Hiding a phone number on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to preserve privacy to having to bypass service locks. This model, released in 2019 with Android 9 Pie and the MIUI 10 shell (with the ability to upgrade to MIUI 14), supports several ways to mask the caller ID - both at the operator level and through software solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some work only for outgoing calls, others may conflict with security updates.
In this article, weβll break down 5 current ways to hide a Redmi 8 number, including settings. SIM-map, USSD-codes, third-party applications, and even hardware constraints. MIUI β Why the standard Hide Number option may not be on the menu and how to get around it, and you will also learn what methods are blocked by MTS, Beeline, Megaphone and Tele2 operators in 2026 and how to check if the cloaking has worked.
1. Hiding the number through settings SIM-maps (standard method)
The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI feature to hide the caller ID. However, on Redmi 8, this option may be hidden or missing due to operator policy or firmware version.
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Select Calls β Additional (or Additional settings).
- Find the Caller Identifier (or Show my number).
- Choose the option to Hide the number or Never.
If this is not the item, don't panic. MIUI 12+ It's moved to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [Yours. SIM] β Caller ID, operators can also block this feature: for example, Tele2 by default prohibits hiding the number for new tariffs.
β οΈ Attention: Redmi 8s MIUI Global (European version) This option may be called Caller. ID. If the menu is in English, look for the Hide number.
1. Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI
2. Check for a point in the phone settings
3.Make sure that SIM-The card is not blocked by the operator
4. Try restarting the device-->
2. USSD-codes for hiding numbers (not all operators)
If the standard method is not available, you can try to activate the hiding number through the USSD-These codes are sent to the operator and change the caller settings. ID Importantly, by 2026, MTS and MegaFon are blocking most of these teams for individuals, but Beeline and Tele2 can support them.
List of lists USSD-number-code:
- π *31# β Enable the number to be hidden for all outgoing calls (until cancellation).
- π #31# β Cancel concealment (return the number display).
- π± 31[Number # β Hide the number for only one specific call (e.g, *31*89123456789#).
- β *#31# β Check the current status of the number concealment.
How to use:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Keyboard tab.
- Enter one of the codes above and press the call button.
- Wait for SMS or notification from the operator of successful activation.
If you enter *31# and you see a message saying βNo Service is supported,β your operator has blocked this function, in which case only third-party software will help.
MTS|Beeline|MegaFon|Tele2|Other (Yota, Tinkoff, etc.)|I don't know-->
3. Apps to hide numbers: top-3 tested solutions
Whenever you set up MIUI, neither USSD-The codes don't work, third-party apps come to the rescue. ID It's important to choose programs with a good reputation, because many "free" solutions collect user data.
The best apps for Redmi 8:
| Annex | Principle of work | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hide My Number | Redirects calls through virtual numbers | Works with any operators, free fare | Advertising, limit to 5 calls/day |
| Burner | Issues a temporary number for calls | Anonymity 100%, SMS-support | Paid subscription ($4.99/month) |
| Dingtone | VoIP calls over the Internet with a hidden caller ID | No, he doesn't. SIM-Cards, working via Wi-Fi | The quality of communication depends on the Internet |
How to install and configure:
- Download the app from Google Play (like Hide My Number).
- Register (usually an email or phone number is required for verification).
- In the application settings, select Hide Caller ID or Use Virtual Number.
- Make a test call to another phone to check for the cloak.
β οΈ Note: Apps like Burner or Dingtone may conflict with MIUI Because of the limitations on background activity, to keep them stable, add them to Settings. β Battery β Optimizing the battery β All applications and disable optimization.
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Before installing a hidden number app, check reviews from the past 2-3 months. Many services stop working after Android security updates.
4. Manual editing of network settings (for advanced users)
If you are willing to dig into system files, you can manually change the caller ID settings through the engineering menu or build.prop. This method requires root rights and is only suitable for MIUI firmware based on Android 9/10. Without root, only partial settings are available through the engineering menu.
Instructions for the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
- Go to the phone information (or phone information) section.
- Scroll down to the Set CLIR (Caller Line Identification Restriction) block.
- Select Hide number or enter 1 in the appropriate field.
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
To edit build.prop (from root only):
1. Install a file manager with root support (e.g., Root Explorer).
2. Open the file /system/build.prop.
3. Add a line:
ro.telephony.call_clir=1
4. Save the changes and restart the device.These methods can cause network instability or resets after the MIUI update. Use them at your own risk!
What if the mobile Internet disappeared after building.prop editing?
5. Alternative methods: calls through messengers and VoIP
If you hide the number through the operator or the phone settings fail, you can go a workaround - use services that do not initially transmit a caller ID. This method is suitable for those who often call unfamiliar numbers or want to completely eliminate data leakage.
Services for anonymous calls:
- π¬ WhatsApp/Telegram β calls are made over the Internet, the number is displayed only if the subscriber is saved in your contacts.
- π Google Voice β gives a virtual American number (requires) VPN for registration in Russia).
- π Skype β allows you to call ordinary numbers through credit, caller ID Masquerades as Skype UserΒ».
- π Signal - encrypted calls without transferring a number (if the subscriber also uses Signal).
How to call anonymously via Telegram:
- Open the chat with the contact (or find it through a search by number).
- Click on the phone icon in the upper right corner.
- Select a voice call or a video call.
- Your phone number will not be shared with the subscriber (will appear as βUnknownβ or βTelegram Userβ).
The disadvantage of this method is that the subscriber must have an installed messenger and Internet. Skype or Google Voice (with VPN) will suit for calls to landlines or regular mobile numbers.
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Calls through instant messengers not only hide your number, but also save money on long-distance and international conversations, but the quality of communication depends on the speed of the Internet.
6.Verification: How to know if a number is really hidden
After using any of these methods, it is important to make sure that the caller ID is not being transmitted.
Methods of verification:
- π± Call another of your phones (or ask a friend) and check what appears as βUnknown,β βHidden,β or βPrivate NumberΒ».
- π Use numbering services, such as: NumLooker (shows caller) ID for the United States/Europe). 2ip.ru/callerid (It works for Russian rooms).
- π Dial it. USSD-*#31# - If a message is sent back Β«CLIR: Actively enabled, which means that concealment is actively.
If the number is still displayed:
- Check if the settings have reset after the phone has restarted.
- Make sure that SIM-The card is not tied to the corporate rate (they often block the hiding of the caller). ID).
- Try another method in this article (for example, if it didnβt work). USSD-code, install the application).
On Redmi 8s MIUI 14 Sometimes helps reset network settings: Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Reset mobile network settings. Then re-activate the number hiding.