If your calls are showing as "Private Number" or "Unknown Caller," you're not alone. Many people struggle with this issue, often wondering: How do I deactivate my private number? Whether you use MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, this guide will show you exactly how to remove the private number setting from your phone and network.
From Android to iPhone, Samsung to Tecno, button phones to Xiaomi, we’ll walk you through how to stop hiding your phone number and make your caller ID visible again.
Why Is My Number Showing as Private?
Your number may be showing as private due to:
- Manual activation of “hide caller ID” in your phone settings
- Your network defaulting to anonymous call mode
- Accidentally dialing codes like *#31# or enabling anonymous call features
- Carrier restrictions or SIM card issues
Let’s go over how to turn off this feature on different devices.
How to Turn Off Private Number on Android
To deactivate private number on Android phones (Samsung, Infinix, Tecno, Xiaomi, etc.):
- Open your Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and go to Settings
- Select Call Settings or Calls
- Tap on Additional Settings
- Tap Caller ID
- Choose Show number or Network default
Still seeing "private number" on Android? Restart your phone after making these changes.
How to Deactivate Private Number on iPhone
If you're using an iPhone, here’s how to show your number:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Phone
- Select Show My Caller ID
- Toggle it ON
If it’s greyed out, it means your carrier has restricted the option. Contact your network provider for help.
How to Remove Private Number on Button Phones (Keypad Phones)
If you’re using a basic phone:
- Dial #31# and press the call button
- You can also dial #31# followed by the number (e.g.,
#31#08012345678) to unhide your number for just that call
How to Deactivate Private Number on MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile
MTN
- Dial #31#
- Or go to phone settings and enable “Show My Caller ID”
- Still not working? Call MTN support
Airtel
- Use the same Android/iPhone settings
- If your caller ID is still hidden, contact Airtel customer care
Glo
- Dial #31# to disable private number
- You can also SMS “SHOW” to 31 to remove the setting
9mobile
- Turn off the private number via your phone’s call settings
- Dial #31# to disable private number
- Still hidden? Call 9mobile support to unblock your caller ID
USSD Codes to Show Caller ID When Calling
- #31# — Universal code to deactivate private number
- #31# followed by number — Show number for that call only
- *#31# — Check your current caller ID status
- Works on most networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile)
Troubleshooting: My Number Is Still Showing as Private
If your number is still hidden after trying the steps above:
- Restart your phone
- Make sure the settings are saved
- Check if your SIM card is working properly
- Contact your carrier to remove any hidden network settings
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to keep asking, “Why is my number showing as private when I call someone on Android?” or “How do I turn off private number on MTN or Infinix?” The solutions above cover nearly every phone and network combination in Nigeria.
To recap:
- Use #31# to turn off private number
- Go to phone settings and enable Show My Caller ID
- Contact your network provider if it still doesn’t work
By following these steps, you’ll be able to make your number visible when calling, disable anonymous call features, and remove private number settings permanently.