Often users are faced with a situation where, during an outgoing call, the subscriber on the other end of the line sees the inscription “Unknown number” or just a dash instead of numbers. This may be the result of accidentally changing parameters in the smartphone menu or activating a special operator service. For network subscribers MTS there are several ways to return the display of your identifier, and the most obvious of them lies directly in the interface of the operating system Android.
Restoring the visibility of your Caller ID is important not only for communication etiquette, but also to ensure that your calls are not were blocked by automatic spam filters on the interlocutors’ phones. Modern versions Android have flexible call settings that allow you to manage this parameter for each SIM card separately if the device supports dual-SIM. Below we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you deactivate incognito mode.
It is worth considering that the location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI, OneUI or ColorOS). However, the general navigation logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem Google Android. If you do not find the desired switch right away, do not rush to reset the settings to factory settings - often the solution lies on the surface, just in a slightly different folder.
Searching for identification settings in the standard Phone application
The first step to solve the problem is to enter the system application responsible for making calls. On most smartphones it has a green handset icon and is simply called “Phone”. This is where the main parameters of voice communication are concentrated, including control CLI (Calling Line Identification). Open the application and pay attention to the interface: in modern versions Android the settings are often hidden behind three dots in the corner of the screen or a gear icon.
After entering the settings menu, you need to find the section related to communication services or accounts. The item you are looking for is usually called “Advanced settings”, “Call settings” or “Operator services”. The name may vary, but the essence is the same: this is the section where the phone interacts with the network MTS to obtain additional options. Here you will see a list of available functions, such as call forwarding, call holding and, in fact, number display.
Select “Caller ID” or “Show number”. The system will offer you three options: enable display, disable display, or use network settings. In order for your number to become visible to all subscribers, you must select the “Enable” or “Show number” option. If the “By network settings” option is selected, the phone will use the profile that is active on the operator’s side, which should also solve the problem if the service is not blocked in the personal account.
⚠️ Attention: If the “Number Identification” item is inactive (gray) or a request error appears when selecting the desired option, this means that the setting is blocked on the operator’s side. In this case, changing the parameters in the phone menu will not work, and you will need to use USSD commands.
If you have a dual-SIM phone, make sure that you change the settings specifically for the MTS SIM card with which you make calls. Parameters for each card are saved independently of each other.
Using USSD commands to manage the service
In cases where the software interface of the smartphone does not allow you to change a parameter, or if you want to ensure that the setting is applied on the network side, the best solution is to use USSD requests. This is a universal method that works on any GSM-enabled phone, regardless of the version Android or model of the device. Commands are processed directly by the operator’s equipment MTS, bypassing the settings of your gadget.
To enable the display of the number, you must dial a special sequence of characters on the phone keyboard. The main code for activating the Caller ID service on the network MTS is *119#. After dialing this combination and pressing the call button, a notification about successful activation of the service will appear on the screen. This action forcibly changes your status in the operator's database, making your number visible to all incoming calls.
There is also an alternative code that may be relevant for some older tariff plans or regions - *31#. Entering this code also sends a request to enable the transfer of your ID. If, after entering the command, you receive an error message or the service is not connected, this may indicate temporary technical work or limitations of your current tariff.
- 📞 Dial
*119#and press the call button to ensure that the service is turned on. - 🔄 Try the code
*31#, if the main request did not work. - 📱 Check your account balance, as some services require a positive balance to be activated.
- ⏳ Wait for an SMS notification from the operator confirming the change in service status.
Configuration through the “My MTS” application
Modern telecom operators are actively transferring service management to the digital environment, offering users convenient mobile applications. For subscribers MTS such a tool is the “My MTS” application. This method is the most obvious, as it allows you not only to enable number display, but also to check whether you have any third-party services connected that may block this function.
Go to the application, log in (usually this happens automatically when using the mobile data) and go to the “Services” section. In the service search, enter the phrase “Caller ID” or find the “Calls” category. Here you will see the current status of the service: if it is disabled, there will be a “Connect” button next to it. Clicking on this button activates the transfer of your number to the network instantly.
The advantage of using the application over USSD codes is the possibility of detailed control. You can see the history of connections and disconnections, as well as the terms of service. In addition, hints are often available in the application if the function is not activated due to technical reasons. This eliminates the need to guess why the code *119# did not work.
| Management method | Speed of application | Necessity of the Internet | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android Settings | Instant | Not required | Medium (depending on the phone) |
| USSD code | Instant | Not required | High |
| My MTS application | 1-2 minutes | Required | Maximum |
⚠️ Attention: The interface of the “My MTS” application is updated regularly. The location of buttons and the names of sections may change in the new software version. If you do not find the service in the specified location, use the search bar inside the application.
