Maintaining privacy when making calls is becoming an increasingly important task for mobile device users. Often there is a need to hide your number from your interlocutor, be it a business call to an unfamiliar counterparty or simply a desire to maintain anonymity in personal correspondence. The function that allows you to do this is colloquially called Anti-caller ID, although it is technically more correct to talk about hiding Caller ID.
Unlike the iPhone, where the setting for hiding a number is placed in a single phone settings menu, the ecosystem Android offers many options for implementing this functions depending on the smartphone manufacturer and operating system version. The user may encounter that the usual menu items are missing or renamed by the shell developer. Understanding the principles of the GSM network and the settings of your specific device will help you quickly solve the problem without installing unnecessary software.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to hide a number: from standard system settings to using USSD commands and third-party applications. We will also look at the nuances of how this function works with various mobile operators and explain why in some cases the number may still be displayed to the recipient of the call.
The principle of hiding a number in GSM networks
Before you start setting up, it is important to understand exactly how the network processes your call. When you make a call, your device sends a signal to the operator's base station, which contains not only the number of the called party, but also your own ID. By default, this identifier is transmitted openly, which allows the other person's phone to display your digits on the screen.
Anti-identifier works by changing the data flag in the call packet. You can instruct the network not to transmit your number (CLI - Calling Line Identification) to a specific subscriber or to all subscribers constantly. However, it is worth remembering that emergency services and some corporate PBXs have priority and can see the caller's number regardless of your privacy settings.
Technical implementation depends on the protocols supported by your telecom operator. Most modern networks use the CLIR (Calling Line Identification Restriction) standard. If your operator supports this feature, you can control it directly through the smartphone menu. Otherwise, you will have to resort to the services of an operator or special services.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding a number does not make you completely invisible to the telecom operator. Your number is always recorded in the provider's billing records, even if it is hidden to the receiving party.
If you plan to hide your number frequently, check with your operator to see if their system blocks incoming calls from subscribers with a hidden ID. Some users specifically set up protection against such calls.
Setting through the Android system menu
The easiest and most reliable way to enable incognito mode for calls is to use the built-in tools of the operating system. The path to these settings may differ slightly on devices of different brands, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel, but the general logic remains the same for the entire platform.
You need to open the standard Phone application, through which you usually make calls. Please note that if you have multiple dialers installed (for example, from Google and from the manufacturer), the settings may be duplicated or conflict, so choose the application whose icon is used for calls by default.
Next, the algorithm of actions usually looks like this:
- 📱 Click on the three dots or the menu icon in the upper right corner of the Phone application screen.
- ⚙️ Select the “Settings” item in the drop-down list.
- 📞 Find the “Advanced Settings” or “Calls” section.
- 👤 Click on the “Caller ID” or “Caller ID” item.
After going to this section, the system can offer you a choice of three options: “Show number”, “Hide number” and “Default network”. Selecting “Default Network” means that the setting specified by your telecom operator at the SIM card level will be used. For guaranteed hiding, select the option "Hide number".
☑️ Checking call settings
In some cases, especially on older versions of Android or specific firmware, the “Caller Number” item may be missing or inactive (grayed out). This often indicates that your current telecom operator does not support controlling this function through the phone's software interface, and the use of USSD commands is required.
Using USSD commands to control the identifier
If the smartphone menu does not give the desired result, universal commands that are sent directly to the operator's server come to the rescue. This method works on almost any device, as it does not depend on the Android version or phone model. Commands are entered into the dialing field in the same way as a regular telephone number.
There are three basic commands accepted in most GSM networks around the world. They allow you to temporarily hide a number, return its display, or find out the current status of the service. Entering these commands does not require an Internet connection and works even in roaming, if the operator provides such an opportunity.
Below is a table with the main commands for managing caller ID:
| Action | USSD command | Description of the result |
|---|---|---|
| Hide number (one-time) | #31#NUMBER |
Hide the number only for the next call |
| Hide number (permanently) | *31# |
Enables anti-identifier mode for all calls |
| Show number (permanently) | #31# |
Cancels permanent number hiding |
| Check status | *#31# |
Shows the current status of the service on the network |
Please note that the command #31#NUMBER (where instead of the words NUMBER you substitute the real phone number) allows you to hide your ID only for one specific call. This is convenient if you need to anonymously contact someone one time without changing global phone settings. After the call ends, your number will again be visible by default.
