Whenever you need to hide your phone number, it can be a problem for every smartphone owner. Whether it’s a business conversation with a competitor, clarifying details from a stranger, or simply wanting to keep your personal space, anonymity is becoming an increasingly valuable resource. Xiaomi’s smartphones, powered by the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, provide users with a wide range of tools to manage privacy, but not all features lie on the interface surface.
Device owners often find that standard settings may differ depending on the region of the firmware or the version of the operating system. You can hide the subscriber's ID using software methods through the phone menu, or using special methods. USSD-It is important to understand the difference between temporarily locking a number for a single call and constantly setting up a setup that will hide your phone. ID with each outgoing call by default.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to make your number invisible to the interlocutor. We will touch on the nuances of working with different operators, explain why settings may not be saved, and consider alternative communication options if standard methods do not work. Permanent locking of a number through a carrier is often the only way to guarantee 100% anonymity, since the settings in the phone itself can be reset by a network update.
Use of the USSD-codes
The fastest way to hide your number on a Xiaomi smartphone is to use a special prefix in front of the dialed number. This method does not require logging into deep system settings and works on almost all models, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi. To activate the function, you need to enter a certain combination of characters in the dialing field, which instructs the network not to transfer your subscriber ID at the time of a particular call.
In Russia and most CIS countries, the standard is code #31#. To make an anonymous call, you need to dial #31#, then the addressee's phone number and press the call button. For example, if you call 89001234567, the full sequence will look like #31#89001234567. After connecting, the interlocutor's screen will display the words "Hidden Number", "Unknown" or "Anonymous Call", depending on the device model and the operator.
It's worth noting that this method only works for the current call, and if you hang up and decide to call back in a minute, you'll have to re-enter the prefix, because the system doesn't remember this by default, which is convenient when you only have to make one or two confidential calls, but becomes uncomfortable with lengthy negotiations.
⚠️ Note: Some virtual operators and corporate SIM-The cards can block the use of code #31# at the network level, in which case, even if you correctly type in the command, your number will be displayed to the interlocutor.
There are other codes that may be relevant depending on your region or operator, such as 31# on some networks performs the opposite function (opens a number), and *31# can be used to check the status of the service. Always check the relevance of commands on your provider's official website, as telecommunication standards may vary.
Constantly adjusting the number hiding in the smartphone menu
If you want your number to be hidden automatically whenever you call, you might want to change the settings in the Android interface itself. In the MIUI shell, the path to these settings may vary slightly depending on the version, but the overall algorithm remains the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices.
To start, open the standard Phone app, which is the primary tool for calling. In the upper right corner of the screen, you'll see a three-dot icon or a gear that represents the menu. When you click on it, select Settings or Advanced Settings, and that's where the key call management options are hidden.
In the list that opens, you need to find a section that can be called Accounts, Additional Settings, or Call Settings. Inside this menu, look for the option “Display Number” or “Calling Subscriber Identifier.” The system will offer you three options: “Show Number”, “Hide Number” and “Default (Network Settings)”.
☑️ Checking call settings
Once the appropriate item is selected, the phone will send a request to the operator's network. If the service is available and not blocked, you will see an activation notification. From now on, all your outgoing calls will go with a hidden ID. However, remember that the carrier takes priority over the phone settings. If the service is disabled at the SIM card level, the phone may show an error or the settings simply do not apply.
It is also worth considering that on two-symbol devices, the settings are applied separately for each SIM-If you're using two active lines, you'll need to repeat the procedure for the second SIM by switching to the corresponding menu or selecting the desired card in the call settings, which allows you to flexibly manage privacy: from one card to call anonymously, from the other to make an open call.
Management through operator service codes
The settings in the smartphone itself are just a “control panel”, but the real job of hiding the number is done by the network of the operator. Every major provider (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) has its own service codes and commands that allow you to manage this service directly, bypassing the phone menu, this is especially true if the settings in Xiaomi are not saved or reset.
To activate the Anti-Definition or Hidden Number service, you often need to connect a paid or free option. For example, some operators may have a *119# or *30# command that activates a permanent incognito mode. SMS-Notification of successful activation of the service. From now on, the network will forcibly hide your number, regardless of which phone you are calling from.