Features of working on dual-SIM devices
Owners of smartphones that support dual SIM cards often encounter confusion when setting up call settings. The operating system Android allows you to set individual number display settings for each of the installed cards. This means that you can hide the number on one SIM card (for example, work) and leave it open on another (personal), or vice versa.
When changing settings in the menu Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network or in the “Phone” application, the system will definitely ask which SIM card you want to apply the changes to. Watch this selection carefully. If you accidentally change the setting for the wrong card, the problem with displaying the number on the desired SIM card MTS will persist.
It is also worth remembering about the function "Calling over Wi-Fi" or VoLTE. In some rare cases, when calling via the Internet is active, the number display settings may conflict with the operator’s IMS profile parameters. If standard methods do not help, try temporarily disabling VoLTE in the mobile network settings and check if the number appears when you call.
What to do if the settings are reset after a reboot?
If after each reboot of the phone the “Show number” setting disappears, this may indicate damage to the network configuration file. Try removing the SIM card, cleaning the contacts and inserting it back. If it doesn’t help, reset the network settings (not the data!) in the Android menu.
Possible reasons for failure when disabling hiding
Sometimes the user follows all the instructions correctly, but the number still remains hidden. In such a situation, it is important to analyze possible technical obstacles. One of the common reasons is a conflict with installed third-party calling applications, such as Truecaller, GetContact or proprietary shells from manufacturers that have their own filters and privacy settings.
Another common problem is the status of the SIM card itself. If the card is very old and does not support modern signaling protocols, the command to change the number status may simply not pass through to the operator’s switchboard. In this case, the only way out is to replace the SIM card in the communication salon MTS with a new one while maintaining the number.
- 📲 Check whether call blocking applications are installed that can force the anonymity mode.
- 🛠️ Make sure that the version of the basic version (modem) of your phone is up-to-date.
- 🚫 Eliminate the possibility of activating the "Anti-identifier" service on the operator's side, which takes precedence over the phone settings.
The priority of the operator settings is always higher than the phone settings. If the “Hidden Number” service is forcibly enabled in your tariff or personal account, the phone will not be able to disable it on its own.
Resetting network settings as a radical method
If none of the software methods bring results, you can resort to a more serious step - resetting network settings. This procedure will return all mobile network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection settings to factory defaults. It is important to understand that this action will delete saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks and paired Bluetooth devices, but will not affect your personal files, photos or contacts.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. After confirming the action, the phone will reboot. When turned on, the device will re-register on the network MTS and load the current settings profile, in which the number display option should be set to the default value (usually “Show number”)
This method is especially effective if software debris has accumulated in the system or the radio module has malfunctioned. Often after such a reset, the phone begins to correctly process USSD commands and apply settings from the call menu. However, if the problem lies in a physical malfunction of the SIM card or base station equipment, this step will not help.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting your network settings, be sure to write down the passwords for important Wi-Fi networks that you connect to at home and at work, so as not to waste time recovering them.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does disabling a hidden number affect the cost of calls?
No, the “Caller ID” service (transfer of your number) is free for subscribers MTS when making outgoing calls. Changing this parameter does not affect the charging of your minutes.
Is it possible to hide a number for only one specific subscriber?
There is no such function in the Android settings - the parameter applies to all outgoing calls globally. To hide a number one-time, you can use a prefix #31# before the dialed number (for example, #31#79001234567), but this does not work in all networks and depends on the support of the function by the operator.
Why did the number become hidden again after resetting the phone settings?
Perhaps on your operator’s side the “Anti-identifier” service or a similar service is activated, which forcibly hides the number. In this case, the phone settings are overwritten by the network settings each time you register. You need to check the services in your personal account.
Does number display work when calling via instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)?
No, the number display settings in Android and network parameters MTS apply only to regular voice communications (GSM/VoLTE). In instant messengers, the visibility of your number depends solely on the privacy settings inside the application itself.
How do I know if my interlocutor sees my number?
The most reliable way is to call another phone that you have on hand, or ask a friend to confirm that your numbers are displayed on the screen. You can also call a free number verification service, if available in your region.