Maintaining privacy when making calls is becoming an increasingly important task for owners of mobile devices. Many users Android are faced with the need to make an anonymous call in order to hide their identification number from the interlocutor. This may be due to business negotiations, personal reasons, or a desire to avoid unwanted callbacks. Fortunately, the operating system provides several built-in tools to solve this problem without the need to install complex third-party software.
The process of hiding a subscriber number varies depending on the model of your smartphone and the version of the installed firmware. Standard paths in the settings menu may differ on devices from Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel. However, the basic principle of operation remains the same for the entire ecosystem: the system sends a special signal to the telecom operator, which prohibits data transfer Caller ID to the receiving side. In some cases, the intervention of the mobile operator itself is required.
Before you start changing the settings, it is important to understand the difference between a one-time promotion and a permanent setting. You can hide the number for a specific outgoing call or enable the feature for all future connections. The choice of method depends on your current needs and tariff plan. Below we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from quick USSD commands to deep system settings.
Using USSD codes to hide a number one-time
The fastest way to make a call anonymous is to use a special prefix command before dialing the main number. This method does not require changing system settings and works on almost all devices running Android. You just need to enter a certain sequence of characters in the dialing field, and the network will automatically hide your data for that specific call.
In most regions of Russia and the CIS countries, a universal code is used *31#, which must be entered before the recipient's number. For example, if you want to call the number 89001234567, you need to dial *31#89001234567 and press the call button. Some carriers may use alternative combinations such as #31# or specific service codes, so it is recommended that you check with your provider for this information.
This method is ideal for situations where you only occasionally need to remain anonymous. You don't have to go back to the settings menu every time to turn the feature on or off. However, it is worth remembering that the code must be entered manually each time, which can be inconvenient when making a large number of calls.
- 📞 Enter the code
*31#before the recipient's phone number. - 📱 Make sure that your operator supports the caller ID service.
- ⚙️ Check your balance accounts, as some tariffs may block hidden calls.
- 🌍 The code may differ depending on the country where the SIM card is located.
If the code *31# does not work, try replacing the asterisk with a hash (#31#) or contact your operator's support service to clarify the correct prefix.
Setting up permanent number hiding via the system menu
If your goal is to make the number hidden by default for all outgoing calls, you should use the phone's built-in capabilities. The path to the desired menu may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell, but the logic remains the same. Typically, these settings are located in the section responsible for the operation of the telephone module and additional communication services.
To access the function, open the Phone application and find the menu button, often indicated by three dots in the corner of the screen. In the drop-down list, select Settings, and then go to the Advanced settings or Call accountssection. Here you will find the option Subscriber identification (Caller ID), which usually has three states: “Show number”, “Hide number” and “Network settings”.
By selecting the “Hide number” mode, you will forcibly activate the anonymity mode. On some devices this option may not be available (grayed out). This means that control of the function is completely transferred to the telecom operator, and the parameter can only be changed through a support call or personal account. In such cases, the phone's system settings are ignored in favor of the configuration on the cell tower side.
☑️ Checking call settings
⚠️ Attention: On devices with two SIM cards, the setting must be applied separately for each active line. Changing the setting for one SIM card will not affect the operation of the second.
Setting features on different smartphone models
Variety of interfaces Android creates certain difficulties when finding the necessary menu items. Manufacturers often rename standard partitions or hide them deep in their own shells. Understanding the specifics of your device will help save time and avoid confusion when searching for the number hiding function.
On smartphones Samsung with the One UI shell, the path usually looks like this: Phone → Three dots → Settings → Additional services → Show number. Here the system will offer to choose one of three operating modes. In devices Xiaomi (MIUI), the setting is often hidden in the section Calls → Accounts for calls, where you need to select a specific SIM card and find the item Additional settings.
Owners of “clean” Android (for example, Google Pixel or Motorola) will find this option along the path Settings → Applications → Phone → Additional settings → Subscriber identification. If you cannot find the section you need, use the search in your phone settings by entering the request “number” or “caller id”. This is the most reliable way to Locate the function on any device.
| Brand / Shell | Path to settings | Name options |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Phone → Settings → Additional. services | Show number |
| Xiaomi (MIUI) | Calls → Accounts → Additional. settings | Subscriber identification |
| Google Pixel | Settings → Applications → Phone | Subscriber identification |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Phone → Settings → More | Show my number |
What to do if the item is not on the menu?
If there is no number management option in your phone settings menu, this means that your carrier has blocked the ability to change this setting at the device level. You need to contact a communication shop or support service to activate the Caller ID service.
