Preserving personal privacy in the era of total digitalization is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Every call made from a smartphone leaves a digital trace, and identifying the interlocutor's number has become a standard feature for most users. However, situations arise when you need to make an anonymous call, hide your data from the recipient, or simply avoid adding a contact to spammers' databases.
The system Android implements several levels of control over the display of Caller ID, ranging from built-in telephony settings to specific telecom operator codes. It is important to understand that the mechanism for hiding a number is not a single solution for all devices, since much depends on the firmware, smartphone model and tariff plan of your mobile operator.
Next we will analyze in detail all the available methods for activating the anti-identifier, evaluate their reliability and consider possible pitfalls that you may encounter when trying to become invisible to the subscriber at the other end of the line.
Principles of hiding a number in mobile networks
The technology for transmitting the calling party identifier (CLI - Calling Line Identification) is incorporated into cellular communication protocols at the stage of their development. When you initiate a call, the network automatically transmits a data packet with your number to the receiving end switch. The function anti-identifier is actually a command to the network not to transmit this packet or replace it with a service label.
In the operating system Android this process is controlled through the dialing interface or system call settings. However, the decision itself about whether the number will be hidden is made not only by your phone, but also by the telecom operator’s equipment. If the tariff plan does not provide free number hiding, the network may ignore the device request or, conversely, force the number to be displayed if the service is blocked.
There are three main levels of implementation of this function. The first is a one-time hiding via USSD code before a specific call. The second is a permanent setting in the smartphone menu that applies a mask to all outgoing calls. The third is to connect a paid service from the operator, which has priority over the phone settings.
⚠️ Attention: Even with the anti-identifier activated, your number remains visible to emergency services (112, 102, 103) and law enforcement officers upon official request. Complete anonymity in cellular networks is technically impossible for the end user.
Remember that many modern smartphones and caller ID applications can mark hidden calls as "Spam" or "Suspicious number", which reduces the likelihood that the subscriber will answer your call.
Settings through the Android system menu
The most accessible way to hide your number is to use the built-in operating system tools. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI, One UI or ColorOS), but the logic of the actions remains the same.
You need to open the standard "Phone" application, which usually has a green handset icon. Next, you should go to the additional options menu, which is often indicated by three dots in the corner of the screen or the “More” button. In the list that opens, find the “Settings” or “Call Options” item.
Inside the settings menu, look for a section related to additional services or identification. Here you will find the item Show number or Number identification. The system will offer you three options: show the number, hide the number or use the default network settings. To enable the anti-identifier, select the option Hide number.
- 📱 On smartphones Samsung the path often looks like this: Phone → Three dots → Settings → Additional services → Show number.
- 🤖 On pure Android (Pixel, Motorola): Phone → Three dots → Settings → Called accounts → SIM card selection → Additional settings → Show number.
- 🇨🇳 On devices Xiaomi: Phone → Settings → Advanced settings → SIM cards → Additional settings → Number display.
After selecting “Hide number”, the device will send a request to the operator’s network. The activation process may take from a few seconds to a minute. If the setting is applied successfully, a corresponding icon may appear in the status bar or menu, or the selected value will simply be saved.
☑️ Checking the anti-identifier settings
Using USSD codes for one-time and permanent hiding
Universal method that works on almost any mobile device Regardless of the software version, is the use of special dialing commands. These codes send a direct request to the operator's switchboard, bypassing the phone's software settings.
To hide the number one-time before dialing the main contact, the prefix #31#is used. You need to enter this combination, immediately after it dial the subscriber’s phone number and press the call button. For example, to call 89001234567 the command will look like this: #31#89001234567. In this case, only this specific call will go through without identifying the number.
If your goal is to enable permanent invisibility mode, other commands apply. The most common code for activating the service is #31# (on some networks) or *31#, however, the GSM standard most often is activation through a code *31# to turn on and #31# to turn off, or specific operator codes. To deactivate the function, a command is usually used #31# or *31# depending on the logic of a particular operator.
| Action | Command (GSM standard) | Command (Alternative) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-time hiding | #31#NUMBER |
— | Active |
| Permanent activation | *31# |
*67# (USA/number of countries) |
Depends on the operator |
| Permanent shutdown | #31# |
#67# |
Active |
| Checking status | *#31# |
— | Information |
It is worth noting that in Russia and the CIS countries the logic of the codes may differ from the international GSM standard. Some operators require you to connect the service through your personal account before USSD commands will start working correctly.
Why may the code not work?
