Modern smartphones give users enormous control over how their device interacts with the outside world. One of the basic functions of mobile communications remains the ability to hide your phone number when making outgoing calls. This option is often necessary to protect privacy, make business calls on behalf of a company, or simply to avoid unwanted callbacks from strangers. On the platform Android implementation of this function may vary significantly depending on the device manufacturer and operating system version.
The process of disabling the transmission Caller ID (Caller ID) is not universal for all gadgets. While some models allow you to do this through the standard call settings menu, others require you to enter special USSD codes or contact your telecom operator. Understanding the differences between programmatic number hiding and operator service is critical to achieving the desired result. In this material we will analyze in detail all the available methods and the nuances of their application.
It is worth noting right away that completely hiding a number may be limited by the policy of your mobile operator or the legislation of a particular country. Some emergency services or corporate PBXs automatically identify the caller's number, ignoring the settings of your smartphone. Therefore, before changing the settings, make sure that your goal is technically achievable in your current situation.
Settings for hiding a number in the standard Phone application
The easiest and most obvious way to change the number display settings is to use the built-in menu of the application for calls. In “pure” Android, which is used on Google Pixel, Motorola and some Nokia smartphones, the path to this setting is usually intuitive. You need to open the application Phone, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings. Next you should go to the section Call accounts or Additional settings.
Inside this menu you will find an option responsible for transfer of caller information. It may be called differently: "Caller Identification", "Caller ID" or "Show My Number". When you click on this item, the system will offer three options: show the number, hide the number, or use the default network settings. Selecting a mode Hide number activates the function for all subsequent calls.
⚠️ Attention: If the “Caller Identification” item is inactive (gray) or missing, this means that your telecom operator is blocking changes to this parameter at the device level. In this case, you need to use USSD codes or contact support. However, on devices with proprietary shells, such as Samsung or Xiaomi, the location of these settings may differ. Samsung users often have to look deeper into the menu for this option:
However, on devices with proprietary shells, such as OneUI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi, the location of these settings may vary. Samsung users often have to look deeper into the menu for this option: Settings → Applications → Phone → Calls → Additional settings → Number display. The interface may change with each firmware update, so you should carefully study the available sub-items.
If you cannot find the setting in the menu, try entering the disable code in the dialing field - this is a universal method that works even with hidden settings menu.
Using USSD codes to control number identification
When the graphical interface does not provide the desired option, USSD requests come to the rescue. These are special commands that are sent directly to the operator’s server and instantly change the parameters of your SIM card. This is the most reliable method, since it works regardless of the model of your smartphone, be it budget Realme or flagship Sony Xperia.
To disable the transmission of a number, most networks use a standard code #31#. To hide a number for a specific call, simply enter this code before the phone number you are dialing. For example, if you need to call 89001234567 anonymously, dial #31#89001234567 and press the call button. In this case, the subscriber will see “Unknown number” or “Hidden number” on his screen.
If your goal is to disable number identification forever for all outgoing calls, use the code #31#sent as a separate call. However, the more common method for permanent deactivation is code *31# (enable) and #31# (disable), but the syntax may vary. Often, to completely deactivate the Caller ID service, a command like 31# or a specific operator code is required.
- 📞 One-time hiding: Enter
#31#before the recipient's number. - 🔒 Permanent disconnection: Dial
#31#and press the call button (does not work for all operators). - ✅ Checking status: Use the code
*#31#to find out whether the hiding service is currently active. - ❌ Returning settings: Code
*31#usually returns the number display to the default state.
It is important to understand the difference between temporary and permanent hiding. Temporary only affects one specific call, while permanent changes the profile settings of your SIM card until you cancel this action with a reverse code. Some operators require confirmation via SMS or a call to the call center to activate permanent hiding.
Specific settings on Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones
Owners of popular brands are often faced with unique interface features. On smartphones Samsung Galaxy the call menu is deeply integrated into the OneUI system. To get to the desired setting, the user needs to be careful. The path often lies through Settings → Applications → (three dots at the top) → Show system applications → Phone. Only after this does the menu become available Calls, where the treasured switch is hidden.
Devices Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco running the MIUI or HyperOS shell have their own logic. Here, the setting is usually found in the app Phone, but access to it may be limited in some regions due to local communications regulations. If the standard path Settings → Applications → System applications → Phone → Call settings does not lead to success, it is worth checking the section SIM cards and mobile networks in the general system settings.
⚠️ Attention: On some versions of MIUI for the Chinese market, the function of hiding the number may be completely removed from the menu. In this case, the only working option is to use USSD codes or third-party applications for calls.
It is also worth mentioning dual-SIM devices. If your phone has two active SIM cards, you must configure caller ID for each of them separately. The Android system allows you to set different rules for different slots: for example, the number can be transmitted from a work SIM card, but hidden from a personal SIM card. This provides flexibility in managing contacts and privacy.
