To close the phone number on Avito in the current version of the interface is possible only by enabling the function "Hidden number" in the profile settings, since it is impossible to completely delete the contact number without linking the account to the new SIM card. The user must clearly distinguish between two scenarios: the desire to make the number invisible to customers in the text of ads and the desire to hide their real number from the site administration or other users in the profile. To implement the first task, it is enough to activate the corresponding switchboard in the ad editing section, which will replace the numbers with the “Show Number” button. The second case requires a deeper dive into the security settings of the account, where you can limit the visibility of data, but the user cannot become completely anonymous, since the system requires identity verification to prevent fraud.
The solution to the problem of personal data visibility depends on the type of account you have and the purposes of using the platform. If you sell personal items and want to minimize the number of spam calls, you will be fine with the standard hiding number in the ad. Professional sellers who use Avita ProExtended contact management tools are available, including virtual numbers. It is important to understand that even with the concealment option enabled, site moderators and law enforcement agencies can access your data if requested, since the platform stores the connection logs.
The setup process requires care, since the interface of the mobile application and the desktop version of the site may differ slightly in the location of controls. Before starting the changes, make sure you have access to the phone number to which the account is registered, as the system can request confirmation via the account. SMS code. In some cases, especially when dealing with corporate accounts, the rights to change contact details may be limited to the user’s role in the organization.
The mechanism of operation of the hidden number in ads
The platform functionality is built in such a way that the direct display of phone numbers in the ad text is replaced by an interactive element. When a buyer sees your offer, they can’t just copy the number or see it in the page’s source code if you’ve activated protection. Instead, a button is displayed, when you press on which the connection or display of numbers occurs. This creates an additional barrier for automatic contact collectors, known as parsers, who scan the site to create databases.
Technically, the concealment process works through Avito proxy servers. When the client presses the communication button, the call is redirected through the platform servers, and an incoming call arrives on your phone with or without a number, depending on the operator’s settings. For messages, a similar mechanism is used: the client writes to a virtual number or chat, and you receive a notification in the application or SMS. This allows you to maintain privacy Your personal number, protecting it from being leaked to public sources.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party programs to automatically hide a number in the text of the ad manually (for example, replacing numbers with pictures) violates the rules of the site and can lead to the blocking of the account for attempting to bypass the security system.
It is worth noting that hiding a number is not an absolute guarantee against spam, since unscrupulous users can use scripts to automatically press the display buttons of the number. However, this significantly reduces the amount of junk calls from bots that do not know how to interact with the interface. For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to combine the hiding of the number with the setting of incoming call filters at the level of your smartphone or carrier.
Step-by-step instructions for setting up in the profile
In order to activate the protection of your data, you need to go to the user’s personal account. On the computer, this is done through the profile menu in the upper right corner of the screen, and in the mobile application – through the human icon in the bottom navigation bar. In the menu that opens, you should find the section responsible for account settings or security, where the main data visibility switches are located.
The next step depends on whether you want to change the settings for all future ads or edit existing ones. In the Contacts or Phone section, there is usually an option to “Hide the number in ads.” Activating this feature will apply default settings to all new publications. For already placed goods, the procedure will need to be repeated individually in the editing mode of each lot.
☑️ Checklist for privacy settings
After making changes, the system may require time to update the cache. If you don’t see any changes on your ad page immediately after you turn on the feature, try updating the page in your browser or restarting the app. In some cases, re-authorization in the account is required to apply new parameters. privacy.
| Action. | Where to find out. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Inclusion of a hidden number | Profile settings -> Contacts | The number is hidden in all new ads |
| Editing a specific announcement | My Advertisements -> Modify -> Contacts | Changes for only one lot |
| Checking the display | Public page of the goods | You can see the "Show number" button. |
| Managing a number for business | Avito Pro -> Company settings | Setting up a virtual number |
Settings for sellers and business (Avito Pro)
For users who use the platform for commercial activities, an advanced contact management functionality through the service is available. Avita Pro. Here, hiding a number is implemented not just as a privacy option, but as a marketing analytics tool. Business accounts often use dedicated virtual numbers that allow you to track the effectiveness of advertising and the number of calls from different sources.
Store owners can set up call forwarding to different devices depending on the time of day or the workload of managers. Hiding the real number in this case is a mandatory element of corporate security, so that customers can not contact the personal phones of employees bypassing the official communication channels of the company. The setup is made in the section of management of branches or employees.
