The “hidden number” (or “anti-identifier”) function on Android blocks the transmission of your phone number to the recipient of the call. This is useful for confidentiality, but often interferes: subscribers do not pick up the phone, SMS do not reach banks, and technical support services refuse to answer “unknown” numbers. In this article we will look at how disable a hidden number on any smartphone - from Samsung Galaxy to Xiaomi Redmi, including older versions of Android and devices with two SIM cards.

It is important to understand that hiding a number can be configured on three levels: on system settings phone, on mobile operator (via USSD codes or personal account) or on call applications (for example, on Google Phone or Truecaller). We will consider all options, including rare cases when the number is hidden automatically due to firmware errors or SIM card conflicts.

If you are faced with the problem that your number is displayed as “unknown” or “private” despite all the manipulations - at the end of the article there is a section with fault diagnosis and methods for forcibly resetting communication settings.

📊 What telecom operator do you have?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2
Yota
Other

1. Checking the current status of a hidden number

Before disabling the function, make sure that your number is really hidden. To do this:

  • 📱 Call another phone (for example, a friend or your second device). If the screen displays “Unknown”, “Hidden” or “Private”, the function is active.
  • 🔍 Enter the USSD code *#30# and press “Call”. The status will appear on the screen:
    • CLIR suppression = Disabled —the number is not hidden.
    • CLIR suppression = Enabled —the number is hidden.
  • 📌 Check the settings of the “Phone” application: sometimes hiding is enabled only for specific contacts (more on this below).

If the code is #30# didn’t work, try an alternative option for some operators: #31#. On Samsung i Huawei the combination ##4636## → “Phone information” → “Network settings” can also help.

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If you use two SIM cards, check the status of the hidden number for each separately - settings may vary!

2. Disabling a hidden number in Android settings

The easiest way is to use the standard phone settings. The interface may differ depending on manufacturer Android version, but the general logic remains the same.

For Samsung smartphones (One UI)

  1. Open the application "Phone" (handset icon).
  2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner → "Settings".
  3. Select "Advanced settings" → "Caller ID".
  4. Set the switch to "Default network" or "Show number".

For smartphones Xiaomi (MIUI), Redmi, POCO

  1. Run "Phone" → «⋮» → "Settings".
  2. Go to "Call settings" → "Advanced".
  3. Find the item "Display my number" and select "Yes".

For Huawei, Honor (EMUI) smartphones

  1. Open "Phone" → «⋮» → "Settings".
  2. Select "Call settings" → "Additional settings".
  3. Click "Caller ID" → "Show number".

On Google Pixel and smartphones with “pure” Android the path will be like this: Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Calls → Additional settings → Caller ID.

☑️ Checking to disable a hidden number

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3. USSD codes for disabling a hidden number from an operator

If the phone settings did not help, it is possible that hiding the number is activated at level mobile operator. In this case, the USSD command will help. The codes differ depending on the provider:

Operator Code to disable a hidden number Code to check the status
MTS *31# → Call → #31# → Call *#31#
Beeline #31# → Call *#31#
MegaFon *31# → Call → #31# → Call *#31#
Tele2 #31# → Call *#31#
Yota *31# → Call *#31#

After entering the code, you should receive an SMS or notification about successful deactivation of the service. If nothing happens, contact the operator through your personal account or by number 0611 (for MTS/MegaFon/Beeline) or 611 (for Tele2).

⚠️ Attention: On some tariffs (for example, corporate or VIP), number hiding may be enabled by default and not disabled via USSD. In this case, you will need to call support or visit a call center.

4. Hidden number in applications: Truecaller, Viber, WhatsApp

If your number is hidden only when calling through Truecaller, Viber, WhatsApp or other instant messengers, the problem lies in the settings of these applications. Let's consider the most common cases:

  • 🔹 Truecaller:
    1. Open the application → click on the avatar in the upper corner.
    2. Go to "Settings" → "Calls".
    3. Disable the option "Hide my number".
  • 🔹 Viber/WhatsApp: These messengers do not hide the number when calling over the Internet, but can mask it when calling regular phones through the function «Viber Out». To disable:
    1. V Viber: More → Settings → Calls → Viber Out → Show my number.
    2. V WhatsApp hiding the number is not possible - check your phone or operator settings.
  • 🔹 Skype: Go to Settings → Calls → Additional settings and disable "Hide my number".

    • Important: In WhatsApp and Telegram, the phone number is always visible to the interlocutor if you do not use virtual numbers or additional masking services.

