How to print a number on an Android phone: complete guide

Modern smartphone users are often faced with the need to hide their number when calling or, conversely, force it to be displayed if the operator’s standard settings do not work. In the operating system Android there are many ways to control the display of a subscriber number, ranging from simple settings in the menu to the use of special USSD commands and engineering codes. Understanding these mechanisms allows you to flexibly manage privacy and solve problems with caller ID.

In this article we will look in detail at how to print a number on an Android phone using various system tools. You will learn how to activate or disable the function Caller IDwhat codes to enter into dialer to instantly change the status and what to do if the smartphone firmware blocks standard methods. The information will be useful both for ordinary users who want to maintain anonymity, and for those who encounter technical failures when identifying a number.

It is important to immediately note that the number management capabilities directly depend on your mobile operator device model. Some methods may not be available on custom firmware or in regions with strict subscriber identification requirements. We will look at universal solutions that work on most devices running Android, including popular models from Samsung, Xiaomi and Google Pixel.

Using USSD codes to control the identifier

The fastest way to change the number display settings is to use special ones. commands, which are sent directly to the telecom operator’s server. These codes do not require Internet access and work even while roaming if voice communication is enabled. To activate, disable or check the status of number identification, simply enter the appropriate sequence of characters in the “Phone” application.

The main codes that work for most operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2 and others) are as follows. However, it is worth remembering that the syntax may vary slightly depending on the region. Enter the code and press the call button to send the request.

• 📞 *31# — activate the number display for all outgoing calls.
• 🚫 #31# — disable the number display (Anonymous Call mode).
• ❓ *#31# — check the current status of the caller identification service.
• 🔒 #31*number# — hide the number for only one specific call (instead of “number”, the desired contact is substituted).

After entering the command, a pop-up message from the network usually appears on the screen indicating that the service is activated or deactivated. If you see an error message or "code is invalid", it may mean that your operator is using alternative commands or the service is blocked at the tariff level. In this case, you need to contact your personal account or support service.

⚠️ Attention: Using the code #31# may result in your calls being marked as “Hidden number” or “Unknown number” by the recipient. Some people and automatic systems (banks, delivery services) may not answer such calls.

Setting up Caller ID through the Android system menu

If using USSD codes seems inconvenient to you or they do not work, you can change the caller ID settings directly in the smartphone interface. The operating system Android allows you to control this parameter through the standard “Phone” application. The location of the menu may vary depending on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS).

To access the settings, open the “Phone” application, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select “Settings”. Next, find the section related to accounts or additional services. In pure Android, the path often looks like Settings → Additional settings → Caller ID. Here you will be offered three options: show the number, hide the number or use network settings.

Selecting the “Use network settings” item is the most preferable, since it synchronizes the phone settings with your SIM card profile. If you select “Hide number” here, the phone will forcefully send a request to the operator to block ID on every call, ignoring the tariff settings.

It is worth noting that on some devices the menu may be hidden or renamed. For example, on smartphones Samsung this item may be located in the “Other call settings” section. If you cannot find this option, your firmware may not support software control of this function, and you will have to rely only on codes or operator services.

Engineering menu and hidden Android codes

For advanced users who want to access in-depth modem settings, the engineering menu is intended. This is a hidden section of the system that allows you to test equipment and change radio module parameters. To get there, you often need to enter a special code, for example ##4636## or *#0011#. However, the functionality of these menus varies greatly from model to model.

In the engineering menu you can find sections related to setting Network Setting or Phone Information. Here you sometimes find options to force call parameters, including number masking. But be careful: changing incorrect parameters in the engineering menu can lead to loss of connection or instability of the phone.

Attempting to change IMEI or other unique identifiers through the engineering menu is illegal and technically difficult in most countries, requiring root access. Standard methods of “printing” the number are not applicable here, since this data is “protected” at the equipment level.

⚠️ Attention: Entering the engineering menu and changing the parameters of the radio part (Radio) can lead to complete inoperability of the SIM card or loss of signal. Do this only if you understand the meaning of each parameter.