How to Remove (or Hide) Your Phone Number from Caller ID — The Complete Guide (2025)
Quick summary: You can hide your number temporarily (per call) or permanently (all outgoing calls) using a prefix code, phone settings, or your carrier. To remove private/hidden caller ID (i.e., make your number show again), you can reverse those settings or dial the carrier code to show your caller ID. Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions for Android, iPhone, major carrier codes (including Nigeria), VoIP options, and pro tips.
Why you’d want to hide your number — and why you might want it back
Hiding your number is useful for privacy when calling businesses, clients, or people who don’t need your number. But many recipients and businesses automatically block “Private” numbers, so you may need to remove private number (show your caller ID) for important calls. Also, emergency services and toll-free numbers usually ignore caller-ID blocking.
Two main ways to hide your number
1. Per-call prefix code — add a short code before the phone number (temporary; hides just that call). Examples: *67 (North America), #31# or *31# (many countries).
2. Phone settings / Carrier setting — set Caller ID to Hidden for all outgoing calls in your phone’s call settings or ask your carrier to enable “Hide Caller ID” for your line. This is permanent until you change it.
How to hide your number — step-by-step (Android)
Temporary (per call):
1. Open the Phone/Dialer app.
2. Dial the prefix then the number (example: #31#080XXXXXXXX for many countries) and press Call. This masks caller ID for that single call.
Permanent (all outgoing calls):
1. Open Phone app → Settings → Calls → Additional settings / Supplementary services.
2. Tap Caller ID and choose Hide number (or Never). If you don’t see it, your carrier may block this option — use the carrier code or contact support.
How to hide your number — step-by-step (iPhone)
Permanent (all outgoing calls):
1. Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → toggle Off.
2. If you don’t see the option, your carrier may not allow changing it from the phone — contact your carrier.
Temporary: Use the prefix code supported in your country (see list below). Example for US: *67
+ number.
How to remove private number (show your phone number again)
If your calls show as Private, Unknown, or Blocked and you want your number to appear:
Quick fixes
Dial the carrier code to unhide: In many networks you can disable caller ID blocking with #31# (or *31# depending on operator) — e.g., dial #31# and press call to turn caller ID back on for all calls. In Nigeria carriers commonly use #31# to unhide.
Turn Caller ID back on in phone settings: (Android) Phone app → Settings → Caller ID → Show number. (iPhone) Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID → toggle On.
If you used a per-call code (like *67), simply stop using the code; future calls will display normally.
If it’s still private after toggling
Contact your carrier — they can check network-level blocking (sometimes carriers block ID due to account settings or network features). In Nigeria, MTN and other networks support *31# / #31# control and can advise.
Common caller-ID codes (use per-call or to toggle settings)
> Codes vary by country and carrier. Try the code for your country first; if it fails, contact your carrier.
North America (US/Canada): *67 to hide for one call. Dial without prefix to show.
Many European countries / Nigeria / Global: #31# or *31# before the number hides/unhides depending on operator (Nigeria commonly uses #31# to cancel hiding).
UK & Ireland: 141 before the number hides caller ID.
Japan: 184.
> If you’re in Nigeria specifically: dialing #31# is commonly reported to cancel private/hidden caller ID and to enable showing your number; to hide per-call some users also use #31# + number depending on operator. When in doubt contact your operator support (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile).
Advanced options & alternatives
Use Google Voice or other VoIP services to control outbound caller ID (you can choose which number displays or block caller ID entirely). Google Voice allows anonymous outbound caller ID toggles in its settings.
Burner numbers / temporary SIMs are useful when you don’t want personal number exposed but still want to be reachable later.
SIP or business phone systems let you set outbound caller ID per extension (good for companies).
Pro tips (so you don’t get blocked or flagged)
Many people automatically reject calls from private/blocked numbers — consider showing your number for first outreach and explain privacy reasons if needed.
Emergency and toll-free numbers typically ignore caller-ID hiding. Don’t expect blocking to work for these.
If you frequently need anonymity, use a VoIP number rather than continuously hiding your primary cellphone number.
Legal & ethical note
Calling anonymously has legitimate uses (privacy, safety), but it can also be abused (harassment, scams). Always follow local laws and respect recipient preferences and consent. If you’re making business outreach, disclose your identity when required.
Quick troubleshooting checklist (if your number still shows as Private)
1. Disable any “Hide Caller ID” toggle in phone settings.
2. Remove any per-call code from contacts (*67, #31#, etc.).
3. Dial your carrier’s unhide code (e.g., #31# on many networks) and test.
4. Reboot phone & re-test.
5. Contact carrier support — they can inspect network-level caller
ID settings.
Sources & further reading
Apple Support — Hide your Caller ID on iPhone.
Lifewire — How to hide your number with *67 and similar codes.
CallHippo / ConnectSIP — How to hide your number in Nigeria (codes & tips).
Asurion / device help — Hide number on Android via Phone settings.
Google Voice support — manage caller ID for outbound calls.
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