I was at my routine kibandaski, sipping my chai, when my friend’s phone buzzed with an incoming call labeled “Private Number.” She ignored it, rolling her eyes. “Probably another scammer,” she muttered. I’d been there too—accidentally setting my number to private during a prank call phase, only to realize later that important contacts weren’t picking up because they didn’t trust hidden IDs. That’s when I dove into figuring out how to deactivate private number settings, and I’m here to share what I learned. Whether you’re using Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom, this guide will walk you through unhiding your caller ID with ease, using straightforward methods tailored for Kenyan mobile users.
Why People Hide Their Caller ID—and Why You Might Want to Show It Again
Hiding your caller ID can be useful. Maybe you’re a journalist protecting a source, a doctor making patient calls, or just pulling a light-hearted prank. In Kenya, the universal code #31# lets you mask your number for a single call across Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom.
But there’s a catch: private numbers are often linked to scams, like those fake M-PESA or KRA calls. According to a 2023 report by the Communications Authority of Kenya, over 60% of Kenyans block or ignore private number calls due to fraud concerns. If you’ve set your number to private—either intentionally or by mistake—here’s why you might want to deactivate it:
- Build Trust: People are more likely to answer calls when they see a familiar or identifiable number.
- Avoid Missed Opportunities: Recipients can’t call you back if your number is hidden, which could mean missed business or personal connections.
- Professionalism: For work-related calls, showing your number signals transparency and credibility.
Let’s dive into the practical steps to deactivate private number settings, whether you’re using a smartphone or a basic feature phone.
Method 1: Deactivate Private Number Using USSD Codes
The simplest way to stop your number from showing as “Private” is by using a USSD code. This method works across all major Kenyan networks—Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom—and is compatible with any phone, from a sleek Samsung Galaxy to a trusty Nokia 3310.
Steps to Deactivate Private Number with USSD
- Open Your Phone’s Dialer: Launch the phone app where you’d normally make a call.
- Dial #31#: Enter the code #31# and press the call button. For example, to unhide your number when calling 0712345678, dial #31#0712345678.
- Wait for Confirmation: On Safaricom, you may receive a message like “Hide Outgoing Caller ID Service has been disabled.” For Airtel and Telkom, the change is instant, and your number will display on the next call.
Note: If you only used #31# to hide your number for a specific call, your caller ID automatically reverts to normal for future calls—no extra steps needed. However, if you’ve set your phone to hide your number permanently, the USSD code alone won’t suffice. You’ll need to adjust your phone settings, which we’ll cover next.
Troubleshooting USSD Issues
- Code Not Working? Double-check you’re using #31#, not *31# (which activates private calling on some networks) or #131# (Safaricom’s Auto Okoa service).
- No Confirmation? Some networks apply the change silently. Test by calling a friend to confirm your number displays.
- Still Private? If the code doesn’t work, your phone’s settings might be overriding it. Move to Method 2.
Method 2: Deactivate Private Number via Phone Settings
For those who’ve set their phone to hide caller ID for all calls, you’ll need to tweak your device settings. The process varies slightly between Android, iPhone, and feature phones, but it’s straightforward. Here’s how to do it.
On Android Devices
Android phones, like Tecno, Infinix, or Samsung, are popular in Kenya. Here’s how to unhide your number:
- Open the Phone App: Launch the default dialer app.
- Access Settings: Tap the three-dot menu (or “More” button, depending on your phone) in the top-right corner, then select “Settings.”
- Navigate to Caller ID: Go to “Calling Accounts” > “Safaricom/Airtel/Telkom” > “GSM Call Settings” > “Additional Settings.”
- Select Show Number: Under “Caller ID,” choose “Network Default” or “Show Number.” This ensures your number is visible for all calls.
Pro Tip: If your Android runs a custom interface (like MIUI on Xiaomi), the menu names might differ slightly. Search for “Caller ID” in the settings app if you’re lost.
On iPhones
iPhone users in Kenya, whether on iOS 18 or older, can follow these steps:
- Go to Settings: Tap the “Settings” app on your home screen.