How to connect a virtual number
To connect a virtual number, you need to go to the section “Advertising and promotion” or “Company settings”. There you can choose the option “Buy a number” or “Connect a service”. The system will offer to select the city code or the federal number. After payment, the service is activated automatically, and all ads will display this number, not your personal number.
An important aspect for a business is the ability to change virtual numbers or turn them off during holiday or maintenance periods. This gives you flexibility that is not available to ordinary users. In addition, the statistics of calls to hidden business numbers are integrated into the general profile analytics, allowing you to see missed calls and the duration of conversations.
Working with a number in a mobile application
The mobile version of the Avito interface is optimized for quick access to basic functions, however, some settings can be hidden in the submenu. To manage the visibility of the number from the phone, open the app and go to profile. Click on the gear icon or three dots in the corner of the screen to enter the settings. You need to find a section related to contact information.
The application interface allows you to quickly switch the number status for each ad separately. Go to “My Ads”, select the desired product and click “Edit”. Scroll down to the Contacts block. There's a Hide Number switch. After changing your status, remember to click on the Save or Publish button, otherwise the changes will not take effect.
⚠️ Note: When using the mobile version, make sure that the application has permission to access the phone if you want to make calls through Avito work correctly, although the number itself remains hidden from the interlocutor.
The convenience of mobile management is the ability to quickly respond to changes in the situation. For example, if you are going on vacation and do not want to take calls, but do not want to delete ads, you can temporarily hide the number or turn off notifications. Also, through the application, it is convenient to check exactly how your ad looks for the buyer, using the preview mode.
Tip: Periodically check your ads in the Incognito mode of the browser to make sure that the number hiding settings work correctly and your data does not “leak” to the search engines cache.
Virtual Numbers and Their Advantages
Using a virtual number is the most effective way to protect your privacy on message boards. Unlike simple concealment, a virtual number completely separates your personal SIM card from the sales process. These numbers are often provided by the platform itself or by third-party integration services. They can be temporary or permanent, depending on your needs.
The main advantage of a virtual number is the ability to lock it without losing the main communication channel. If hundreds of spam calls or threats start to arrive, you simply turn off the virtual channel, leaving your personal phone clean. In addition, many services offer a feature of recording conversations, which can be useful for resolving disputes with customers or proving the fact of agreements.
For active sellers, virtual numbers allow you to create a single customer base. All calls are made through one channel, which makes it easier to keep statistics and monitor the quality of managers’ work. In the settings of such numbers, you can often ask a greeting or an answering machine that informs the client about the schedule or order status.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the fact that the processes are well-functioning, users may experience technical failures. One common problem is when, after enabling the concealment, the number is still displayed as plain text. This is often due to the caching of pages by search engines or the browser itself. The solution is simple: you need to clear the browser cache and wait a few hours until the full update of information on the servers of Avito.
Another problem arises when changing the SIM card. If you have changed your phone number but have not updated your profile, the security system may block access to your account or require a complex recovery procedure through your passport information. Always update the number in the profile settings immediately after replacing the SIM card, passing the confirmation procedure through the new one. SMS code.
Completely deleting a number without linking a new one is impossible, but activating the concealment function and using virtual numbers provide a sufficient level of security for 99% of users.
There are also cases when the “Show Number” button does not work for customers. This could be due to customer-side ad blockers or an unstable internet connection. In such situations, it is recommended to duplicate the possibility of communication through the chat Avito, encouraging customers to write messages if the call button is not active.
Can I delete the number from Avito’s profile?
It is impossible to completely delete the number without linking the new one, since the phone number is the main user ID. However, you can hide it from prying eyes by activating the appropriate setting, or replace it with a virtual number.
Do customers see my number if I have hidden it?
No, customers only see the “Show Number” or “Write” button. Real numbers are only available after the user has taken an action (click), and not always if there is protection against copying.
Is it free to hide a number on Avito?
Yes, the standard feature of hiding the number in ads is free for all users. Paid services can only be additional services, such as buying virtual business numbers or promoting ads.
What if spammers still call the hidden number?
Use the built-in locking functions on your smartphone, install number-defining applications or contact the communications operator for the Antispam service. You can also temporarily disable notifications from Avito in the application settings.