If after entering the command you receive an execution error message or "Code is invalid", this means that your telecom operator does not support managing this function through USSD requests. In this case, you need to contact support or use the settings in the smartphone menu.
Connection features of major telecom operators
In the Russian Federation, policies for providing the Caller ID service (Caller ID) differ significantly among different providers. For some operators, this function is free and available by default, for others it is a paid option that requires a monthly subscription fee.
For the operator MTS the Anti-AON service is paid. To connect it, you need to send a USSD command *111*175# or activate the option through the personal application "My MTS". Without prior payment, attempts to hide the number through the phone settings may be ignored by the network.
On the network MegaFon the situation is similar: the Caller ID service is provided for a fee. Activation is possible through the command *105*050# or in your personal account. It is important to consider that when you activate this service, you yourself will not see the numbers of those who call you with a hidden number if you do not have the counter option activated.
Operator Beeline offers the Caller ID service on certain tariffs for free, and on others for an additional fee. You can check the status and enable the function using the command *110*051#. Tele2 there is also a paid option activated through your personal account or command *155*611#.
⚠️ Attention: Tariff conditions and service access codes may be changed by operators without prior notice. Always check the latest information in your operator's official application or website before attempting to activate.
Third-party applications for masking calls
If the built-in Android tools do not cope with the task or the operator blocks the native settings for hiding a number, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue Google Play. These apps work on the principle of forwarding or using virtual numbers.
Applications like Hide My Number, Burner or Hushed allow you to make calls over the Internet (VoIP) or replace your real number with a temporary virtual identifier. This gives a higher level of anonymity, since the call is not made directly from your SIM card, but through the service servers.
However, using such solutions has its drawbacks. Firstly, the connection quality may be lower due to dependence on the Internet speed. Secondly, most quality services require a subscription or payment per minute. Thirdly, some banks and two-factor authentication services may not accept calls from virtual numbers.
- 🛡️ Applications protect the main number from getting into spammers' databases.
- 💸 Most services offer a free trial period, after which payment is required.
- 🌐 Required to work stable data transmission channel (Wi-Fi or 4G/5G).
When choosing an application, carefully study the permissions it requests. Some dubious apps may collect your phone book or call history, which is completely contrary to the idea of privacy.
Third-party applications are the best choice if you need to make a large number of anonymous calls or if your operator strictly blocks the built-in number hiding functions at the network level.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite ease of setup, users often encounter a situation where the number is still displayed to the interlocutor. One of the common reasons is a conflict of settings: if the phone is set to “Hide number”, but the service is not paid for by the operator, the network forcibly resets the masking.
Another problem is related to software updates. After a major update Android Call settings may be reset to factory settings, where the default option is “Show number” or “Default”. In this case, you need to go through the settings menu again and activate the desired mode.
It is also worth considering the human factor. If you are calling a person who has previously saved your contact in their phone book, some smartphone models and identification applications can show the contact name, even if the number is technically hidden or spoofed, by synchronizing with cloud databases.
Diagnostic sequence:1. Enter the code *#31# to check the status.
2. Reboot the device in safe mode.
3. Try making a test call to another number.
4. Check the balance and status of the service with the operator.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in a faulty SIM card. Older cards that have been in use for many years may not process modern service control signaling protocols correctly. Replacing the SIM card in the operator's salon often resolves such technical conflicts.
Is it possible to hide a number when sending an SMS?
Technically, it is impossible to hide a number when sending a regular SMS message. The Short Message Protocol always includes the source address (MSISDN). Any applications that promise anonymous SMS essentially send a message through their gateway, and the recipient will see either a short code for the service or a virtual number, but not your real one.
Will the police see my number if the anti-identifier is turned on?
Yes, they will. Telecom operators are required to store metadata about all connections. Intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies have access to this information upon authorized request. The anti-identifier hides the number only from the normal subscriber at the other end of the line.
Why don’t I receive calls after enabling number hiding?
Many users have set their smartphones to automatically reject calls from hidden numbers. This is a common anti-spam protection. If you have enabled the anti-identifier, your calls may simply be dropped by subscribers with these settings.
Does hiding a number affect the cost of a call?
The function of hiding a number itself does not affect the tariff for a minute of conversation. However, if the operator has a paid service, then a subscription fee for its use will be debited from your account, regardless of the number of calls.
Does the anti-identifier work in roaming?
In international roaming, the operation of the function depends on the agreements between your home operator and the foreign network. Often, the number hiding settings are reset when you go roaming, and the number is displayed by default. It is recommended to clarify this issue before your trip.