Hiding your phone number when making calls can be a handy feature when you wish to maintain your privacy. MTN, one of the largest telecom providers in Nigeria and several other countries, allows users to hide their numbers when making calls. Whether for personal security reasons, privacy concerns, or business dealings, you can easily hide your MTN number from the recipient using a few simple methods.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of hiding your number on MTN, highlighting the different methods and answering some frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Why Would You Want to Hide Your Number?
There are various reasons why you might want to hide your MTN number when making a call:
- Privacy Concerns: You may want to keep your number private, especially when contacting unknown or third-party businesses.
- Security Reasons: If you feel that your safety could be compromised by revealing your number, keeping it hidden can give you peace of mind.
- Business Communications: Some people in professional settings prefer not to reveal their personal number to clients or customers.
- Fun and Pranks: Sometimes, you might just want to make anonymous calls for fun without disclosing your identity.
Method 1: Use the MTN USSD Code to Hide Your Number
One of the easiest ways to hide your MTN number is by using a special USSD code. Here’s how to do it:
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Before dialing the number you want to call, dial
#31#followed by the recipient’s number. For example, if the number you want to call is 08012345678, dial#31#08012045678. - Press the call button.
Your number will now be hidden, and the recipient will see “Unknown Number” or “Private Number” on their screen instead of your actual number.
Note: This method works for any Nigerian network such as MTN, GLO, AIRTEL and 9MOBILE
Important Notes:
- This method works for one call only. Once you hang up, your number will revert to being visible.
- If you want to hide your number for every call, there are other methods you can use, which we will explain below.
Method 2: Use Phone Settings to Hide Your Number Permanently
You can configure your phone to always hide your number when making calls. Here’s how to do this on most Android and iOS devices.
For Android Devices:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the three dots (menu) at the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Look for the option Call Settings or More Settings depending on your phone model.
- Select Caller ID.
- Choose Hide Number from the options.
Once enabled, this setting will hide your number for all outgoing calls until you change it back.
For iOS Devices (iPhone):
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Phone.
- Tap on Show My Caller ID.
- Toggle off the Show My Caller ID option.
With this setting, your number will always be hidden when making calls.
Method 3: Contact MTN Customer Service
If you’re facing difficulties with the USSD code or phone settings, you can contact MTN’s customer service for assistance. Here’s how to reach MTN support:
- MTN Customer Care Number: Dial 180 from your MTN line.
- Social Media: MTN is active on Twitter and Facebook, where you can send them a direct message for support.
MTN customer service representatives can guide you on how to activate the “hide number” feature on your line or help with any issues you encounter.
Alternative Method: Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available on Android and iOS that can help you hide your number when making calls. These apps often come with additional privacy features, such as blocking calls or messages from unknown numbers. Some popular apps include:
- Hushed: This app lets you create a temporary number that you can use for calls and messages without revealing your primary number.
- Burner: Burner gives you disposable phone numbers that hide your identity when making calls.
- Google Voice: Google Voice allows you to hide your personal number by using a Google-assigned number for outgoing calls.
Limitations and Considerations
While hiding your number can be beneficial, there are a few things you should consider:
- Some Recipients May Block Private Numbers: Some individuals or organizations block calls from unknown or private numbers, which may prevent your call from going through.
- Legal Considerations: In some regions, there may be legal restrictions on hiding your number, especially if it’s being used for malicious purposes.
- Emergency Numbers: Hiding your number won’t work when calling emergency services such as 911 or 112. Your number will always be visible to authorities.
FAQs on Hiding Your MTN Number
1. Does hiding my number cost extra on MTN?
No, hiding your number on MTN is a free service. You won’t be charged extra for using the USSD code or configuring your phone settings to hide your caller ID.
2. Will my number be hidden for international calls?
Yes, the methods described above will hide your number when making international calls, provided the recipient’s phone or service provider doesn’t override the setting.
3. Can I hide my number when sending text messages?
Unfortunately, there’s no method to hide your number when sending regular SMS messages. However, some messaging apps like WhatsApp allow you to use internet-based calling or texting services where your phone number isn’t displayed.
4. How can I stop hiding my number on MTN?
If you want to unhide your number after using any of the methods above, you can follow these steps:
- For the USSD method: Dial
*31#before the recipient’s number. - For Android and iPhone users: Go back to your Caller ID settings and select Show Number or toggle on Show My Caller ID.
Finally, hiding your number on MTN is a simple and effective way to protect your privacy when making calls. Whether you use the USSD code for one-time anonymity or configure your phone to hide your caller ID permanently, you can manage your privacy with ease. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can control when and to whom you reveal your phone number.
If you need any further assistance, feel free to contact MTN customer service or visit your nearest MTN office for help.
Also Read:
- How to Get MTN 1GB for N10 from Palmpay
- MTN MPulse Tariff Plan: Benefits and How to Subscribe
- MTN Tariff Plans: Codes, Benefits, and How to Migrate
- How to Check Your Phone Number on MTN South Africa