- Select Phone: Scroll down and tap “Phone.”
- Toggle Show My Caller ID: Find “Show My Caller ID” and switch the toggle to the “On” position. Your number will now display for all outgoing calls.
Note: If the toggle is greyed out, your network provider might have restricted this setting. Contact Safaricom (100), Airtel (100), or Telkom (100) for assistance.
On Feature Phones
For non-smartphone users, the process is simpler but less intuitive:
- Access Call Settings: Open the phone’s menu and navigate to “Settings” > “Call Settings.”
- Find Caller ID Option: Look for “Send My Caller ID” or similar. Select “Yes” or “Show Number.”
- Save Changes: Confirm and exit. Test by making a call.
If your feature phone lacks this option, rely on the USSD method or contact your network’s customer care.
Method 3: Contact Your Network Provider
If USSD codes and settings tweaks don’t work, your network provider can reset your caller ID settings remotely. This is particularly useful if your SIM card is faulty or the default settings are locked.
- Safaricom: Dial 100 or visit a Safaricom shop. Explain that you want to deactivate private number settings. They may ask for your ID for verification.
- Airtel: Call 100 or use the MyAirtel app to request assistance.
- Telkom: Dial 100 or 200, or visit a service center.
I once had a Telkom line that stubbornly showed “Private Number” despite trying USSD and settings changes. A quick call to their customer care sorted it out in minutes—they reset the SIM’s caller ID profile remotely. It’s a hassle-free option if tech isn’t your thing.
Comparison of Methods to Deactivate Private Number
| Method | Ease of Use | Time Required | Works On | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USSD Code (#31#) | Very Easy | 1–2 minutes | All phones | Temporary or one-off fixes |
| Phone Settings | Moderate | 2–5 minutes | Smartphones, some feature phones | Permanent deactivation |
| Network Provider | Easy | 5–10 minutes | All phones | When other methods fail |
Why Your Number Might Still Show as Private
Even after trying these methods, your number might still appear as “Private.” Here are common culprits and fixes:
- SIM Card Issue: A faulty SIM might not register caller ID changes. Visit your provider for a SIM swap.
- Network Restrictions: Some corporate or prepaid plans lock caller ID settings. Contact your provider to unlock them.
- Third-Party Apps: Apps like Truecaller can override settings. Check your app permissions and disable any call-blocking features.
- Phone Software Glitch: Restart your phone or update its software to clear glitches. For Android, go to Settings > System > Software Update. For iPhone, check Settings > General > Software Update.
The Bigger Picture: Privacy vs. Transparency in Kenya
In Kenya, private numbers have a bad rap. A 2024 survey by TechCabal noted that 75% of Kenyans associate hidden caller IDs with fraud, especially after high-profile scams involving fake bank or tax calls. On the flip side, privacy is a real concern. I’ve spoken to small business owners in Nairobi who hide their numbers to avoid unsolicited follow-ups from clients. But when trust is key—like when calling a new customer or a potential employer—showing your number is a game-changer.
If you’re still getting unwanted private calls, consider apps like Truecaller or Hiya, which identify and block hidden numbers. For persistent harassment, report to the Communications Authority of Kenya via their official portal.
Tips to Manage Caller ID Responsibly
- Test After Changes: Always call a trusted contact to confirm your number displays correctly.
- Use Private Mode Sparingly: Reserve #31# for specific calls to avoid being flagged as a spammer.
- Stay Safe: Never share sensitive info (like M-PESA PINs) over private calls, as scammers exploit this trust gap.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Caller ID
Deactivating a private number is simpler than it seems, whether you use a USSD code, tweak your phone settings, or call your provider. By following the steps above, you can ensure your number shows up clearly, building trust and avoiding missed connections.
Have you struggled with private number settings before? Share your experience in the comments, or try these steps and let us know how it went! For more tech tips, check out our guides on how to sambaza airtime or managing M-PESA transactions. Stay connected, stay visible, and keep exploring smarter ways to use your phone!