Activation of the service through a telecom operator
When the phone system settings do not produce results or the menu item is inactive, the solution to the problem lies in the tariff plan. Telecom operators provide the number hiding service as a paid option or as part of certain tariff packages. Enabling the service on the provider’s side is the most reliable method, since it works regardless of your phone model.
To activate the service, it is often enough to send a special USSD request. For example, for some operators these are combinations like *119# or *30#. A more universal way is to use the operator’s mobile application or personal account on the official website. There, in the “Services” or “Tariff Settings” section, you can find the “Anti-AON” or “Hidden Number” option and activate it with one click.
The cost of such a service varies. Some providers include it for free in the basic package, others charge a daily or monthly fee. It is also possible to activate the service only for a certain period. Before activation, carefully study the tariff conditions to avoid unexpected debits from your account.
- 📲 Go to the official application of your telecom operator.
- 💰 Check the cost of the Caller ID service.
- 🔓 Make sure there are enough funds on your balance for connection.
- 📞 Call support if you cannot find the service in the application.
⚠️ Attention: The terms of service and its cost may be changed unilaterally by the operator. Always check the current tariffs in your personal account before connecting.
Problems with hiding the number and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often encounter situations when the number is still displayed to the interlocutor. This may be caused by technical network failures, incorrect roaming settings, or restrictions of the operator itself. Understanding the reasons for the failure will help you quickly fix the problem and restore anonymity.
One of the common reasons is being in a roaming zone. When roaming internationally, number data protocols may work differently, and the Hide Number setting that is active at home may be automatically disabled when abroad. In such cases, you need to manually double-check the settings or use the USSD code before each call, making sure that it is supported by the local operator.
It is also worth considering that emergency services and some special service numbers always see your ID, regardless of privacy settings. This is a legal and safety requirement. Additionally, if you are calling a corporate PBX landline phone, the system may force the number to be displayed to log the call in the business log.
If you have completed all the settings but there is no result, try rebooting the device. This action updates the SIM card's registration on the network and resets temporary connection errors. In rare cases, removing and reinserting the SIM card into the slot helps.
If the phone settings do not work, the problem almost always lies in the tariff plan or network coverage area, and not in the malfunction of the smartphone itself.
Security and ethical aspects of anonymous calls
Using the hide number function gives the user some freedom, but also imposes responsibility. Anonymity does not mean permissiveness. The laws of many countries strictly regulate the use of communications for illegal activities, and hiding the number does not protect against identification by law enforcement authorities if requested.
From a technical point of view, the telecom operator always sees your real number, even if it is hidden for the subscriber. Call data is stored in billing systems. Therefore, the use of anonymity for spam, threats or fraud is easily detected by operator security specialists and law enforcement agencies.
On the ethical side, it is recommended to warn the interlocutor that your number is hidden if this is a business call. This is a sign of respect and a rule of good manners, which helps to avoid a situation where a person simply does not pick up the phone from an unknown number. In the modern world, trust in calls from unknown identifiers has significantly decreased due to the abundance of telephone fraud.
⚠️ Attention: Abusing the function of hiding a number to commit fraudulent actions or harassment is prosecuted by law. The telecom operator is obliged to provide information about the caller at the request of the authorized authorities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a subscriber find out my number if I have hidden it?
A regular subscriber will not see your number, the screen will display “Unknown number” or "Hidden Challenge" However, there are special services and identification applications that can recognize a number from a database of previous calls if you have previously called this person without hiding it. It is impossible to completely hide the number from intelligence services and the telecom operator.
Why is the “Hide number” setting inactive (gray)?
This means that control of the function has been transferred to the telecom operator. In your tariff plan, this option is either already enabled on a permanent basis or blocked. To change the status, you need to contact the support service of your mobile operator.
Does the operator charge for the number hiding service?
It depends on the specific tariff and operator. Some providers have a free service, while others charge a subscription fee or a fee for each call with a hidden number. Exact information can be found in the description of your tariff or in your personal account.
Does hiding a number work when calling via instant messengers?
No, the phone number hiding settings only affect traditional voice calls over the cellular network (GSM/LTE). Calls via WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber use the Internet protocol, and they have their own privacy settings, which are regulated within the applications themselves.
Will a person see my number if I call them back?
Unless you change the settings back to “Show number” or do not disable the service from the operator, then when you call back, your number will also be hidden. The setting is permanent for all outgoing calls until you cancel it.