Clear and Helpful Guide to Hiding your Number on MTN Nigeria

Here’s a complete, clear and helpful guide to hiding your number on MTN Nigeria — also called “Caller ID blocking” or making calls show as Private/Unknown Number — explained in step-by-step detail so you know why, how, and when each method works. This is useful for privacy, business, or one-off anonymous calls.

What It Means to Hide Your Number

When you hide your number, the person you’re calling won’t see your MTN phone number or name. Instead of your digits appearing on their screen, they’ll see something like:

• “Private Number”
• “No Caller ID”
• “Unknown Caller”

This is a standard caller ID privacy feature offered by MTN and most telecom networks.

Why You Might Want to Hide Your Number

Here are some common reasons people hide their caller ID:

• Protect your privacy — like when calling someone you don’t know well
• Professional calls — use when you prefer not to reveal your personal number
• One-time anonymous calls — for situations like surveys or short engagements
• Avoid caller ID tracking — in rare cases where you want temporary anonymity

Always use this feature responsibly and lawfully — hiding your caller ID to harass others or for illegal purposes is not appropriate.

Method #1 — Hide Your Number for a Single Call (Quick & Easy)

This is the fastest way to hide your MTN number just once — perfect if you don’t want to change your phone settings.

Steps

1. Open your phone’s dialer app.
2. Before the number you want to call, type this code:

#31#<recipient’s phone number>

3. Press Call.

Example: To call 08012345678 privately, you’d dial:

#31#08012345678

The recipient will see Private Number instead of your MTN number.

Important: This works only for that specific call. If you want to hide your number again, you’ll need to repeat the same code.

Method #2 — Hide Your Number Permanently from Your Phone

If you want your MTN number to be hidden all the time (for every call), you can usually set this through your phone’s settings. Note: Some phones might label this differently depending on make and model.

On Android Phones

1. Open the Phone/Dialer app.
2. Tap the three dots (menu) or Settings.
3. Go to Call Settings or Calls.
4. Tap Additional settings (or More settings).
5. Tap Caller ID.
6. Select Hide number.

This will make your number private for every outgoing call until you change it back.

On iPhone (iOS)

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll to Phone.
3. Tap Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle it OFF.

Now your number won’t show when you call others.

Tip: Sometimes the exact wording may vary depending on your phone brand or Android version (e.g., Samsung, Tecno, Infinix). But the caller ID option is generally under Call or SIM card settings.

Method #3 — Contact MTN Customer Care

If you’re having trouble hiding your number using USSD or phone settings (especially on older phones or special business lines), you can ask MTN for help.

How to Reach MTN Support in Nigeria

• Dial 180 from your MTN line to speak with an agent.
• Use the MyMTN app or visit www.mtn.ng for live chat support.

Ask them to activate caller ID blocking or hide your number at the network level. In some cases, this may take a short setup or verification.

Things to Know Before You Hide Your Number

✔ Works on Both Local & International Calls

Whether you’re calling inside Nigeria or abroad, hiding your caller ID works the same way, as long as the person you’re calling doesn’t have a system that automatically blocks unknown callers.

✔ It’s Generally Free

Using the #31# code or phone settings to hide your number does not cost extra — you won’t be charged extra airtime just for hiding your number.

✔ Hidden Number Calls Can Be Blocked by Some People

Some people or businesses don’t pick up calls that show as private/unknown. So keep that in mind if you’re trying to reach someone important.

✔ It *Does Not Work for SMS

You can’t hide your number with regular SMS — text messages will always show your number on the recipient’s phone. Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram can hide the number indirectly because they show your username instead of the number.

✔ Emergency Calls Always Show Your Number

Calls to emergency services or toll-free support numbers will usually show your real number — so hiding your caller ID may not work for those.

When Hiding Your Number Won’t Work

There are times when hidden caller ID won’t take effect:

• If the other person’s phone or network blocks private numbers.
• If your phone or SIM doesn’t support caller ID blocking.
• If your phone settings override network features (for instance, a business mode).

Quick Summary

Here’s how to hide your MTN number:

✔ For one call:
→ Dial #31#<number> before the person’s phone number.

✔ For every call on your phone:
→ Turn off caller ID in your phone settings (Android or iPhone).

✔ Need help?
→ Contact MTN customer care (180 or MyMTN app).