☑️ Checking settings on Samsung
Hide the number through telecom operator applications
Modern mobile operators offer their subscribers convenient personal accounts in the form of mobile applications. This is an alternative and often more stable way to manage services, including number identification. Applications from MTS, MegaFon, Beeline, Tele2 and other providers allow you to manage subscriptions in a couple of clicks, bypassing complex smartphone menus.
Inside such an application there is usually "Services" or "My Subscriptions" section. There you can find the service "Caller ID" or similar. The advantage of this method is that you see the current cost of the service (if it is paid) and the conditions for its provision. In addition, the application will show whether the service is currently active, which eliminates doubts about the correctness of the phone settings.
| Operator | Service name | Cost | Activation command |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | AntiAON | Paid (depending on the tariff) | *111*442# |
| MegaFon | Caller ID | Paid/Free | *105*0041# |
| Beeline | Caller ID | Paid | *110*070# |
| Tele2 | Caller ID | Paid | *159*22# |
Using the operator app ensures that the setting is applied at the network level, and not just at the device level. This is especially important if you plan to use the SIM card in another phone or if your current smartphone does not support the programmatic ID hiding feature. Always check your balance before connecting paid options.
Why the service may not connect?
The service may not be available if you have a corporate tariff, on which the network administrator has prohibited changing privacy settings, or if there are not enough funds in the account to activate the paid option.
Third-party applications for calls and privacy
If standard Android tools and operator settings do not give the desired result, you can turn to third-party software. In the store Google Play there are many calling applications that have built-in Caller ID management functions. Applications such as Truecaller, CallApp or various "Dialers" from independent developers often offer more flexible privacy settings.
When you install such an application, it asks for permission to work with your phone and contacts. Once set as your default calling app, you have access to its menu. In the call settings section you can often find a "Hide my number" switch. Some of these apps also offer random number or number spoofing, but these may be paid or require a subscription.
You should be careful when granting rights to third-party applications. Make sure the developer is reputable to avoid leaking your contact information. Using popular software from well-known vendors is usually safer than installing little-known utilities with questionable reviews. Remember that the application only creates a request to the network, so the basic restrictions of the operator will still apply.
- 📲 Truecaller: A popular application that allows you to manage identification and block spam.
- 🛡️ CallApp: Offers call recording and call privacy settings.
- 🔄 Change "default": Don't forget to set the new application as the main application for calls in the Android settings.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Even if all instructions are followed correctly, users may encounter a situation where the number is still displayed to the interlocutor. One of the common reasons is a conflict of settings: for example, the phone is set to “Hide”, but the operator has activated the service of mandatory number display for a given tariff. In such cases, the settings on the network side always take priority.
Another common problem is resetting the settings after rebooting the device. Some custom firmware or unstable versions of Android may not save the option to hide the number after turning off the power. If you notice this behavior, it is recommended to use the USSD code for permanent deactivation, since this setting is stored on the SIM card and does not depend on the state of the phone.
⚠️ Attention: When calling emergency numbers (112, 102, 103), number identification always works, regardless of your settings. This is a security requirement that cannot be circumvented using software methods.
It is also worth considering that some instant messengers and Internet telephony (VoIP) have their own privacy settings that are not related to the cellular settings. If you call via WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, hiding the number is configured inside the application itself in the “Privacy” section. There you can limit the visibility of the number to contacts only or hide it completely.
If the phone settings do not work, the problem almost always lies in the operator's tariff plan or the need to activate the service through your personal account.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my number be hidden if I call back a missed call?
Yes, If you have activated the function of permanently hiding your number through your operator or in your phone settings, your number will not be displayed even when you call back. The interlocutor will see “Unknown number”. However, if you use a one-time code #31#you must enter it each time before dialing.
Is it possible to hide the number when sending an SMS?
No, it is technically impossible to hide the sender's number when sending regular text SMS. A telephone number is a required identifier for message delivery on a cellular operator's network. You can hide the sender only using special mailing services or Internet messengers.
Why did the caller ID setting disappear after updating Android?
Firmware developers can change the menu layout or hide certain functions depending on the region where the device is sold. Try resetting the settings of the "Phone" application or use USSD codes that work regardless of the operating system version.
Can operator support staff see my number?
Yes, telecom operators always see your number, as it is necessary for subscriber identification on the network and billing. Hiding a number only works for the final recipient of the call (another subscriber), but not for the network infrastructure and the service provider itself.
Is it free to hide a number on Android?
Using the phone’s built-in settings and USSD codes is usually free. However, some operators may charge a subscription fee for the Caller ID service if it is activated on an ongoing basis through your personal account. One-time hiding with a code is usually free.