Below is a table with popular codes for major operators that can help with the setup. Please note that codes can change, so always check with the current information in your personal account.
| Operator. | Service | Activation command | Cancel team |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Anti-Aon | *119*1# | *119*0# |
| Beeline | Antideterminator | *119# | *119*0# |
| MegaFon | Anti-Aon | *105# (menu) | Personal office |
| Tele2 | Anti-Aon | *155*22# | *155*23# |
Using operator service codes is the most reliable method, because it works at the network level. SIM-card to a button phone or another brand’s smartphone, the number will remain hidden.This ensures that an accidental reset of settings in the Xiaomi phone will not lead to a leak of your data.
However, there are limitations to this method: the service can be paid and will be charged a subscription fee or a fee for each call, and some operators do not allow the number to be completely hidden from emergency services or special security services, which is a requirement of the law.
Problems with displaying numbers and their solution
Despite its apparent simplicity, Xiaomi users often face situations where the number is not hidden despite the correct settings. One common reason is the conflict between the phone's settings and the tariff plan. If your tariff does not imply the ability to hide the number, the network will ignore the smartphone's requests and force your ID to be transferred.
Another problem may be the phone app's malfunction.Newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS use Google Phone, which can sometimes have bugs in the settings menu display. If you can't find the "Display Number" item, try clearing the app's cache or updating it through the Google Play store. Switching between SIM cards in call settings also helps, which sometimes "wakes up" hidden menus.
It is important to consider the human factor. The interviewer can use special number-defining applications, such as GetContact or NumBuster, these applications are based on user databases and can show your number, even if it is hidden by network technical means, provided that your number was previously saved in contacts with someone from the users of this application.
⚠️ Note: Definition applications can bypass standard number locks using databases stored in the cloud. It is technically impossible to hide the number from such services if your number has ever been in their databases.
If nothing helps and you are sure that the service is connected to the operator, try resetting the network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory values, which often solves problems with network registration and additional services.
Alternative methods of anonymous communication
In the digital age, voice calls over the cellular network are not the only way to communicate, and if your goal is to maximize anonymity, consider using instant messengers and VoIP (Voice over IP) services, apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber or Signal that allow you to hide your phone number by replacing it with a unique username.
In Telegram, for example, you can set your phone number to be invisible to anyone but your contacts, or anyone else, and when you call over the Internet, you'll only see your nickname and avatar, not your digital ID. SIM-This is ideal for communicating with strangers, as it does not require the connection of paid services of the operator.
There are also specialized services for temporary numbers that allow you to register with various services or make calls without using the main one. SIM-These apps provide a virtual number that can be used once in a while, which is especially useful for registering on sites where you don't want to "shine" your personal number, or for short business negotiations.
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Use the “Username” feature in Telegram: Set up a username in the Settings section to hide your phone number from anyone not recorded in your phone book.
However, it is worth remembering that Internet calls require stable Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection. In areas of poor coverage, the quality of communication can be low, while conventional ones can be used to connect to the Internet. GSM-Hidden number calls are often more secure, so the choice of method depends on the specific situation and priorities: the quality of communication or the level of digital anonymity.
Legal aspects and limitations of anonymity
The use of concealment features has its legal boundaries: in most countries, including Russia, telecom operators are required to provide full information about calls, even if the number has been hidden, at the request of law enforcement agencies.
There are also categories of subscribers who are entitled to see hidden numbers, including emergency personnel (102, 103, 112) and, in some cases, law enforcement officers when conducting operational activities, and some organizations set up their PBX to avoid receiving calls from hidden numbers, which can be an obstacle if you try to contact a bank or government agency.
Abuse of anonymity to commit illegal acts (fraud, threats, hooliganism) does not go unpunished. Modern technology allows you to calculate the source of a call even when the number concealment function is enabled, so these tools should be used exclusively for legitimate purposes - to protect personal information and prevent spam.
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Hiding a number is a tool for protecting privacy, but not a means of total impunity: intelligence agencies and operators always have access to call data.
In conclusion, Xiaomi provides all the tools you need to manage your privacy, and by combining smartphone settings, carrier service codes, and modern instant messengers, you can effectively control who sees your phone number and when, and understand the tools and their limitations.