Modern mobile communications provide users with many functions, but sometimes there is an urgent need to hide your identifier when making a call. Network subscribers Tele2 often look for ways to make the number unknown to the receiving party. This may be due to business negotiations, the desire to maintain confidentiality when calling support services, or simply personal preferences in matters of digital privacy.
The operating system Android implements several mechanisms for controlling the display of the number, which work in conjunction with the telecom operator’s settings. It is important to understand that simply turning off caller data is not possible in all situations, and there are technical limitations imposed by the service provider itself. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for activating the “Caller ID” mode without charging an additional fee for the service itself, if the tariff plan allows it.
We will consider both software settings directly in the smartphone and the use of special USSD commands that instantly change the status of your profile on the network. We will also touch on the topic of legality and ethics of using hidden numbers, since abuse of this function can lead to blocking by the operator.
Android smartphone settings to hide the number
The first and most obvious way to change the display of your ID is to use the built-in functions of the operating system Android. The settings interface may differ slightly depending on the device model and firmware version, but the logic of action remains the same for most gadgets. You need to get to the call management menu, where identification options are hidden.
Open the Phone application and go to the settings menu, usually indicated by three dots or a gear. Find the section Additional settings or Call settings. Here you will see the item Caller ID or Show number. By clicking on it, the system will offer three options: “Show number”, “Hide number” and “Default settings”. Selecting the “Hide number” item activates the anonymity mode for all outgoing calls.
⚠️ Attention: If in the menu In the phone settings, the option to hide the number is inactive (gray) or gives an error when you try to save, this means that your tariff plan with the operator Tele2 forcedly displays the number. In this case, the smartphone’s software settings will be ignored by the network.
It is worth noting that this method is global. After activating this option all your outgoing calls will be sent to subscribers marked “Unknown number” or “Private number”. This is convenient for constant anonymity, but can create inconvenience if you are waiting for a call back from someone who does not pick up the phone from unknown contacts.
Before changing global settings, check if you have blocked access to caller ID functions in your Tele2 personal account. Sometimes preliminary activation of the service through the app is required.
Using USSD commands to manage the service
Telecom operator Tele2 provides the ability to manage services through fast USSD requests. This is a universal method that works on any phone, regardless of version Android or Internet availability. In order to make a number unknown, you must enter a special sequence of characters in the dialing field.
The main command to enable the number hiding mode is *129#. After dialing this combination and pressing the call button, a notification will appear on the screen about the successful activation of the Caller ID service. If the service has already been active, the system will notify you about it. To disable the function and return to the standard display, use the code #129#.
- 📞 *129# —activation of hiding the number for all outgoing calls.
- 🔓 #129# —deactivation of the service and opening the number.
- ℹ️ *129*1# —checking the status of the service (does not work on all tariffs).
- 🛑 *129*0# —alternative deactivation command (depending on region).
On some archived or special tariff plans, the “Caller ID” service may be paid even when activated through a code. Always carefully read the text in the SMS notification that arrives immediately after entering the command.
One-time hiding of a number for a specific call
Sometimes a user needs to hide his number not permanently, but only for one specific call. For example, when calling an organization or a stranger. In this case, there is no need to change the global settings of the smartphone or activate the service from the operator. The GSM standard provides a special prefix that hides the identifier only for the current communication session.
To implement this function, you must enter a code before the main phone number #31#. The dialing syntax is as follows: you open the dialpad, enter #31#, then dial the subscriber’s number without spaces and press the call button. The network Tele2 recognizes the prefix and makes a call without transmitting information about your number to the receiving party's device.
#31#79991234567This method is the most flexible, since it does not require subsequent disconnection of the service. Once the call ends, your number will automatically become visible again for all subsequent calls. However, please note that some corporate PBX and security services may automatically reject calls received with the number hiding prefix.
⚠️ Attention: The prefix
#31#works only for voice calls. When sending SMS messages, it is impossible to hide the number in this way - the recipient will always see your sender number in the “From” field.
Features of Tele2 tariff plans and restrictions
Not all operator tariff plans Tele2 support the function of hiding the number on a free basis. The operator's policy may change, and on some modern tariffs, focused on maximum transparency and security, this option can be either paid or completely disabled. This is due to the fight against telephone fraud and spam.
