How to Hide Number on MTN in Nigeria

Learn how to hide your number on MTN Nigeria easily. Discover simple methods using USSD, phone settings, or customer service support.

In today’s digital world, protecting your privacy is more important than ever. Whether you’re making a sensitive call, avoiding unwanted callbacks, or simply preferring anonymity, hiding your phone number is a practical solution.

For MTN subscribers in Nigeria, there are several easy ways to keep your number private. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps to hide your number on MTN, covering methods for single calls, permanent settings, and advanced options, ensuring you can maintain your privacy with confidence.

Why Hide Your Number?

Hiding your phone number can serve various purposes, including:

• Privacy Protection: Keep your personal information safe from unknown or third-party contacts.
• Security: Reduce the risk of spam, telemarketing, or unwanted calls.
• Anonymity: Maintain confidentiality during business or personal communications.
• Safety: Safeguard against potential harassment or misuse of your contact information.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) permits hiding your caller ID, provided you comply with local telecommunications regulations (VTUKing Blog).

Method 1: How to Hide Number on MTN for a Single Call

What is the code to hide a number? For situations where you only need to hide your number for a specific call, MTN offers a simple USSD code that works instantly and is free of charge.

Steps:

1. Open your phone’s dialer.
2. Dial #31# followed by the recipient’s phone number. For example, to call 08012345678, enter #31#08012345678.
3. Press the call button.

Your number will appear as “private” or “unknown” to the recipient for this call only. This method is compatible with MTN and other Nigerian networks like Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile (SubBase).

Method 2: How do I completely hide my phone number? via Phone Settings

How do I make my mobile number private? If you want your number hidden for all outgoing calls, you can adjust your phone’s settings. This method is free, easy to implement, and reversible, making it ideal for long-term privacy needs.

For Android Users:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (typically in the top right corner) and select “Settings.”
3. Navigate to “Call settings” or “More settings” (the exact name may vary by device).
4. Select “Caller ID” or “Additional settings.”
5. Choose “Hide number” or toggle off “Show my caller ID.”

For iPhone Users:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Tap “Phone.”
3. Select “Show My Caller ID.”
4. Turn off the switch to hide your caller ID.

For Nokia Torch or Similar Devices:

1. Go to “Settings” on your device.
2. Select “Call settings” or “Phone settings.”
3. Find “Caller ID” or “Show my number.”
4. Choose “Hide number” or “Private number.”
5. Save the changes.

Once activated, your number will remain hidden for all outgoing calls until you change the setting back. Note that the exact menu names may vary slightly depending on your phone’s brand, model, or operating system version (VTUKing Blog).

Method 3: Contact MTN Customer Care for a Permanent Solution

For a network-level solution that hides your number across all devices, you can contact MTN customer care. This method may involve validation and possibly a small service fee, but it ensures consistent privacy without relying on device settings.

Steps:

1. Dial 180 from your MTN line to reach customer care.
2. Inform the representative that you want to hide your number permanently.
3. Follow any instructions provided, which may include identity verification or payment for the service.

You can also reach MTN via their social media channels, such as X or Facebook, for additional support (SubBase).

Method 4: Use Third-Party Apps

For advanced privacy features, third-party apps offer virtual or temporary numbers, allowing you to make calls without revealing your MTN number. These apps are particularly useful for business purposes or when you need a disposable number.

Popular Apps:

• Hushed: Provides a second phone number for private calls and texts.
• Burner: Offers temporary numbers for anonymous communication.
• Google Voice: Allows you to make calls and send texts with a different number.

How to Use:

1. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Follow the app’s setup instructions to create a virtual number.
3. Use the app to make calls or send texts, keeping your MTN number hidden.

Be sure to review the app’s terms of service and data privacy policies, as some apps may charge subscription or usage fees (VTU.ng).

How to Unhide Number on MTN in Nigeria

If you’ve hidden your number and want to make it visible again, you can reverse the process:

• For USSD Code: The #31# code only hides your number for a single call, so no action is needed to unhide for future calls.
• For Phone Settings: Return to the same settings menu and select “Show number” or toggle “Show my caller ID” back on.
• For Network-Level Hiding: Contact MTN customer care by dialing 180 and request to unhide your number.

To confirm your number is visible, you can dial *31# to check the status or test by calling a trusted contact (SubBase).

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Important Considerations

When hiding your number, keep the following in mind:

• Cost: Using the USSD code or phone settings is free. Third-party apps may involve subscription or usage fees, while network-level hiding through customer care may incur a small service charge.
• International Calls: All methods work for both local and international calls.
• SMS Limitations: You cannot hide your number when sending SMS through your mobile network. However, messaging apps like WhatsApp allow you to communicate without revealing your number.
• Blocked Calls: Some recipients may configure their phones to block calls from private or unknown numbers, which could prevent your call from connecting.
• Emergency Services: When calling emergency numbers like 911 or 112, your number will always be visible for safety and regulatory reasons.
• Legal Compliance: Hiding your number is permitted in Nigeria, but you must comply with NCC regulations and avoid using this feature for malicious purposes (VTUKing Blog).

Summary of Methods

Method	Description	Cost	Best For
USSD Code (#31#)	Dial #31# before the recipient’s number for a single call.	Free	One-time private calls
Phone Settings (Android/iOS)	Adjust settings to hide number for all calls.	Free	Long-term privacy on a single device
MTN Customer Care	Contact MTN for network-level hiding across devices.	May have a fee	Permanent, device-independent privacy
Third-Party Apps	Use apps like Hushed or Burner for virtual numbers.	May have costs	Advanced privacy, temporary numbers

Hiding your number on MTN in Nigeria is a straightforward process with multiple options to suit your needs. Whether you choose the quick USSD code for a single call, adjust your phone settings for ongoing privacy, contact MTN customer care for a network-level solution, or use third-party apps for advanced features, you can maintain your privacy with ease. Always use these methods responsibly and in compliance with local regulations to ensure a secure and respectful communication experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is hiding my number on MTN free? Yes, using the USSD code or phone settings is free. Network-level hiding may involve a fee, and third-party apps may have subscription costs.
• Can I hide my number for SMS? No, you cannot hide your number for SMS sent through your mobile network. Use messaging apps like WhatsApp for privacy.
• Will my number be hidden for international calls? Yes, all methods work for both local and international calls.
• What if my call doesn’t go through? Some recipients may block private numbers. Try contacting them another way or unhide your number temporarily.
• Can I hide my number for emergency calls? No, your number will always be visible when calling emergency services like 911 or 112.