In today's digital world, privacy is becoming an increasingly valuable resource. Situations often arise when it is necessary to make a move: be it an advertisement for the sale of a product, a call to a competitor’s support service, or simply a desire to preserve personal space. The telecom operator MTS provides subscribers with several legal tools to implement this task, and most of them are absolutely free. anonymous call: whether it’s an advertisement for the sale of a product, a call to a competitor’s support service, or simply a desire to maintain personal space. The telecom operator MTS provides subscribers with several legal tools to implement this task, and most of them are absolutely free.
Users of devices based on the operating system Android have the advantage of flexible system settings that allow you to control the display of the number on the side of the receiving subscriber. It is important to understand that there are both software configuration methods directly in the smartphone, and network services activated through a code or personal account. We will analyze each of these methods so that you can choose the most convenient one for your situation.
An important nuance should be immediately noted: complete concealment of the number may be limited by law or operator rules in certain cases, for example, when calling emergency services. However, for normal voice calls between subscribers, the function works stably. Next, we will look in detail at how to activate the mode Hide number and what pitfalls you may encounter along the way.
Setting up hiding a number through the smartphone menu
The fastest and most reliable way to call from an unknown number is to change the settings in the interface of your phone itself. This method does not require sending USSD requests or paying for additional services, as it uses a standard communication protocol. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the logic of actions remains the same.
First, open the standard application Phonethrough which you usually make calls. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner or the menu button to go to the settings section. Look for an item that may be called "Advanced settings", "Call settings" or "Accounts". This is where the key option for managing the subscriber ID is hidden.
Inside the menu, find the section Caller ID or Subscriber ID. The system will offer you three options: show the number, hide the number, or use the default network settings. Select option Hide number. After this, all outgoing calls will be displayed to the interlocutor as “Unknown number”, “Private number” or just a set of numbers, depending on its operator.
⚠️ Note: If Caller ID is not in the menu or grayed out, it means your carrier is blocking this setting at the device level. In this case, you need to use USSD codes or services from your personal account, which will be discussed below.
If, after changing the settings, calls still go through with an open number, try rebooting your smartphone or turning on and off “Airplane Mode” for a couple of seconds to re-register on the network.
Sometimes after updating the firmware, settings may be reset. Therefore, if you have previously used this function, and now the number is visible, check the menu again. It is also worth considering that on some models of budget smartphones the call menu can be simplified, and access to this function is possible only through the engineering menu or third-party applications, but we recommend sticking to standard paths to avoid errors.
Using USSD commands and MTS service codes
If the phone system settings do not give the desired result or you want to manage the service centrally for all your devices, they come to the rescue special service codes. The MTS operator uses standardized commands to activate and deactivate the Caller ID service. This is a universal method that works on any phone that supports voice communication.
To enable the anonymity mode on a permanent basis, you must enter the following combination in the dialing field: *116*18# and press the call button. After sending the request, you will receive an SMS notification that the service has been successfully activated. From now on, your number will be hidden for all outgoing calls until you cancel this setting.
It is important to know the commands for managing the status of the service so as not to lose the ability to identify where it is necessary (for example, when calling a bank or courier services):
- 🔒
*116*18#— activate hiding the number (permanently). - 🔓
*116*19#— disable hiding the number (return display). - ❓
*116*18*1#—check the status of the service (active or not).
☑️ Service control Anti-identifier
It is also possible to hide the number for only one specific call without changing global settings. To do this, before dialing the subscriber's number, enter the code #31#. For example, if you need to call 89001234567 anonymously, dial #31#89001234567. This method is convenient for one-time promotions when you do not want to completely “go into the shadows.”
Management through the My MTS application and personal account
For those who prefer a visual interface and do not want to remember digital combinations, the MTS operator offers convenient service management through a mobile application My MTS or a web version of your personal account. This method is especially relevant if you want not only to enable hiding, but also to configure in detail the conditions for its operation or enable advanced options.
Go to the application and log in with your number. In the main menu, select the “Services” section. Next, go to the “Calls” category or use the search for services by entering the query “Anti-identifier”. You will see a service card with the current status. The switch will allow you to activate or deactivate the function in one click.
In your personal account on the site, the functionality can be even wider. There you can set up a schedule for the service or activate it only for certain directions. For example, some tariff plans allow you to hide a number for free only within the MTS network, and calls to other operators require an additional payment. The site interface will give you complete transparency of the conditions.