If you activated the service through your phone settings or USSD code, but calls are still displayed with a number, check the terms of your tariff. A monthly subscription fee may be required to enable the Caller ID feature. Information about the cost can be found in the My Tele2 application or on the official website in the description section of your tariff.
| Tariff type | Service status | Connection cost | Subscription fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic tariffs | Available | 0 rub. | Free / Paid (depending on the plan) |
| Corporate tariffs | Depends on administrator | 0 rub. | Often free |
| Archive tariffs | Available | 0 rub. | Conditions of the old tariff |
| Special promotional tariffs | Can be disabled | N/A | N/A |
It is also worth considering that even with the service activated, your number will be visible to emergency services (112, 102, 103, 104) and some services of the operator itself. Complete anonymity before government agencies is technically impossible under the current legislation.
Why is the service paid for on some tariffs?
Operators introduce a fee for hiding a number to reduce the load on call centers and reduce the amount of anonymous spam. This forces attackers to pay for each call, making mass calls less profitable.
Alternative applications and messengers
If standard tools Android and operator capabilities do not suit you or are not available, you can consider using third-party solutions. There is a category of VoIP telephony applications that allow you to make calls over the Internet using virtual numbers. Such services often provide the ability to select a city code or even a country code, completely hiding your real mobile number.
Popular instant messengers such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Viberalso allow you to hide the number, but with reservations. In these apps' privacy settings, you can set the "Who can see my number" setting to "Nobody." However, this will only hide the number within the messenger itself. When calling a regular phone through these applications (Viber Out function and analogues), your number can still be displayed if a special virtual number is not purchased.
- 📱 Virtual telephony applications — allow you to call from a substitute number via the Internet.
- 💬 Messengers — hide the number only within the application ecosystem when setting up privacy.
- 🌐 IP telephony - corporate solutions for complete ID replacement (requires registration).
The use of such applications requires a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). The quality of communication in this case directly depends on the speed of the data transmission channel, and not on the signal level of the cell tower Tele2.
Third-party applications for calls over the Internet are the only way to completely bypass operator restrictions on hiding the number when calling landline and mobile phones, but this requires traffic consumption.
Security issues and legal aspects
Using the number hiding function imposes a certain responsibility on the subscriber. Firstly, many people fundamentally do not answer calls from unknown numbers, considering them spam or an attempt at fraud. Therefore, by hiding your ID, you significantly reduce the likelihood that your call will be accepted.
Secondly, there are situations where hiding a number can be considered suspicious activity. If you make a large number of anonymous calls in a short period of time, the operator's automatic security systems Tele2 may temporarily block your SIM card for verification. This is a standard procedure for protecting against robocalls.
⚠️ Attention: Remember that law enforcement agencies have the technical ability to de-anonymize any call made from your SIM card, even if the Caller ID service is enabled. Do not use anonymity for illegal actions.
In addition, some verification services (banks, government portals) may not send confirmation codes or not allow you to register if incoming calls and messages are masked. Before enabling global number hiding, make sure that this will not interfere with your ability to receive important notifications from banks and other services.
☑️ Check before enabling anonymity
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my number be hidden when calling Tele2 support?
No, if When calling the operator’s short service numbers (for example, 611), your number is always displayed in the operator’s system, regardless of the hiding settings. This is necessary to identify the subscriber and provide services.
Is it possible to hide the number when sending SMS to Tele2?
Technically, the GSM standard does not allow hiding the sender's number when sending text messages. The recipient will always see your number in the sender field, even if you have activated the Caller ID service for voice calls.
Why does the setting in the phone reset after a reboot?
This can happen if the operator's network forces the profile settings back. Try to activate the service via the USSD command *129#as it is assigned to the network side and does not depend on rebooting the device.
Can subscribers of other operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon) see my number?
Yes, if the service is activated correctly, your number will be hidden for subscribers of any telecom operators, as well as for landline numbers. The technology for transmitting the “hidden number” flag is universal for all networks.
How much does the number hiding service cost on Tele2 in 2026?
The cost depends on the specific tariff plan. On most modern tariffs, the service is either free or costs about 1-2 rubles per day upon activation. Check the exact information in the “My Tele2” application in the “Services” section.