How to make a number unknown MTS on Android for free

Hiding the subscriber number is a popular feature that allows you to maintain confidentiality when making calls, protecting your personal data from prying eyes. Owners of smartphones based Android often look for ways to activate this option from the operator MTS without additional financial costs. You can make an outgoing call anonymous in several ways: through the gadget’s built-in settings, using special USSD commands, or by activating temporary services. The choice of a specific method depends on whether you want to hide the number one-time or on an ongoing basis.

It is important to understand that the technical implementation of the Anti-Caller ID function may vary depending on the model of your device and the version of the operating system. Some manufacturers smartphones place this option in a prominent place in the call menu, while others hide it deep in the system settings. In addition, the telecom operator itself MTS provides its own management tools for this service, which work regardless of the phone model. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options so that you can choose the most convenient one for yourself.

It is worth noting that free number hiding has its own limitations and features of working in a cellular network. If you plan to call landline numbers or subscribers of other operators, the display mechanism may work differently. There are also categories of calls, for example, to emergency services or short service numbers, where anonymity is technically impossible due to legal requirements. Next, we will look at step-by-step guide for each method, taking into account all the nuances.

Activation through the settings of an Android smartphone

The easiest and fastest way to make your number invisible to the interlocutor is to use the standard capabilities of the operating system Android. This method does not require sending paid SMS or connecting additional tariff options, since the function is built into the communication protocol. However, the menu interface may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell, be it pure Android, MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung.

First, open the standard “Phone” application, through which you usually make calls. Find the menu button, which is most often indicated by three dots in the upper or lower right corner of the screen. Select “Settings” or “Call Options” from the drop-down list. Here you need to find the section responsible for additional communication parameters, which may be called “Other settings”, “Advanced” or “Advanced settings”.

Inside this section, look for an item called “Caller ID”, “Show number” or “Caller ID”. By clicking on it, the system will offer you three options: always show the number, always hide it, or use the default network settings. To make the call anonymous, select the "Hide number" or "Never show" option. After this, all outgoing calls will be sent to the recipient marked “Unknown number” or “Private number.”

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models with custom firmware, this item may be blocked or absent if the telecom operator does not support changing this parameter through the device terminal. In this case, use USSD commands.

If you do not find the desired option in the general menu, try using the search in the settings of the phone itself. Enter the phrase “number” or “call” into the search bar, and the system itself will highlight the desired section. This is especially true for new versions Android, where the menu structure changes frequently. Please note that changing this setting applies globally to all outgoing calls until you change it back to default.

Using USSD commands for one-time hiding

Sometimes there is a need to hide your number only for one specific call, without changing the global settings of the phone. For such situations, the operator MTS and communication standards provide for the use of special prefixes before the dialed number. This is a universal method that works on any phone, even the simplest push-button one, and does not require access to the Internet or complex menus.

To make an anonymous call, you need to enter a special combination of characters before the main subscriber number. In the MTS network and most Russian operators, the code #31#is used for this. Immediately after this code, without spaces or pauses, the full phone number is dialed, including the city or operator code. For example, if you need to call the number 89001234567, then in the dialing line you should enter #31#89001234567 and press the call button.

This method is ideal for situations where you need to quickly contact someone incognito, for example, when selling a product on a bulletin board or calling an organization where you do not want to leave your personal contact. The command only applies to the current call: the next call will already display your number if you do not duplicate the prefix again. This provides flexibility and control over your privacy.

• 📞 University: Code #31# works on all smartphones and MTS tariffs without exception.
• ⚡ Speed: No need to wait for the service to connect, the action occurs instantly when dialing.
• 💰 Savings: Absolutely free, no charges are made for using the prefix.

There is also an alternative option to disable caller ID on an ongoing basis via USSD request if your phone settings did not help you. The command #31# is sent as a normal call. If you want to return the display of the number, you will need to enter the command *31#. These codes are part of the international GSM standard, so they must be processed correctly by the operator's network.

Anti-AON service from the MTS operator

In addition to the phone settings, the operator MTS provides its own service called "Anti-AON", which allows you to control the display of the number at the network level. This is a reliable method that ensures that your number will not be visible to the other person, no matter what device you are calling from. The service can be connected either permanently or activated temporarily through your personal account.

There are several communication channels to connect the service on a permanent basis. The fastest way is to use the USSD command *111*88#. After sending the request, you will receive a confirmation SMS message about successful activation. Service management is also available in the My MTS mobile application or in your personal account on the official website. In the “Services” section, you need to find the category related to privacy and select the appropriate tariff plan.

It is important to distinguish between the conditions for the provision of this service at different tariffs. On some modern tariff plans, the number hiding feature is already enabled by default or is available as part of option packages. On classic tariffs, a subscription fee may be charged for using the AntiAON service. Before activation, carefully study the terms of your tariff to avoid unexpected debits from your account.

Activation method	Command / Action	Cost	Validity period
USSD request	*111*88#	Depends on the tariff	Indefinite
"My MTS" application	Section "Services" → "AntiAON"	Depends on the tariff	Indefinite
One-time hiding	Prefix #31#	Free	One call
Settings Android	Call menu → Hide number	Free	Before changing the settings

⚠️ Attention: Tariffing conditions for the AntiAON service may be changed by the operator. Be sure to check the current connection cost and subscription fee in your personal account before activation to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Disabling the service is also easy: just send a USSD command *111*89# or use the menu in the application. If you have activated the option through your phone settings, but you also have an active service from your operator, the network settings usually take priority. However, to fully guarantee confidentiality, it is recommended to use both methods or at least one of them correctly configured.

