Let’s be honest: in a world where our phone numbers are as private as our bank details, it’s no surprise that more and more people are learning how to hide number on MTN. Sometimes, you just don’t want the person on the other end to know it’s you calling. Maybe you’re planning a surprise, reporting a sensitive issue, or just avoiding awkward conversations.
Imagine this scenario: you’re trying to reach someone who keeps ignoring your calls because they’ve saved your number as “Do Not Answer.” Now, wouldn’t it be nice if you could call them without being identified? That’s exactly where hiding your number comes in.
But before you assume this is only for secret agents or pranksters, here’s the truth: knowing how to hide your number on MTN is a privacy skill everyone should have in their mobile toolbox. It gives you control over your visibility and allows you to choose who sees your number and when.
In this article, we’re going deep, and I mean deep, into how to hide number on MTN, both temporarily and permanently, across different devices. You’ll also discover insider tricks MTN probably won’t publish anywhere. Whether you’re team Android, iPhone, or a feature phone warrior, by the end of this, you’ll be a master of mobile invisibility.
Ready? Let’s make you disappear (digitally, of course).
How to Hide Number on MTN Instantly Using the USSD Code
Now, this is the easiest and most widely used method when it comes to how to hide number on MTN.
MTN Nigeria provides a universal method that works like magic, it’s called the caller ID blocking code. It’s fast, free, and requires zero technical skills.
The USSD Code You Need: #31#
This is your golden key. To hide your number before making a call, here’s what you do:
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Open your phone’s dialer.
2. Type #31# followed by the recipient’s number.
3. For example: #31#08012345678
4. Hit the call button.
Boom! Your number will be hidden. Instead of your name or number, the person you’re calling will see “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller”.
How to Hide Number on MTN via Phone Settings (Android & iPhone)
If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to type #31# all the time, good news: you can hide your MTN number directly through your phone settings.
Let’s break it down by device type:
1. For Android Users
Almost every Android phone has a built-in feature that lets you hide your caller ID.
Steps:
1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three menu dots at the top right.
3. Go to Settings > Calling Accounts > Select your MTN line.
4. Tap Additional Settings.
5. Tap Caller ID.
6. Select Hide Number.
That’s it. Now every time you make a call, your number will be hidden, no need to dial #31# again.
Phone Brands Tip:
On Samsung, the path is usually Settings > Supplementary Services > Show My Caller ID.
On Tecno, Infinix, and Itel, it’s often under Call Settings > Advanced.
2. For iPhone Users
iPhones make this even easier.
Steps:
1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Tap Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle it off.
Once that’s done, your number will be hidden for all outgoing calls.
Trick:
Try combining both methods: use the phone setting and #31# to double-enforce the privacy, especially for critical calls.
How to Permanently Hide Number on MTN
You’ve mastered temporary methods. Now let’s talk about going full ninja, permanently hiding your number on MTN.
If you’re someone who makes sensitive calls often, maybe a lawyer, journalist, or you just value ultra-privacy, this section is for you.
Method 1
You can tweak your MTN SIM’s default behavior so it always hides your caller ID.
For Android:
1. Go to SIM Card Settings.
2. Choose your MTN SIM.
3. Tap Caller ID behavior and select Hide Number.
This will stay active until you change it. It works even after restarting your phone or switching locations.
Method 2: MTN Customer Care
MTN doesn’t publicize this often, but you can request caller ID masking at the network level.
Here’s how:
1. Dial 180 or use the MTN Chatbot on WhatsApp.
2. Ask to speak with a representative.
3. Request “caller ID suppression” or “number masking” to be enabled permanently on your line.
4. You may be asked to verify your ID or reason (especially if it’s for business).
Note: This service might only be available to business or enterprise users, but there’s no harm in trying, especially if you can explain your reason clearly.
Method 3: Use a Second SIM Card
This may sound old-school, but some pros use a second MTN line that’s permanently set to hide their number. They only insert it when they need to make discreet calls. It’s a clever, low-tech trick that still works in 2025.
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How to Hide Number on MTN When Sending SMS
Alright, now here’s the big question: Can you hide your number when sending a text message on MTN?
The short answer is: technically, no, not directly through your phone’s native messaging app. Unlike voice calls, SMS protocols don’t support number masking through USSD codes or settings. The moment you hit “Send,” your number is attached to that message like a name tag at a conference.
But that doesn’t mean you’re totally out of luck. You’ve got some sneaky options:
Option 1: Use Anonymous SMS Services
There are third-party websites and apps that allow you to send texts without showing your real number. These include:
TextNow
TextPlus
TigoSMS
Anonytext
SendAnonymousSMS.com
These platforms let you type in the number you want to message, compose your SMS, and send, all while masking your identity.
But heads up: these services don’t always guarantee delivery, especially for Nigerian numbers, and some are blocked by network providers.
Option 2: Use Burner Apps
Apps like:
Hushed
Burner
2ndLine
…let you create virtual numbers. You can send SMS from these numbers without exposing your main MTN line. It’s not “hiding” your number per se, it’s just using a different one altogether.
How to Unhide Your Number on MTN (Restore Caller ID)
Maybe you’ve been flying under the radar for too long. People aren’t picking up. Or maybe bae thinks you’re dodging them.
If you’re now wondering how to unhide your number on MTN, here’s exactly what to do:
Method 1: Stop Using the Code
If you’ve been dialing numbers like #31#08012345678, simply stop using that code. Dial the number normally and your caller ID will show again.
Method 2: Reset Caller ID in Your Phone Settings
For Android:
1. Go to Phone Settings > Calling Accounts.
2. Tap Additional Settings.
3. Select Caller ID.
4. Tap Network Default or Show Number.
For iPhone:
1. Open Settings > Phone.
2. Tap Show My Caller ID.
3. Toggle it ON.
Method 3: Call MTN Customer Care
If you had previously requested permanent number hiding via customer service, you’ll need to call MTN again and ask them to restore your default caller ID settings.
Dial 180 from your MTN line.
Request a reversal of the “Caller ID Masking” service.
Conclusion
Privacy is a luxury in today’s digital world, and knowing how to hide number on MTN gives you just the right amount of control. Whether you’re making sensitive calls, trying to avoid being ghosted by a friend, or simply safeguarding your personal space, you now have all the tools to vanish, at least on caller ID.
Now it’s time to take control of your phone privacy like a pro. But hey, don’t keep all this knowledge to yourself. Share this with a friend know who often calls their ex with their number showing.
