In an era of digital footprint and total transparency, being able to remain incognito is not just a convenience, it is a necessity. Xiaomi smartphone owners who run on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS often wonder how to temporarily or permanently hide their subscriber ID when making outgoing calls, this may be required when calling support services, when communicating with strangers or in situations where personal contacts need to be kept confidential.
Android provides built-in mechanisms to control the display of the number, but their work depends on the settings of your mobile operator. Hiding the number at the operating system level only sends the corresponding request to the network, but the final decision on whether the subscriber will see the numbers on the screen is made by the provider.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail all available methods: from standard menu settings to the use of special methods. USSD-You will learn how to hide the number in different versions of firmware, what restrictions may arise and how to circumvent the lock if the operator imposes its own display rules. ID.
Principles of Caller ID in mobile networks
Before we get to the bottom of the game, we need to get a technical angle: Caller ID technology, known as Caller ID, is transmitted along with the connection signal. When you hide the number on your device, the smartphone sends a special flag to the network that labels the call as "private" or "anonymous."
However, not all carriers are equally sensitive to requests for anonymity. Some providers ignore requests from subscriber devices unless a paid cover service is connected to the number, in which case even activated settings in the Xiaomi menu will not give the desired result, and your number will still appear in the interlocutor.
It is important to note that emergency services (112, 102, 103) always see your number, regardless of privacy settings, a legal and security requirement that cannot be circumvented by software at the smartphone level.
β οΈ Attention: There's no way to be completely anonymous online, and even if you hide the number, the telco and law enforcement can always trace the source of the call. IMEI billing-data.
There are three basic levels of concealment: one-time (for a specific call), permanent (for all outgoing) and network (operator service), and understanding these levels will help you choose the most appropriate option for your situation.
Configure the number hiding through the system menu MIUI
The easiest and most affordable way to change your ID display settings is to use the built-in operating system settings. MIUI interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware, but the overall algorithm of actions remains the same for most Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models.
To start, you need to open the standard Phone app, which usually has a green phone icon, and that's where the basic voice settings are located. Don't confuse it with messengers or third-party calls if they're installed on your device.
Next, you'll find a menu of additional settings. In the classic MIUI, it's three dots or three bars in the upper right corner of the screen. In the newer versions of HyperOS, the logic of the arrangement of elements may have changed, but the Settings item is usually located there or at the end of the contact list.
βοΈ Checking Caller settings ID
After going to the settings section, you need to find the item associated with the acca accounts or SIM-If you have two SIM cards on your phone, it will tell you to choose which one you want to change the settings for, which is important because the settings are tailored to each slot.
Within the menu of the selected SIM card, look for the "Additional Settings" section or immediately the "Display Number" item. Here you will be offered three options: show the number, hide the number or use the network settings. Selecting the "Hide Number" item activates permanent cloaking for all outgoing calls from this SIM card.
Use of the USSD-codes for one-time and permanent concealment
If the smartphone menu is not available or you prefer faster methods, you can use special commands typed in the number input field. These codes are universal to the GSM standard and work on most devices, including Xiaomi.
To hide the number one-time before dialing the main number of the subscriber, you need to enter a special prefix. In Russia and many CIS countries, the most common code is #31#. For example, if you need to call 89001234567 anonymously, you must dial #31#89001234567 and press the call button.
This method is convenient because it doesn't require changing the phone's global settings, so once the call is over, your number will be displayed again in a standard way for the next call, ideal for situations where anonymity is only needed sporadically.
To permanently hide the number through the operator's codes, other commands are used, which may vary depending on your provider, often these are the activation codes of the service, after which hiding the number becomes the standard for all calls until the cancellation.
- π Megaphone: Use the #31# command before the number for one-time hiding or connect the service through the application.
- π MTS: similarly use the #31# prefix, an activation command is required for a permanent service.
- π Beeline: prefix #31# works for single calls, constant settings through your personal account.
It is worth remembering that some operators may block the ability to hide a number for certain tariff plans or require a paid option to be connected. If the #31# code does not work and the call does not pass or the number is still displayed, then your operator restricts this function at the network level.
Third-party applications for managing Caller ID
In cases where standard Android tools and operator codes do not work, users turn to third-party software. There are many applications on the Google Play store that promise to completely hide the number, but their effectiveness varies.
Most of these applications work on the principle of VoIP (Voice over IP), offering to make calls over the Internet using virtual numbers, which allows you to really hide your real number, since the call is not through the cellular network, but through data channels.
However, be careful with applications that require access to your contacts and call logs, and data security can be compromised in such cases, as many free applications monetize their product by collecting user information, which negates the idea of anonymity.
β οΈ Warning: Avoid installing applications with dubious reputations that promise to βhackβ the number identification, most likely fraud or malware that will steal your personal data.
If you still decide to use third-party software, choose only proven solutions with high ratings and a lot of positive reviews.
Why do number hiding apps often fail?
Comparison of methods of hiding a number on Xiaomi
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table of basic methods, which will help you assess the pros and cons of each option depending on your needs.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Dependence on operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| USSD code #31# | Low. | Tall. | Low. |
| Operator's services | Medium | Maximum | Complete. |
| VoIP applications applications | Tall. | Medium | No. |
As you can see from the table, the phoneβs native settings and USSD-codes are the most effective and effective way for most users, they do not require additional software installation and work stably, if the operator does not impose restrictions.
Operator services are often paid, but they guarantee 100% of the time, as they are set up on the network side, and are the best choice for those who need anonymity on a regular basis.
Problems and their solution: what to do if the number is not hidden
Users often face a situation where, despite all the settings, the interlocutor sees their number, which can be caused by several reasons that require a different approach to the solution.
The first and most common reason is that the carrier ignores the request, and some providers default to blocking the number-hiding feature for their subscribers to increase transparency and reduce phone fraud, in which case no settings at Xiaomi will help.
The second reason may be a technical failure in updating the network profile, sometimes after a change of location. SIM-The phone loses current network settings, in which case it helps to reset the network settings or simply restart the device in flight mode.
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Try rebooting your phone in Safe Mode, and if you're hiding a number in that mode, it's a third-party app that's in conflict with the call module.
It is also worth checking if you have activated the service "Anti-Determinator" on the back - that is, your interlocutor may be blocking anonymous calls, in which case your call may simply fail or reset if you have hidden the number.
- π Check your account balance β with a negative balance, some services may not work.
- π Make sure that the Display Number settings select βHide Numberβ and not βNetwork SettingsΒ».
- π Try to rearrange. SIM-card to another slot if you have a two-sim smartphone.
If none of the tips work, the only sure way is to call your operator's technical support, and only they can tell you exactly if you have a number hiding feature available and how to activate it at their hardware level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I hide the number if it is designated by the operator as a βBusinessβ?
Will the police see my number if I use the cover-up?
Does hiding a number work when sending an SMS?
Is there a paid number hiding service on Xiaomi?
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The main conclusion: The phone settings only send a request for concealment, but the final decision is always up to the operator.