privacy of their employees or to ensure customers cannot return calls directly.
- Safety Concerns: Sometimes, people need to hide their phone numbers to protect their identity, especially in sensitive or threatening situations.
However, private numbers are also frequently used for malicious purposes, such as scams or aggressive marketing, making it important to know how to manage these calls effectively.
Why Should You Remove Private Numbers?
If you’re anything like me, receiving calls from private numbers can be frustrating and sometimes even scary. Here’s why you might want to remove private numbers from your phone:
- Safety First: With the rise of phone scams, fraudsters often use private numbers to disguise their identities and trick you into sharing personal information.
- Peace and Quiet: Constant calls from unknown or private numbers can be distracting and annoying, especially when you’re trying to focus or relax.
- Control: Blocking private numbers gives you control over who can reach you, making sure you only pick up the calls that matter.
How to Remove Private Numbers in Kenya
Now that we know why private numbers can be both a convenience and a hassle, let’s explore how to remove them. The process is simple and can be done in just a few steps on your phone, regardless of whether you use an Android or iPhone.
1. Change Your Phone Settings
The easiest and most effective way to stop receiving private number calls is by adjusting your phone settings. Here’s how you can do it:
- For Android:
- Open your Phone app.
- Tap the three dots (⋮) to access Settings.
- Scroll to find Block numbers or Call Blocking options.
- Turn on the option to Block private/unknown numbers.
- For iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on Phone.
- Find and activate Silence Unknown Callers.
By enabling these settings, your phone will automatically silence all incoming calls from private or unknown numbers.
2. Use USSD Codes to Manage Caller ID
In addition to adjusting phone settings, you can also use special USSD codes to block private numbers. These codes can help hide your number when making outgoing calls or prevent others from calling you from private numbers.
- Safaricom Users: Dial *31# to show your caller ID or to remove private caller settings.
- Airtel Users: Dial *31# to turn on caller ID or disable private numbers.
These USSD codes are quick and easy, making it a helpful option for managing your caller ID.
3. Use Call Blocking Apps
In addition to built-in settings, you can also download third-party apps that specialize in blocking unwanted calls. One popular app is Truecaller, which not only identifies unknown numbers but also allows you to block private numbers and spam calls.
Once installed, Truecaller will automatically identify the caller and provide an option to block them.
4. Contact Your Mobile Network Provider
If the above options don’t work for you, it’s time to reach out to your network provider. Both Safaricom and Airtel offer services to block private numbers on their end.
- Safaricom: Call 100 or visit their customer service to activate call blocking for private numbers.
- Airtel: Dial 100 or visit their customer support page for assistance.
Network providers can guide you on additional options to block private callers.
A Real-Life Example: Kamau’s Story
Let me tell you about my friend Kamau. He used to receive daily calls from private numbers, all of them trying to sell him things like magic weight loss tea. As you can imagine, this became incredibly annoying. Kamau took a few simple steps to block these calls—setting up his phone’s call blocking feature and using an app to filter out unwanted calls. Now, he’s finally able to enjoy his regular cup of chai in peace, without worrying about the next unsolicited call!
Staying Safe from Unwanted Calls in Kenya
While removing private numbers from your phone helps reduce the number of unwanted calls, there are additional steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Don’t Share Your Number Freely: Be selective about who you share your contact details with. The fewer people who have your number, the less likely it is that you’ll receive unsolicited calls.
- Beware of Suspicious Links: If you receive a text or email from an unknown private number, don’t click on any links without verifying the sender.
- Educate Yourself About Scams: Learn about common phone scams in Kenya, such as the fake lottery or fake job offers, so you can recognize them when they come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I block all private numbers at once? Yes, most smartphones have a setting that allows you to block all private or unknown numbers at once. You can enable this in your phone’s call settings.
2. Will I miss important calls if I block private numbers? You might miss calls from important services that use private numbers (like banks or emergency services). However, you can always unblock the number if needed.
3. Is it legal to block private numbers in Kenya? Yes, it is perfectly legal for you to manage who can call you on your personal phone. You have full control over your phone settings.
4. What if I still receive spam calls after blocking private numbers? If blocking private numbers doesn’t work, you can use apps like Truecaller to filter out spam calls. Alternatively, you can report persistent callers to the Communications Authority of Kenya.
5. Can I make my own number private? Yes, you can hide your caller ID when making a call by dialing #31# before the number you’re calling.
We’ve covered everything you need to know about removing private numbers in Kenya, from blocking them in your phone settings to using apps and contacting your service provider. It’s time to take control of your phone, ensuring that you only receive calls that matter.
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep your phone ringing with calls that bring joy—not frustration. If you found this article helpful, share it with your friends to help make Kenya a safer place for all phone users!
