TL;DR: To get off the White Pages, make your landline unlisted (often called a silent number). With Telstra: My Telstra → Services → your service → three dots → Manage directory listing. It’s free. Online directory changes take up to 3 business days. Unlisting doesn’t stop telemarketers (use the Do Not Call Register) and won’t remove you from directories unrelated to Telstra. And yes, even silent numbers have leaked before.
How to unlist with Telstra
From Telstra’s guide:
- Sign in to My Telstra.
- Go to Services and pick the service.
- Tap the three dots in the corner.
- Choose Manage directory listing and follow the prompts.
If you can’t see the option, contact Telstra. If you have a paid Thryv listing, contact Thryv to change it.
What it does
An unlisted number is left out of printed, online and voice-assisted public directories. There’s no extra charge.
How long it takes
Online directory changes can take up to 3 business days. Need it gone from the online White Pages sooner? Contact Telstra.
What it doesn’t do
- Doesn’t stop telemarketing. Register with the Do Not Call Register.
- Doesn’t remove you from directories unrelated to Telstra and the White Pages.
- Doesn’t hide your number when you call out. For that, change your caller ID settings.
Silent numbers have leaked before
Between 2021 and 2022, Telstra published more than 24,000 silent numbers with names and addresses in the White Pages, a failure the regulator called a privacy and safety risk. Read what happened. Unlisting is still worth doing; just don’t treat it as invisibility.
When unlisted numbers got published anyway
The ACMA found Telstra breached its licence conditions more than 163,000 times after system and process failures between 2021 and 2022, according to the ACMA’s release:
| What leaked | Number |
|---|---|
| Unlisted numbers published in the White Pages with names and addresses | 24,005 |
| Unlisted numbers in Telstra’s directory assistance database | 139,402 |
| Customers who’d asked for unlisted numbers and were exposed | 140,000+ |
The ACMA ordered Telstra to reconcile its customer data with White Pages listings every six months, train staff and get an independent audit. It noted unlisted numbers are often requested for privacy or safety reasons.
The lesson: after you unlist, check the White Pages yourself a week later, and again after any change to your service (moving, switching plans, porting). If you find yourself listed, contact your provider and keep a record.
Other places your address shows up
- The electoral roll: apply as a silent elector if your safety is at risk.
- Data breaches: a free exposure check shows where your email has leaked.
- People-search and old business listings: see can someone find my address?
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Telstra ever published unlisted numbers by mistake?
Yes. The ACMA found 24,005 unlisted numbers were published in the White Pages with names and addresses, and Telstra was ordered to check its listings every six months.
How do I remove my number from White Pages Australia?
Make your number unlisted. With Telstra, go to My Telstra, Services, your service, then Manage directory listing.
Does it cost money to have an unlisted number?
Telstra says there’s no extra charge for the unlisted option.
How long does it take to disappear from White Pages online?
Up to 3 business days, or contact Telstra if you need it sooner.
Will an unlisted number stop telemarketing calls?
No. Register on the Do Not Call Register for that.