⚠️ Attention: The terms and conditions of the Caller ID service may vary depending on your tariff plan. On some archive plans, this option may be paid or unavailable. Always check the current conditions in the “Tariffs” section of the official website or application.
What to do if the service does not connect?
If you receive an error when trying to activate through the app, check your personal account balance. Some services require a positive balance even if they are free, since the system conducts a technical check of the possibility of providing the service.
Third-party applications for replacing and hiding numbers
In addition to built-in Android tools and operator services, in the store Google Play there are many applications that promise to ensure the anonymity of calls. However, it is important to be careful here and understand the difference between actually hiding a number and replacing it (spoofing).
Most of these applications work on the principle of routing a call through their servers (VOIP). You do not call directly, but through an application that initiates the connection. This allows you to hide your real number, but often such services are paid or operate on a subscription basis. In addition, the quality of communication may be lower than with a direct GSM call.
Using third-party software carries certain security risks. By giving an app access to your contacts and call logs, you're trusting it with sensitive data. Before installation, carefully read the permissions that the app requests. If a simple flashlight application asks for access to SMS and calls, this is a warning sign.
However, such tools can be useful for specific tasks. They allow you not only to hide a number, but to replace it with another (for example, a local virtual PBX number). This is in demand in the business environment to create the image of a large company or for the operation of courier services.
Built-in Android settings and operator USSD codes are the safest and free methods. Use third-party applications only if standard methods do not suit your tasks, and choose proven services with a high rating.
Comparison table for anonymous call methods
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of ways to hide a number, we have prepared a summary table. It will help you quickly assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of your needs on the device Android.
| Method | Cost | Complexity of setup | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone settings | Free | Low | High (depending on the operator) |
| USSD code (*116*18#) | Free* | Low | Maximum |
| My MTS application | Free* | Average | High |
| Code #31# (one-time) | Free | Low | High |
| Third-party applications | Often paid | High | Average (depending on the Internet) |
*Note: The service can be free only if you connect to the appropriate tariff plan. Some tariffs charge a subscription fee for the “Anti-identifier” option.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter difficulties when trying to hide a number. The most common problem is that the call goes through, but the subscriber still sees your number. This may be due to the fact that the “Anti-Caller ID” (Anti-Caller ID) service is installed on the receiving end of the call, which forcibly opens hidden numbers for an additional fee.
Another reason for failure is technical failures in the operator’s network or incorrect roaming settings. If you are abroad, the rules for displaying your number are governed by an agreement between operators in different countries. When roaming, the number hiding function may work unstable or not work at all.
It is also worth remembering legal restrictions. Some countries, including Russia, have regulations requiring mandatory subscriber identification when calling government agencies, banks and emergency services (112, 102, 103). In these cases, the system automatically ignores the hide setting, and your number will be displayed by the service operator.
⚠️ Attention: Abuse of anonymous calls for the purpose of fraud, threats or spam is punishable by law. The telecom operator and law enforcement agencies have the technical ability to de-anonymize the subscriber at the request of the investigative authorities, even if the number was hidden by the phone settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my name be visible in the phone book of the interlocutor if I hide the number?
If If your interlocutor has your number saved in his contacts under some name, then when you call with a hidden number, he will most likely see the entry “Unknown number” or “Private number”. Matching of a saved contact usually does not occur because there is no incoming ID. However, some smart caller ID may try to find matches in other databases, but the standard phone book will not show the name.
Is it possible to hide a number when sending an SMS?
No, technically it is not possible to hide a number when sending a standard SMS message. The sender's number (MSISDN) is always transmitted in the service headers of the message. Any apps that promise anonymous SMS either use Internet gateways (and then it's not really SMS) or are fraudulent. The MTS operator does not provide services for hiding numbers in text messages.
Does it cost a fee to connect to the Caller ID service on MTS?
On most modern MTS tariff plans, the basic function of hiding a number is provided free of charge. However, there are special tariffs or options where this service is included in the package for a subscription fee. It is best to check the exact information on your specific tariff in the “My MTS” application or by calling the short number 0890.
What will the subscriber see if I call him from a hidden number?
Instead of your number, the text “Unknown number”, “Private number”, “No Caller ID” or a similar phrase, depending on the model of his phone and telecom operator. He will not be able to call you back by clicking on the call button in the log, since the callback number is not transmitted.
How can I quickly disable hiding a number if I no longer need it?
The fastest way is to enter the USSD code *116*19# and press call. You can also go to the phone settings in the calls section and select the “Show number” or “Default” option. Changes take effect almost instantly, within a few seconds after sending the command.