How to Remove My Phone from Private Number

Learn how to remove your phone from private number in 2025. Step-by-step guide for Android, iPhone, and all major networks. Show your Caller ID easily.

If your calls always appear as “Private Number” or “Unknown,” and you’re wondering how to remove your phone from private number, you’re not alone. Many smartphone users accidentally enable call masking or Caller ID blocking without realizing it. The good news? Fixing it is simple and can be done in just a few minutes — whether you’re using Android, iPhone, or a specific carrier like MTN, Airtel, or Glo.

Why Your Number Shows as Private or Unknown

When your phone hides your Caller ID, it means your number is intentionally blocked from appearing on other people’s screens. This setting can be turned on manually, through your phone’s call settings, or even via network codes like *#31#.

Here are the most common reasons your phone number appears private:

• You’ve enabled “Hide Caller ID” in settings.
• You’re dialing numbers using *#31# or a similar code.
• Your mobile carrier has network restrictions.
• A recent software update changed your default call settings.

Regardless of the cause, you can easily reverse it.

How to Remove Private Number on Android Phones

If you’re using an Android device, here’s how to make your Caller ID visible again:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings → Calling Accounts (or Call Settings, depending on your phone).
4. Choose your SIM card.
5. Tap Additional Settings → Caller ID.
6. Select Show number.

After this, your calls will display your number instead of “Private” or “Unknown.”

Tip: If you use a dual SIM phone, repeat the same steps for your second SIM.

How to Remove Private Number on iPhone

If you’re on an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Select Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle the switch ON to make your number visible.

Once enabled, anyone you call will now see your number instead of “Private Number.”

Using USSD Codes to Remove Private Number

Another quick method is by using your network’s dialing code. Simply enter this on your phone’s keypad:

• For all carriers (universal method): Dial #31# and press the call button.
• You can also dial *31# to toggle between hiding and showing your Caller ID.

This method works for most Nigerian networks including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

If you’re unsure about your carrier’s settings, check their official help pages like MTN Nigeria Support, Airtel Nigeria, or Glo Nigeria.

How to Remove Private Number for Each Call

You can control your Caller ID for individual calls too. Here’s how:

• To hide your number for a single call, dial #31# before the number (e.g., #31#08012345678).
• To show your number again, simply dial the number without the code.

This flexibility allows you to protect your identity when needed while keeping your Caller ID visible for regular calls.

What to Do If It Still Shows “Private Number”

If your number still appears private even after changing settings:

• Restart your phone to refresh network settings.
• Check for software updates on your device.
• Contact your carrier’s customer service — they can remove network-level Caller ID restrictions.
  You can find helpful guides on YouTube, such as “How to Remove Private Number on Android and iPhone,” or through official carrier tutorials.

Internal Tip: Related Reading

You may also want to check our guide on how to block your number when calling, which explains the opposite process — useful when you need privacy during specific calls.

Now that you know how to remove your phone from private number, take a moment to update your settings today. Ensure your contacts recognize your calls instantly and avoid being mistaken for spam or unknown numbers.

For more digital tips like this, explore our latest tutorials on mobile settings and network fixes.