What to do if the command does not work?
If after entering the command you receive an error message or “The code is incorrect,” this means that your operator has disabled the ability to independently manage this service. In this case, you need to contact support or your personal account.
Specific settings for different mobile operators
Large mobile operators often introduce their own names for number hiding services and may require their prior activation through your personal account. For example, for some providers this function may be paid or available only in certain tariff plans.
At the operator MTS the service is called “AntiAON”. It can be activated by default or require connection through the My MTS application. U Beeline a similar service is often called “Caller ID” and is also controlled through your personal account or key combinations. The operator MegaFon provides the Caller ID service, which can be enabled in the profile services section.
It is important to consider that operator policies may change. What worked yesterday may require confirmation via SMS or tariff change today. Therefore, if standard commands do not work, the best solution would be to check the “Services” section in the official application of your operator.
⚠️ Attention: The terms of the number hiding service (paid/free) may vary depending on your region and the current tariff plan. Always check the latest information in your operator's personal account.
Third-party applications for substituting and hiding numbers
If the built-in tools and operator commands do not give the desired result, you can turn to third-party software. In the store Google Play there are many applications that position themselves as tools for calling privacy. However, their operation often differs from the system setting.
Most of these applications do not change the Caller ID transmission settings on the network, but act as intermediaries. You call through the app, it connects to the server, and the server already makes a call to the subscriber. As a result, the application server number or a specially purchased virtual number may be displayed on the interlocutor’s screen, rather than your personal one.
Popular solutions in this category include:
- 🛡️ Privatizer —an application that allows you to make calls through secure channels.
- 📞 Second Phone Number —services that provide temporary numbers for calls.
- 📱 Call App —some caller IDs have a reverse function (hiding your number).
Using such apps has its drawbacks. Firstly, the quality of communication may deteriorate due to double signal transmission. Secondly, many of these services are paid or have limits on the number of free minutes. In addition, you trust your contacts and call history to a third-party developer, which may raise questions in terms of data security.
Third-party applications most often replace the number with a virtual one, rather than technically hiding your real one. This is important to consider if your goal is anonymity and not the use of a second number.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Even after correct configuration, users may encounter a situation where the number is still displayed to the interlocutor. One of the common reasons is a settings conflict. For example, if “Hide number” is set in the phone menu, but the operator at the SIM card level has a strict ban on this service, the operator will have priority and the number will appear.
Another common problem is related to software updates. After a major Android update, your phone settings may be reset to factory settings. In this case, the “Caller Number” item will again return to the “Show number” or “Default Network” state, and you will have to go through the setup procedure again.
It is also worth considering the human factor. If you call someone who has previously saved your contact in their phone book, they will see your name, even if the number is technically hidden (depending on the settings of their smartphone and instant messengers). Complete anonymity is guaranteed only when calling numbers where your contact is not recorded.
Why is the number visible in instant messengers?
In applications like WhatsApp or Telegram, hiding a number through GSM call settings does not work. There, identification is based on an account linked to a phone number, and you can hide it only by deleting the account or blocking the contact.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hide a number forever without paying the operator?
Yes, in most cases, the function of hiding a number is provided free of charge through the phone settings or USSD commands. However, some operators may charge a fee for connecting the Anti-AON service as an additional tariff option.
Will a police or emergency services officer see my number?
No, hiding the number only works for regular subscribers. Special equipment of emergency services (112, 102, 103) and law enforcement agencies always receives complete data about the caller, including the phone number and location of the base station.
Why do calls not go through after setting the “Hide number” item?
Some subscribers set their smartphones to block incoming calls from hidden numbers. If you cannot reach a specific person after turning on the anti-identifier, perhaps he has such protection. Try to temporarily disable hiding the number.
Does hiding the number work when calling via WhatsApp or Viber?
No, the settings for hiding the number in Android apply only to regular cellular communications (GSM/LTE voice). In instant messengers, your number is always visible if it is registered in the system, since these applications use Internet protocols, and not cellular operator channels to transmit the identifier.
How do I know if the other person sees my number?
The most reliable way is to call your other phone or ask a friend to check. If the screen displays “Unknown number”, “Private number” or dashes instead of numbers, then the setup worked successfully.