This article shows you steps to unhide a private number on any network; GLO, MTN, Airtel, 9mobile. You can unhide a number either through the phone menu or a USSD code dedicated to activating and deactivating a private number. Let’s get into the details!
What is a private number?
When a caller prevents their number from displaying on the recipient’s caller ID, then they are using a private number. Such numbers show up on the receiver’s phone as “Private Caller,” “Restricted,” “Blocked,” “No Caller ID,” or other names that indicate the caller’s ID is hidden.
Private numbers are often unwelcome, and most individuals will automatically reject calls if they cannot see the caller ID. So here is how to unhide private number in Nigeria
How to unhide private number in Nigeria in all networks
There are four major networks in Nigeria used across the country by ninety percent of the population. There is one code dedicated to helping users hide and unhide their number before calling someone.
Just dialing the code #31# before the call receiver’s number can hide your caller ID easily.
For instance; dial #31#09077254219 on your phone to hide your number from the owner of that number.
Tip: This #31# USSD code must be dialed each time you want to hide your ID as it is a per-call procedure, the effect wanes off after each call.
Another alternative is to unhide your number through your phone settings. Here’s how to go about it.
How to unhide private number on Android
- Go to your phone settings.
- Select SIM card settings from the drop-down menu.
- Select carrier features.
- Tap additional settings.
- Select caller ID.
- Click Hide.
How to unhide private number on iPhone
Un-hiding a private number on an iPhone is slightly different because they are not the same operating system. Here’s how to unhide a private number in Nigeria using an iPhone device:
- Open Settings menu.
- Scroll down to “Phone” and select it.
- Then navigate to “Show My Caller ID.
- Toggle the switch to show or hide your caller ID.
How to identify a private number
If you want to identify who is calling you with a private number, dial *#30# when the number calls and wait to see the private number.
Or use the Truecaller app to identify hidden numbers, by;
- Download the app from the play store.
- Sign in and leave your internet connection on.
- Once the number calls you, Truecaller displays their identity.
Why people use a private number
People sometimes use private numbers to safeguard their privacy from telemarketers, scammers, and numbers they are unfamiliar with. Or when they want to keep their identity hidden for security purposes.
However, a lot of people associate private numbers with scammers, so they might not pick their call if it is a private number. Therefore, it is pertinent you keep your identity visible when calling anyone to get a quick response.
How to block private numbers from calling your line
- Go to your phone settings and open “blocked numbers”
- Then select block unknown/hidden number
You might want to hide your private number from being displayed whenever you call somebody; you can do this by turning off the caller ID on your line, or use the secret code #31# before the number you want to call.
To turn the caller ID back on, you do not have to dial the code to turn off the secret number function or reveal your number through your phone’s settings as highlighted in this article.
