NUM on Android: a complete guide to setting up and using

If you are looking for a way to hide your real phone number when making calls or sending messages, the function NUM (Number Unlisted Mode) on Android may be the ideal solution. This technology allows you to mask your main number, replacing it with a temporary or virtual identifier. This is especially true for those who often communicate with strangers, register on services, or want to separate personal and work communications.

Unlike the standard mode of hiding a number (for example, through a prefix *31#), NUM offers more flexible settings: you can assign different virtual numbers for different contacts, set the masking period, or even use geo-based identifiers. However, not all operators and versions of Android support this function in the same way - it is important to take into account the nuances of the setup.

In this article we will look at how to enable NUM on modern smartphones (including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi and others), what applications will help expand the capabilities of the function, and what to do if NUM does not work. You will also learn about the limitations of technology and alternative methods of anonymous communication.

What is NUM and how does it work on Android

NUM (from English Number Unlisted Mode) is a telephone number masking protocol that allows you to replace your real identifier with a virtual one for outgoing calls and SMS. The technology works at the telecom operator level, but some settings are also available on the device side. Unlike the classic hiding of a number (when the subscriber sees “Unknown” or “Private”), NUM makes it possible to:

• 📞 Assign different virtual numbers to different contacts (for example, one for work, the other for personal calls).
• 🕒 Set validity period disguises (from one call to several days).
• 🌍 Use geo-dependent numbers (for example, show the Moscow code for calls to Russia and the Kiev code for Ukraine).
• 🔄 Change virtual number automatically on a schedule or when changing a SIM card.

Technically, NUM is integrated into the operator’s infrastructure, but not On Android, its settings can be duplicated in the phone menu or through specialized applications (for example NUM Manager from some providers). It is important to understand that the function does not make calls completely anonymous - the operator still sees your real number, and the virtual identifier can be linked to your account.

⚠️ Attention: NUM capabilities depend on your telecom operator. Some providers (for example MTS or Beelineoffer advanced tariffs with support for virtual numbers, others are limited to basic hiding. Check the details in your personal account or with support.

In practice, NUM is most often used:

• 🛡️ To protect against spam (if your number is included in scammers' databases).
• 💼 To separate work and personal contacts (for example, show clients a corporate number, and friends - a personal one).
• 🌐 For registration on foreign services that require a local number.

How to enable NUM on Android: step-by-step guide

Activation of NUM depends on the version of Android and firmware of your smartphone. Below is a universal algorithm that works on most devices (tested on Android 12–15). If your phone does not support the built-in function, go to the section about applications for NUM.

Method 1: Through phone settings (built-in function)

1. Open the application Phone (usually with a green handset).
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to section Additional settings → Phone number (or Caller ID).
4. Select item NUM (Virtual number) or Disguise number.
5. Activate the switch and follow the instructions on the screen (confirmation via SMS may be required).

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi or Realme) the path may be different: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Advanced → NUM.

Method 2: Via USSD commands

If there is no NUM option in the menu, try activating it through special commands:

##4636## → Test menu → Phone information → NUM Settings
or
*#06# → Additional options → Masking numbers

Please note that these commands do not work on all firmware and may differ among operators.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 14+ and One UI 6.0 (Samsung), the path to the NUM settings may be hidden. If you do not find the option, check for software updates or use third-party applications.

Applications for NUM: top 5 solutions for Android

If your operator does not support NUM or there are no built-in settings, you can use third-party applications. They offer advanced masking features, including selecting virtual numbers from different countries, recording calls, and even creating blacklists for automatic ID spoofing.

Application	Features	Price	Android support
NUM Manager	Official application from operators (MTS, Beeline). Support for geo-dependent numbers, call history.	Free (charged by the operator)	Android 8.0+
Hushed	Virtual numbers from 40+ countries, SMS, call recording. Suitable for business.	From $1.99/week	Android 7.0+
Burner	"Disposable" numbers with a limited validity period. Integration with Slack and CRM.	From $4.99/month	Android 9.0+
TextNow	Free virtual numbers for the USA/Canada. MMS and group chat support.	Free (advertising)	Android 6.0+
Dingtone	Voicemail, free calls between users, numbers from 60+ countries.	Free (premium from $2.99)	Android 8.0+

Before Before installing, check reviews in Google Play —some applications may have country restrictions. For example, TextNow and Dingtone work stably only with American numbers, and Hushed requires payment for numbers from Europe.

NUM and security: what you need to know

Although NUM provides an additional level of privacy, it does not make your calls completely anonymous. Here are the key points that are worth considering:

• 🔍 The operator sees your real number — masking only works for the recipient of the call.
• 📡 Geolocation can give away you: even with a virtual number, you can determine your location using IP or communication tower data.
• ⚖️ Legal restrictions: in some countries (for example, in the UAE or China) the use of virtual numbers to bypass identification is prohibited.
• 💳 Paid services: most operators charge a fee for renting a virtual number (from 50 ₽/month).

NUM does not protect against wiretapping - if your phone is hacked or the operator cooperates with law enforcement agencies, the real number and content of conversations may be disclosed. For complete anonymity, consider using Signal or Session with the function of hiding the number.

