How to Remove Private Number: Complete Guide for All Devices
Have you ever received a call from a “Private Number” and wondered who it was? Or maybe you accidentally enabled private number settings on your own phone and now your contacts can’t recognize your calls. Whether you want to reveal who’s calling or want to stop hiding your own number, this guide is for you.
In this detailed article, you’ll learn how to remove private number across different devices including Android, iPhone, and landline. We’ll also show you some smart ways to reveal hidden numbers, stop spam calls, and regain control over your phone.
Let’s make everything easy to understand — because dealing with unknown calls shouldn’t be hard!
1. What Does “Private Number” Mean?
A Private Number means the caller has intentionally hidden their caller ID. Instead of displaying their number, your phone shows “Private Number” or “Unknown Caller.” This is often used for privacy reasons, but it can also be annoying or suspicious.
There are two sides to the private number situation:
-
You’re receiving private number calls.
-
You’re making calls that show up as a private number to others.
Let’s explore both and find out how to remove private number.
2. Why Are Calls Showing as Private Number?
Here are the common reasons:
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Caller ID is hidden using a phone setting or prefix code like
#31# -
Network provider has blocked outgoing ID
-
The caller is using a burner app or temporary number
-
You’ve accidentally enabled number hiding on your phone
Let’s first fix it if you’re the one making calls as a private number.
3. How to Remove Private Number on Android
To stop hiding your number when calling from Android:
Steps:
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Open the Phone app
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Tap the three-dot menu or Settings
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Go to Call Settings or Calls
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Tap Additional Settings or More Settings
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Tap Caller ID
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Choose “Show number” or “Network default”
This will ensure your number is visible to people you call.
This works on most Android phones including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Infinix, and more.
4. How to Remove Private Number on iPhone
iPhones can also hide your number, but it’s easy to undo.
Steps to show your number on iPhone:
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Go to Settings
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Scroll down and tap Phone
-
Tap Show My Caller ID
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Toggle the switch ON to allow your number to be seen
Once this is turned on, your calls will no longer appear as “Private Number.”
5. How to Disable Private Number for One Call
Sometimes, you might want to hide your number temporarily. But if your number is stuck in hidden mode and you want to reverse it for just one call, use this trick.
To Remove Private Number for One Call:
If your number is hidden by default, dial:
Replace 1234567890 with the number you’re calling. This code tells your network to unhide your number for that call only.
Pro Tip: Dialing #31# before a number hides your caller ID. Dialing *31# shows it.
6. How to Remove Private Number from Incoming Calls
Now let’s talk about the opposite problem—when you’re receiving calls from private numbers and want to reveal them.
Unfortunately, mobile phones cannot directly unmask private numbers due to privacy regulations. But you can:
a. Use Third-Party Apps (like TrapCall)
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Install TrapCall (US only)
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Decline the call and it will ring back with the caller ID revealed
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Works on spam, robocalls, and hidden calls
b. Use Network Services
Some carriers offer Call Reveal or Anonymous Caller ID services. These can:
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Block private numbers
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Unmask calls in real-time
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Send unknown calls to voicemail
Contact your provider (e.g., MTN, Airtel, AT&T, Verizon) and ask about their anonymous call handling services.
7. How to Identify a Private Number Caller
Here’s how you can try to identify hidden callers:
a. Check Call Logs
-
Some phones save partial info even for private calls
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Use apps like Truecaller to cross-reference
b. Use Call Trace Code (Works in Some Countries)
Dial:
Right after receiving a private number call. Your network may log the call and assist in identifying it (for serious harassment or legal cases).
Note: Charges may apply and it’s only available on certain networks.
8. How to Remove Private Number Using Network Codes
Each mobile network has its own shortcode to enable or disable caller ID. These codes can help if your phone settings don’t work.
Common Shortcodes:
| Action | Code |
|---|---|
| Show caller ID (remove private number) | *31# |
| Hide caller ID | #31# before number |
| Check status | *#31# |
You can dial *31# to remove private number settings entirely.
This works globally across many networks including MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile, Vodafone, etc.
9. Apps to Reveal or Block Private Numbers
Here are some apps that help you manage hidden or private numbers:
| App | Platform | Features |
|---|---|---|
| TrapCall | iOS, Android | Unmask private numbers |
| Truecaller | iOS, Android | Detect spam & unknown callers |
| Hiya | iOS, Android | Caller ID and block features |
| Mr. Number | Android | Block spam, private, or unknown |
| CallApp | Android | Block hidden callers and record calls |
These apps offer real-time solutions if you’re tired of mystery calls.
10. Final Tips and Best Practices
If you’re still asking how to remove private number, here are some quick takeaways:
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To stop your number from appearing as private: turn on caller ID from your phone settings or dial
*31# -
To reveal who’s calling you: use apps like TrapCall or contact your network provider
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If you get harassing private calls, report to your network or local authorities
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Teach your contacts how to disable private number so their calls are not ignored
FAQs: Quick Answers
Q: How do I know if my number is hidden?
A: Dial *#31# to check your current caller ID status.
Q: Why does my phone keep showing private number when I call?
A: You’ve likely hidden your caller ID in your phone settings or via #31#.
Q: Can I unmask a private number?
A: Yes, using apps like TrapCall or through carrier features if available.
Q: How to stop getting private number calls?
A: Use Truecaller or enable call blocking for anonymous numbers in your phone settings.
Final Thoughts
Getting or making calls from a private number can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Whether you’re trying to unhide your own number or find out who’s calling you, there’s always a solution that works.
From changing simple phone settings to using advanced apps like TrapCall or network dial codes, removing the private number feature is easy and quick.
No more guessing who’s calling—now you know exactly how to remove private number from your calls and regain control over your phone experience. Feel free to ask any question via comment section.
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