How to hide your number on Xiaomi: all ways to call and SMS

Hiding a number on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) is a challenge that users face for various reasons, from the desire to preserve privacy to the need to bypass spam filters. Unlike the iPhone, where the setting takes 2 clicks, MIUI process depends on the firmware version, the phone model and even the carrier. In this article, we will examine all the current methods, from standard Android features to bypassing restrictions through the engineering menu.

It's important to understand that hiding a number doesn't always work. Some carriers (like Tele2 or Iota) block this feature at the network level, and subscribers with no-limit-to-calling rates may face automatic number disclosure. We tested each method on Xiaomi 13 Pro (MIUI 15), Redmi Note 12 (MIUI 14) and POCO F5 (Android 13) devices, the results are summarized in the comparison table below.

1. Standard way: Xiaomi phone settings

The most obvious method is to use built-in MIUI options. It is suitable for most modern models, but may not be available on devices with custom firmware or older versions of Android (below 10).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the phone application (pipe icon).
• ⚙️ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
• 🔍 Scroll to Additional Settings (or Calls on some models).
• 👤 Select the Caller Identifier → Hide the number.

If the caller ID is not:

• 🔄 Try to update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (instruction in the section "Update" MIUI").
• 📲 Check for an item in the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Additional settings.

⚠️ Attention: At some rates of MTS and Beeline, the concealment of the number is automatically disabled when calling emergency numbers (112, 102, etc.). №248 from 2020).

2. USSD codes for fast concealment of number

If the settings menu does not contain the desired item, try activating the function through USSD-This method works independently of the version of the team. MIUI, It requires support from the operator.

Enter the phone (as if calling) one of the codes:

• 🔢 *31# → Press the call button. After that, all outgoing calls will be numberless until you turn off the function with code #31#.
• 🔢 31[Number # – hides the number for only one specific call (e.g, *31*89123456789#).
• 🔢 #31# – cancels the concealment (the number will be visible again).

If after entering the code, a message appears "Service is not supported":

• 📵 Check if the operator has blocked the function (relevant for corporate tariffs).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📶 Make sure the network signal is stable (in roaming) USSD may not work).

3. Hiding the number through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try activating the feature through Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which requires caution – incorrect settings can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636## (as a number).
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll to the Set CLIR (Call Line Identification Restriction) section.
4. Select Hide Number and press Update.

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the path may be different: instead of ##4636##, use ##36446337### and look for "CLIR Setting".

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu are not saved after the phone is restarted. To keep the function running, repeat the procedure after each device is turned off.

4. Apps to hide numbers: top-3 tested

If the built-in methods didn't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested 10 Google Play programs and selected the three most reliable ones:

How to use:

1. Download the app from Google Play (links above).
2. Register (if required) and select the number hiding option.
3. When you call through the app, your real number will be changed.

Important: Apps like Burner or Hushed don't hide your primary number, but instead replace it with a virtual one, which is useful for registering on sites, but it won't help if you want a subscriber to see an "unknown number" instead of your real one.

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Before installing the app, check the reviews for the last 2-3 months – some programs stop working after MIUI updates.

5. MIUI Update: Why It Can Help

On older versions of MIUI (below 12.5), the number hiding feature is often missing or not working properly. Updating the firmware to the latest version can return this item to the settings.

How to update MIUI:

• 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Click Check Updates and wait for the latest version to download.
• 📥 If the update is not available, download the firmware manually from the official Xiaomi website (section) MIUI Downloads) and install through Settings → The phone. → Three points. → Select a firmware file.

After the update:

• ✅ Check the presence of the item Identifier of the caller in the phone settings.
• ✅ Restart the device – sometimes new features are activated only after a reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) update via OTA (over the air) may cause resets.We recommend you to back up in advance to Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Alternative methods: from SIM-cards before operator services

If the software methods don’t work, consider these options:

• 📱 Second second SIM-Card: Buy an additional one SIM with a tariff that supports hiding the number (for example, Megaphone All Inclusive M or Beeline No Limits to All) Insert it in slot 2 and use it only for anonymous calls.
• 🔄 Operator service: Some operators (e.g. MTS) offer a paid service "AntiAon" (hiding the number for all outbounds). USSD *111*777# or in a private office.
• 🌍 International roaming: When calling from abroad, many operators automatically hide the number. Check this before traveling - some countries (such as Turkey or the UAE) block such calls.

For corporate clients:

• 🏢 Contact your operator’s support team – some business rates allow you to hide the number for all employees of the company.
• 📞 Use it. IP-Telephony (such as Zadarma or Mango Office) – it allows you to call with any number displayed.

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Hiding a number through an operator is the most reliable way, but often it costs a fee, for example, MTS AntiAon costs 3 rubles a day.

Comparative table of methods

The choice of method depends on your Xiaomi model, version MIUI If you need to securely hide the number for important calls, combine the methods. USSD-code# + Hide My Number for backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions