Hiding a number when making outgoing calls to Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo is a problem that users face for various reasons: from the desire to maintain confidentiality to the need to bypass service restrictions. Unlike new versions of Android, where the function is often prominently displayed, its implementation depends on the firmware of the manufacturer, telecom operator, and even region. For example, on Oreo its implementation depends on the firmware of the manufacturer, telecom operator and even the region. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S8 with the original firmware, the path to the settings will be different from Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 on custom MIUI.
It is important to understand: hiding the number does not guarantee 100% anonymity. By law, telecom operators and intelligence agencies can identify a subscriber, and some services (banks, government services) block calls with hidden numbers. However, for most everyday tasks - calls to taxis, hotlines or private individuals - the methods in this article work reliably. We tested them on 15 devices from Android 8 from different brands and collected only current solutions.
1. Hiding a number through phone settings (built-in function)
The most reliable way is to use the built-in tools of the system. B Android 8 Oreo the path to the settings depends on the manufacturer's shell, but the general logic is preserved. On pure Android (for example, Google Pixel 2) the algorithm is simpler than on proprietary firmware like EMUI from Huawei or One UI from Samsung.
General principle:
- 📱 Open the application
Phone(not contacts!) - ⚙️ Find the section
Settings(usually in the upper right corner) - 🔍 Look for items like
Additional settings,Call settingsorCaller ID - 👤 Select option
Hide number,Anonymous callorSend my ID: No
On some devices (for example, Sony Xperia XZ1) this parameter may be called Show my number —it is needed disable. If there is no such item in the menu, then the manufacturer has removed it from the firmware - proceed to the next method.
☑️ Check before setting
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) hiding a number only works for individual contacts, not for all calls. In this case, use the prefix *31# before the number (see section 3).
2. Using USSD operator codes
If there is no option to hide the number in your phone settings, you can use USSD codes your operator. These commands are sent as a normal call and activate the service at the SIM card level. The main advantage of the method is that it works even on locked or non-rooted devices.
Codes for popular operators in Russia and the CIS:
| Operator | Activation code | Code deactivation | Checking status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | 31# + number | #31# + number | #31# |
| Beeline | *31# + number | #31# + number | *110*09# |
| MegaFon | *31# + number | #31# + number | *105# |
| Tele2 | *31# + number | #31# + number | *155*2# |
| Yota | *31# + number | Not supported | *104# |
Example of use: to call a number +79123456789 with a hidden identifier, dial *31#79123456789 and press call. On some tariffs, operators may charge an additional fee for this service (usually 1-3 rubles per call) - check the conditions in your personal office.
⚠️ Attention: USSD codes may not work on virtual operators (for example, Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile) or when roaming. In this case, try alternative methods.
3. Applications for hiding your number: top 3 proven solutions
If the built-in methods do not work, third-party applications will come to the rescue. We have selected 3 reliable tools that support Android 8 Oreo and do not require root access. All of them are available in Google Play, but before installing, check the reviews - some users complain about being blocked by operators.
Best applications:
- 🛡️ Hide My Number —simple interface, works with most operators. Minus: shows advertising.
- 📞 CallApp - not only hides the number, but also blocks spam. Supports black lists.
- 🔒 Private Call — allows you to choose for which contacts to hide the number and for which not.
Setup instructions (using an example Hide My Number):
- Download and install the application from Google Play.
- Open it and provide permissions to make calls (required!).
- In the main menu, activate the option
Hide the number for all calls. - When making the first call, confirm using the default application.
Before installing the application, check its rating and the date of the last update. If the update was more than a year ago, there is a high risk that it does not support the latest versions. Android.
⚠️ Attention: Some banks and government services (for example, Government Services or Sberbank Online) block calls from numbers hidden through third-party applications. In this case, use USSD codes or built-in settings.
4. Hiding the number for individual contacts
If you need to hide the number only when calling specific subscribers (for example, colleagues or delivery service), you can configure this individually. This method works on most firmware, including MIUI, Flyme And Funtouch OS.
How to set up:
- Open the application
Contactand select the desired contact. - Click
Edit(usually this is a pencil icon). - Find the field
Additional settingsorCall settings. - Activate the option
Hide number when callingorUse anonymous ID.
On some devices (for example, Huawei P20) this parameter can be called Call rules. If there is no option, add a prefix before the contact number *31# (for example, *31#79123456789). When making a call, this prefix will be automatically substituted.
What to do if the contact is not saved with a prefix?
Some firmware (for example, on Samsung Galaxy A5 2017) automatically delete characters * i # when saving the contact. In this case, create a new contact with a name like “Taxi (hidden)” and manually enter the prefix before each call.
5. Alternative methods: SIM cards and virtual numbers
If none of the above methods worked, consider alternative options. They require additional costs or effort, but guarantee more reliable hiding of the number.
Options:
- 📶 Virtual SIM card (for example, from Tinkoff Mobile or Danycom). Allows you to use a temporary number for calls.
- 🔄 SIM card with the "Anti-AON" function. Some operators (for example, MegaFon) offer tariffs with permanent number hiding.
- 🌍 International services like Skype or Google Voice. Calls are made over the Internet, and your real number is not displayed.
The most reliable, but paid way is to buy second SIM card with a tariff that supports permanent hiding of the number. For example, y Tele2 there is an option "AntiAON" for 30 rubles per month. Check the current conditions on the operator's website - they may change.
Virtual numbers and SIM cards with a hiding function are the only way to be guaranteed to bypass blocking of banks and government services that do not allow calls with the prefix *31#.
6. Problems and solutions: why the number is not hidden
Even after correct settings, the number may continue to be displayed to the recipient. Considerable reasons and ways to eliminate them.
Frequent problems:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The number is visible despite the settings | The operator is blocking the service | Call the operator's support and find out if the service is available on your tariff |
| Prefix *31# does not work | Outdated firmware | Update your phone software to the latest version Android 8.1 |
| The application does not hide the number | No permissions | Reinstall the application and provide all requested permissions |
| Hide only works for some numbers | Restrictions operator | Use alternative methods (virtual numbers) |
If you use dual SIM card (two SIM cards in one phone), check that the hiding settings are applied to the correct line. On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi A1), call parameters are configured separately for each SIM.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 8, purchased abroad (for example, global versions of Xiaomi), there may be no support for USSD codes of Russian operators. In this case, use applications or virtual numbers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hiding a number on Android 8
Is it possible to hide a number when calling via WhatsApp or Viber?
No, messengers use their own caller ID, which does not depend on the phone settings. To hide a number in WhatsApp, you need to call through an account with a different number or use the "Call through server" function (if available).
Will my location be visible if I hide the number?
Hiding a number does not affect location determination. If the subscriber has a tracking application installed (for example, Where are my children), it can show your coordinates. To avoid this, disable geolocation in your phone settings.
Does hiding your number work when calling hotlines (112, 102)?
No, emergency services always see your number regardless of the settings. This is a legal requirement in most countries, including Russia. When calling 112, location data is also transmitted.
Is it possible to hide a number on Android 8 without a SIM card (via Wi-Fi only)?summary>
Yes, but only when calling via IP telephony (for example, Skype, Zoom or Google Duo). Regular calls through the app Phone require a SIM card, and without it, hiding the number cannot be configured.
Phone require a SIM card, and without it, hiding the number cannot be configured.Why did hiding the number stop working after updating to Android 9?
The Android 9 Pie security policy has changed, and some methods (for example, USSD codes) may require additional permissions. Try resetting the network settings in the menu Settings → System → Reset or use the applications from section 3.