⚠️ Attention: If you use NUM to bypass blocks (for example, when registering on foreign platforms), your account may be banned. Many services (including Uber, Airbnb or banks) block virtual numbers.

Frequent problems with NUM and their solutions

Even with proper configuration, NUM can be unstable. Here are typical errors and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
NUM is not activated	The operator does not support the function or the SIM card is not tied to the tariff with NUM.	Check the list of supported tariffs with the operator or install a third-party application.
The virtual number is not displayed to the recipient	Synchronization with the operator’s servers failed or blocking on the recipient's side.	Restart the phone and try again. If the problem persists, contact support.
NUM works only for calls, but not for SMS	Not all operators support masking in messages.	Use instant messengers (Telegram, Viber) or applications like Hushed.
The application for NUM gives "Unsupported country" error	The service does not work in your region.	Try a VPN (for example, ProtonVPN) or another application.

If none of the methods helped, check:

• 📶 Communication quality: NUM may not work if the signal is weak.
• 🔄 Software updates: on some firmware (for example, MIUI 14) manual activation of the function is required through the engineering menu.
• 📱 Two-factor authentication: some banks and services block virtual numbers to confirm identity.

How to check if NUM is working?

Call another phone and see what number is displayed. You can also use services like Show My Number (available on Google Play).

Alternatives to NUM: other ways to hide a number on Android

If NUM is not available or is not suitable for your tasks, consider alternative methods of masking a number:

• 📱 Hide a number via USSD: before calling dial *31# + subscriber number. Disadvantage - the recipient will see “Private” or “Unknown”, which may cause mistrust.
• 🌐 VoiP services: Google Voice, Skype or Zoom Phone allow calls from virtual numbers, but require the Internet.
• 🔐 Messengers with anonymity support: Signal (hides the number during registration), Session (completely decentralized).
• 📞 Prepaid SIM cards: purchasing a separate SIM card for temporary tasks (for example, Tinkoff Mobile or Yota).

Comparison of methods:

NUM is convenient for regular use (for example, for work), but if you need one-time anonymity, it is easier to use a USSD command or instant messenger. VoiP services are optimal for international calls - they are cheaper and offer more options (recording, transcription, integration with CRM).

NUM for business: how to use virtual numbers at work

NUM is especially useful for entrepreneurs, freelancers and companies that want to separate corporate and personal communications:

• 🏢 Multi-regional numbers: show local numbers to clients (for example, Moscow for residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg for St. Petersburg).
• 📊 Call analytics: some applications (for example, Hushed Pro) allow you to maintain statistics on virtual numbers.
• 👥 Teamwork: assign different numbers for different departments (support, sales, logistics).
• 📈 A/B testing: use different numbers in advertising campaigns to track the effectiveness of channels.

Example of setup for small business:

1. Install NUM Manager or Burner.
2. Register virtual numbers for each department (for example, +7 (495) 123-45-67 for sales, +7 (812) 123-45-67 for support).
3. Set up automatic call forwarding to the main number or to CRM (for example, Bitrix24).
4. Use analytics to track the number of calls and their duration.

⚠️ Attention: When using NUM for business, make sure that virtual numbers do not fall under the laws on the protection of personal data (for example, FZ-152 in Russia) Some services require specifying a real legal address when registering corporate numbers.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about NUM on Android

Is it possible to use NUM for calls abroad?

Yes, but with reservations. Most operators allow you to mask the number for international calls, however:

• In some countries (for example, the USA or EU) there may be restrictions on virtual ones. numbers.
• The cost of the call will be calculated according to roaming or international tariffs.
• Applications like Hushed or Dingtone offer numbers from different countries, which may be cheaper.

Will it work? NUM, if I change the SIM card?

This depends on the operator. If NUM is tied to your main number (and not to the SIM card), then when you change the card, the function will remain. However, virtual numbers assigned through applications (for example, Burner) may be reset:

• Contact. with operator support for transferring settings.
• Export the NUM configuration (if the application supports backup).

Is it possible to send MMS or use the mobile data through NUM?

NUM is intended for voice and SMS only. A virtual number is not used for MMS and the Internet - these services are always tied to the main SIM card. If you need to hide your identity when transferring media files, use instant messengers (Telegram, Signal) or cloud services (Google Drive with anonymous access).

How to delete a virtual number assigned through NUM?

The method depends on the method settings:

• If the number is assigned via built-in Android settings: go to Settings → SIM cards → NUM and select "Delete virtual number".
• If the number was created through application (for example, Hushed): open the application, find the number in the list and click "Deactivate" or "Release Number".
• If the number is linked to operator tariff: contact support or send a USSD command (for example, *111*123# - check with your provider).

Please note that some operators charge a fee for early deletion of virtual numbers.

Why should operators provide the NUM function if it reduces confidence in calls?

NUM is beneficial to operators for several reasons:

• 💰 Additional income: renting virtual numbers is a paid service.
• 📊 Customer retention: business users are less likely to change operators if they have a virtual number infrastructure set up.
• 🔒 Compliance with regulatory requirements: in some countries, operators are required to provide tools to protect personal data.
• 🤝 Affiliate apps: operators cooperate with services like Hushed or Burner, receiving a commission.

In addition, NUM reduces the amount of spam - users are less likely to disclose their real numbers, which reduces the load on operator networks.