    5. Resetting network settings and forcibly disabling a hidden number

    If the standard methods did not work, the failure may have occurred at the level communication module or firmware. In this case, resetting the network settings or forcing re-registration in the operator’s network will help.

    Method 1: Reset network settings

    1. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings (on Samsung: Device maintenance → Reset → Reset network settings).
    2. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot.
    3. After the reboot, check the status of the number via *#30#.

    Method 2: Forced re-registration on the network

    This method helps if the operator has “forgotten” your settings:

    1. Enter the code ##4636## (on some phones ##4636##).
    2. Select "Phone information" (or «Phone Information»).
    3. Click "Turn off radio" (Turn Off Radio).
    4. Wait 30 seconds and press “Turn on radio” (Turn On Radio).
    5. Check the status of the number.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Huawei, Honor), access to the engineering menu (##4636##) may be blocked. In this case, use an alternative method: turn on airplane mode for 1 minute, then turn off and wait for re-registration on the network.
    What to do if after resetting the number is still hidden?

    If the reset did not help, the problem may lie in the firmware or hardware failure of the communication module. In this case:

    1. Update your phone software to the latest version.

    2. Check the SIM card on another device - if the number is hidden there too, contact your operator for a replacement card.

    3. If you suspect a hardware malfunction (for example, after the phone has been dropped), contact the service center.

    6. Features for two SIM cards and eSIM

    On smartphones with two physical SIM cards or eSIM hidden number settings may be duplicated or conflict. Here's what you need to consider:

    • 📶 Separate settings for each SIM: On Samsung and Xiaomi hiding the number is configured individually for each card. Switch to the desired SIM in the Phone app before changing settings.
    • 🔄 Profile conflict: If one SIM hides the number and the other does not, the operator can apply the default settings for both. Check the status via *#30# for each card separately.
    • 📱 eSIM: For virtual SIM cards, the hidden number settings change in the same way as for physical ones, but sometimes you need to reboot the phone to apply the changes.

    On Google Pixel and some models OnePlus When using an eSIM, an additional step may be required:

    1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards.
    2. Select your eSIM → "Call settings".
    3. Disable the option "Hide number" (if it exists).
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    On phones with two SIM cards, always check the settings for each separately - even if you call from the main card, the second one can affect the number display!

    7. Troubleshooting: why the number remains hidden

    If you have tried all the methods, but the number is still not displayed, the reasons may be as follows:

    Problem Cause Solution
    The number is hidden only for specific contacts In the "Phone" application, hiding for individual numbers is enabled Open the contact → "Edit" → check the call settings
    USSD codes do not work The operator blocks commands or uses non-standard ones Check the current codes on the operator's website or call support
    The number is hidden after updating Android Resetting communication settings or firmware error Reset the network settings or roll back the update
    Problem with only one SIM card SIM damage or profile conflict Check the SIM on another phone or replace it at the operator's salon

    If none of the methods worked, follow Full reset of the phone to factory settings (don't forget to make a backup copy!). In 90% of cases, this solves the problem, since all system communication settings are reset.

    As a last resort, contact your operator with a request Forcibly deactivate the hidden number service on your account. Perhaps it was connected by mistake or left over from the old tariff.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hidden numbers on Android

    Is it possible to hide a number for only one contact?

    Yes, in most cases "Phone" applications (for example, on Samsung or Google Phone) you can set the number to be hidden for individual contacts. Open the contact → “Edit” → find the “Hide number” or “Caller ID” option.

    Why is it still not displayed after disabling the hidden number?

    Possible reasons:

    • The operator applies his settings (for example, on corporate tariffs).
    • The SIM card is damaged or outdated (try replacing it at the operator's showroom).
    • Conflict with calling applications (for example, Truecaller or Drupe).

    Check each of them in order.

    How to hide a number on an iPhone if I have Android?

    This article is dedicated to Android, but for iPhone the procedure is different:

    1. Settings → Phone → Show my number.
    2. Or use USSD code *31# before dialing the number.

    Read more in the iOS manuals.

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

    No, the hidden number function only works for outgoing calls. When sending an SMS, your number will always be visible to the recipient, unless you use special services (for example, online SMS).

    What to do if the operator refuses to disable the hidden number?

    If operator support claims that the service is not connected, but the number is still hidden:

    • Try to change the SIM card to a new one (perhaps the old one has an incorrect profile).
    • Switch to a different tariff (sometimes hiding is tied to the tariff).
    • Write an official complaint through the feedback form on the operator’s website.