How to Remove Private Number: The Ultimate Guide for Android, iPhone, MTN & More (2025)

In this guide, we’ll explore how to remove private number on different phones, networks, and scenarios. We’ll also answer the many ways people search

How To Remove Private Numbers

If you've ever called someone and heard them say, "Your number didn't show," or worse, they didn’t answer because it displayed as “Private Number,” then you’re in the right place. It's one of those sneaky little problems that can mess up everything from job interviews to your daily communication.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to remove private number on different phones, networks, and scenarios. We’ll also answer the many ways people are searching for help online:

• how to remove private number on Android
• how to remove private number on iPhone
• how to remove private number on MTN
• how to remove your number from private number permanently
• how can I remove my number from private number settings on my phone or SIM
• And yes, we’ll even explain why your number went private in the first place.

What Does It Mean When a Number Is “Private”?

When you place a call, your network typically sends your phone number along with it. But if something blocks that ID whether it’s your phone settings, a SIM configuration, or a carrier preference  the person on the other side sees “Private Number,” “Unknown Caller,” “No Caller ID,” or just “Blocked.”

So if you’ve been trying to figure out how to remove your number from private number, that’s really about turning your caller ID back on.

The problem? It’s not always in one place. Sometimes your Android settings are to blame. Other times, it’s an issue with your carrier like MTN or Glo. And occasionally, it’s your phone app or dialer acting up after an update.

Let’s fix it all.

 How to Remove Private Number on Android

The Android universe is vast: Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, Tecno, Infinix, etc. Each one may label their menus differently. But the path to remove private number is generally the same.

 Step-by-step: How to Remove Private Number on Android

1. Open the Phone app
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner
3. Go to Settings or Call Settings
4. Tap Calling Accounts or select your SIM
5. Choose Additional Settings or More Settings
6. Tap Caller ID
7. Choose Show number

That’s it. If your device has dual SIMs, make sure to check both.

Many people search variations like:

• how to remove private number on android
• how to remove my number from private number on android
• how can I remove my number from private number using android settings

This solution addresses all three.

 TIP: If your caller ID setting is greyed out, it might be controlled by your SIM card. That’s when you’ll need to check the carrier method below.

How to Remove Private Number on MTN

For millions of Nigerians and other users across Africa, MTN is the default carrier. But MTN also sometimes hides caller ID by default.

If you’re constantly asking how to remove private number on MTN, here’s what to do.

Method 1: Use MTN’s Caller ID Code

MTN allows users to toggle private number status using a simple code:

1. Dial #31# and press call
2. You’ll get a response: “Outgoing Caller ID service is now enabled”
3. If you mistakenly enabled the private status earlier with #31#, this resets it.

Method 2: Call MTN Customer Service

Sometimes, the default profile of your SIM hides caller ID. If the above method doesn’t work, do this:

1. Call 180 (MTN’s support number)
2. Ask the rep to enable outgoing caller ID
3. Restart your phone and test again

This method is a go-to for people searching:

• how to remove private number on MTN line
• how to remove my number from private number using MTN settings
• how to remove number from private on MTN SIM card

It works even when the Android method fails.

How to Remove Private Number on iPhone

For iPhone users, caller ID settings are found in a very specific spot. If you’ve been asking how to remove private number on iPhone, the process is simple—but easy to miss.

iPhone Caller ID Fix

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll down and tap Phone
3. Select Show My Caller ID
4. Toggle it ON

That’s all. But if the option is greyed out or keeps turning off, your carrier settings might be overriding your iPhone.

If so, try:

1. Updating carrier settings: Go to Settings > General > About
2. Contacting your carrier (MTN, Airtel, Glo, etc.)
3. Removing and reinserting your SIM

You’ll be surprised how many iPhone users struggle with:

• how to remove my number from private number on iphone
• how to remove your number from private number permanently
• how to remove phone from private number after iOS update

This covers all of them.