What does the subscriber see if he has protection from hidden numbers?

If the interlocutor has the Anti-AON service activated (protection from hidden numbers), then your call may be automatically rejected, or the person simply will not see the incoming call, even if technically he passed.

Hide a number in popular instant messengers

In the era of digital communications, many users are switching from traditional voice calls to calls via Internet instant messengers. Popular applications, such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, have their own privacy protection mechanisms that do not depend on the settings of the cellular operator MTS. Here, hiding a number works differently: you do not hide the phone number itself, but limit the visibility of your profile for other users.

In the privacy settings of most messengers, you can choose who sees your phone number. Typically the options available are "Everyone", "My Contacts" or "Nobody". If you select the "Nobody" option or limit visibility to only your contacts, then people who are not in your phone book will not be able to see your number, even if you call them through the app. However, when making a voice call within the messenger, your profile will still be identified.

It is worth understanding the difference between a call over a cellular network and a VoIP call. When making a call via WhatsApp or Telegram the connection is made via the Internet, and the telecom operator sees only the fact of data transfer, but not the content of the conversation and not the fact of the voice call in the traditional sense. Therefore, the “Hide number” settings in the phone menu Android do not affect calls within instant messengers. For anonymity, you need to configure the profile of the application itself.

• 🔒 Profile privacy: In messengers, it is not the fact of the call that is hidden, but the visibility of the number in the profile.
• 🌐 Dependence on the Internet: Anonymity in messengers only works if there is a stable Wi-Fi or 4G connection.
• 📱 Independence from MTS: Operator settings do not affect the display of data inside third-party applications.

If your goal is completely anonymous communication, hiding the number alone may not be enough. It is also recommended to disable the display of your profile photo and “was online” status for strangers. An integrated approach to privacy settings in messengers will ensure maximum protection of your personal data when communicating on the Internet.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

Despite the simplicity of the procedures, users sometimes encounter situations where the number continues to be displayed to the interlocutor, despite all the actions taken. One of the common reasons is a conflict between the phone settings and the operator’s services. For example, if the smartphone menu says “Hide number”, but on the MTS side the “Open number” service is forcibly enabled (often on corporate tariffs), then priority will be given to setting up the network.

Another common problem is outdated phone software. In older versions Android or specific firmware, the call settings menu may not work correctly. In this case, it is recommended to update the system to the latest available version or try resetting the network settings. To do this, go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return the network settings to factory settings.

It is also worth considering the technical limitations of the network. When calling some service numbers, emergency numbers (102, 103, 112) or to subscribers in other countries, the hide number feature may be automatically overridden for security and caller identification purposes. This is normal network behavior that cannot be circumvented by standard means.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a dual-SIM smartphone, the number hiding settings are applied separately for each SIM card. Make sure that you have changed the settings specifically for the MTS SIM card with which you plan to make anonymous calls.

Legal aspects and security

Using the number hiding function is an absolutely legal right of the subscriber, protected by communications legislation. Each user has the right to confidentiality of their communications and personal data. However, this right is not absolute and does not provide immunity from liability for unlawful acts. Intelligence services and the telecom operator MTS have the technical ability to identify the subscriber making the call, even if the number is hidden for the receiving party.

In case of abuse of anonymity, for example, in case of telephone hooliganism, fraud or threats, the telecom operator is obliged to provide information about the caller at the request of law enforcement organs. Technically, each call is logged in the operator’s database with reference to the IMSI identifier of the SIM card and the base station through which the signal passed. Therefore, you should not hope for complete impunity when using the “Unknown Number” mode.

In addition, many people fundamentally do not answer calls from hidden numbers, fearing spam or scammers. If you are using this feature for business purposes, be prepared to experience reduced call rates. It is recommended to warn important interlocutors in advance that you will be calling from a hidden number, or to use alternative communication channels to confirm your identity.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will my number be visible if I call from a hidden number to a phone where there is an ID?

No, if the number hiding service is activated correctly (through the phone settings or the MTS service), then even the presence of caller ID on your interlocutor will not help him see your numbers. The screen will display “Private Number” or “Unknown”. However, there are paid services from some operators that allow you to “break through” hidden numbers, but they are available to a limited circle of people and do not work with standard hiding methods.

Is it possible to hide a number when sending an SMS message?

Unfortunately, it is technically impossible to hide the sender's number when sending a regular SMS text message. The message header always contains the SIM card number. For anonymous correspondence, it is recommended to use instant messengers that support hiding the number in the profile settings or special virtual number services.

Why does the #31# command not work on my Android?

If the command does not work, your operator may block manual control of this function through the terminal, requiring you to connect the service through your personal account. Also check that you are entering the number correctly: the code #31# should appear immediately before the number without spaces. Try an alternative method through the call settings menu.

How much does the Anti-AON service cost on MTS in 2026?

The cost of the service depends on your specific tariff plan. On many modern tariffs it can be free or included in a package of options. On archive tariffs, a subscription fee may be charged (usually about 1-2 rubles per day or a fixed amount per month). You can find out the exact information by dialing the command *111*88# or contacting support.

Will the police officer see my number if I call from a hidden location?

Yes, of course. Hiding a number only works for the regular subscriber on the other end of the line. The MTS telecom operator records all connections, and upon an official request from law enforcement agencies, information about the caller will be provided in full, including time, date and location.