How Can I Remove My Number From Private Number: All Methods That Work

Some people find themselves stuck with a private number label no matter what they try. This can happen due to:

• Using third-party calling apps
• Dialing with *31# by mistake and saving it to contacts
• SIM configuration done at setup
• VoIP line integration (e.g. Google Voice, virtual numbers)

So, how can I remove my number from private number permanently?

Let’s go deeper:

Global Method: Using GSM Code #31#

Here’s a code that works on almost every network worldwide:

• #31# — activates caller ID
• #31#followed by number — calls that number with your ID shown
• *31# — hides caller ID for that single call

If you accidentally used *31# in the past or saved it to contact entries, your number may still appear private.

Fix: Delete any saved contact that starts with *31# or #31#, and re-save with the regular number.

How to Remove Private Number on Dual SIM Phones

For Android phones with two SIM slots (common in Africa and Asia), each SIM has separate settings. You must:

• Go to Phone Settings > Calling Accounts
• Select each SIM individually
• Go to Caller ID > Show Number
• Repeat for both cards

Users often ask:

how to remove my number from private number on android with dual SIM

how to remove private number on MTN and Airtel on same phone

This double-check prevents one SIM from staying hidden while the other shows your ID.

How to Remove Private Number From Third-Party Apps

If you’ve ever used apps like:

Truecaller

Hiya

Google Voice

Skype

TextNow

Then one of them could be blocking your ID.

 Fix:

Uninstall or disable the app

Try calling from the default dialer

Recheck caller ID settings in both the app and phone

A popular Reddit thread once revealed that Truecaller automatically hides caller ID in some regions. So if you're still Googling how to remove private number on android even after changing settings, check your apps.

Carrier-Specific Fixes

Every carrier handles caller ID differently. Here’s how to remove private number settings across some common networks:

MTN

Dial #31#

Or call 180 to reset profile

Airtel

Dial *31# to toggle hide/show

Call 111 for help

Glo

Use #31#

Or contact support on 121

 9mobile

Use #31#

Support number is 200

Users asking how to remove number from private on Glo or Airtel should follow these same steps.

Why Is My Number Still Private After Changing All Settings?

This is one of the most frustrating issues. If you’ve done everything—used #31#, changed phone settings, called your carrier—but your number still shows as private, here are the deep-dive fixes:

1. Reset Network Settings

On Android:

Settings > System > Reset > Reset network settings

On iPhone:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings

This often fixes bugs caused by firmware updates.

2. Try the SIM in Another Phone

If it’s still private, it’s not your phone — it’s your SIM or carrier profile.

3. Factory Reset (as a last resort)

Back up your data first.

Why It Matters: The Real-World Impact of Private Numbers

Private numbers are more than a technical inconvenience—they can impact your relationships and trust levels.

• Clients ignore unknown callers
• Job recruiters skip your call
• Friends don’t answer thinking it’s spam
• Even banks may flag private numbers

People searching for how to remove private number are often professionals, freelancers, small business owners, or just regular users who want their phone to behave normally.

Recap: How to Remove Private Number on Any Device

Use Case Fix

Android Device Phone App > Settings > Caller ID > Show Number

iPhone Device Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID

MTN Network Dial #31# or call 180

Dual SIM Android Adjust both SIMs individually

Still Showing Private Reset network, uninstall apps, try SIM in new phone

Temporarily Hidden Check for *31# prefix in contact or dialer

Bonus Tips: How to Never Show Up as Private Again

Here are a few hacks to make sure your number never flips back into “private” mode:

1. Avoid using prefixes like 31# when dialing
2. Don’t copy numbers from WhatsApp that include symbols
3. Set your SIM profile manually through carrier support
4. Keep your system software updated
5. Avoid shady dialer apps or caller ID blockers

Conclusion

The private number problem is more common than you think. But the good news? It’s fixable. Whether you’re searching:

• how to remove private number on Android
• how to remove private number on iPhone
• how can I remove my number from private number permanently
• how to remove private number on MTN or other carriers
• You now have the complete toolkit.

No more missed calls. No more job interview mishaps. Just your number, showing up exactly how you want it.