How to Remove Private Number on MTN, Airtel & More

Getting ghosted because your calls show up as “Private Number”? It’s an annoying problem that can make you look suspicious when you’re just trying to reach someone.

The good news is, fixing it is simple. I’ve spent over ten years in tech, and the biggest question people have is how to remove private number settings for good. This guide will show you exactly how to do it, no matter your phone or network. We’ll cover the instant codes and the menu settings you need to know for MTN, Airtel, GLO, 9mobile, and any phone you’re using.

Let’s get your number showing again.

So, why is your number private anyway?

Before we get to the fix, you might be wondering why your number is playing hide-and-seek in the first place. It usually boils down to one of these three reasons:

• A Setting on Your Phone: This is the most common culprit. You (or maybe someone who borrowed your phone) flipped a switch in the call settings to hide your caller ID.
• A Network Thing: It’s rare, but sometimes your mobile network might have set your line to hide its number by default.
• A One-Time Code: You might have used a code like #31# before a call to hide your number once, and the setting just kind of stuck.

The official name for this is CLIR (Calling Line Identification Restriction), but all you need to know is how to turn it off. Let’s start with the fastest way.

The Universal Fix: USSD Codes for Everyone

If you want the quickest fix that works for everyone, USSD codes are the answer. These codes talk directly to your network, bypassing any confusing phone settings. They’re useful for all sorts of things, from checking your balance to learning how to transfer airtime on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and the 9Mobile NG Network.

The Only Code You Really Need to Show Your Number:

This one code deactivates the private number setting for all your future calls.

1. Pop open your phone’s dialer.
2. Type in *#31#
3. Hit the call button.

You’ll get a quick pop-up on your screen telling you the service is off. That’s it! Your number will now be visible when you call. This is the simplest way to solve the private number problem on any network.

Does This Work on My Network?

Yes! While the *#31# code is universal, here’s a quick confirmation:

• How to Remove Private Number on MTN: Wondering how to remove private number on MTN? Dialing *#31# is their official, go-to method. And while you’re managing your line, it’s always handy to know other basics, like the simple methods for how to check your MTN number if you ever forget it.
• Airtel: If you’re on Airtel and your line is private, that same *#31# code will sort it out instantly.
• GLO: Same story for GLO. *#31# is all you need to do to get your number showing again.
• 9mobile: And for 9mobile users, you guessed it—*#31# works perfectly to stop your number from being hidden.

Finding the Setting on Your Phone

If you’d rather go through your phone’s menus, you can. Here’s where to look.

How to Remove Private Number on Android Phone

Finding the Caller ID setting on an Android can be a bit of a treasure hunt, depending on the brand. Here’s a guide for how to remove private number on Android phone search.

For Stock Android (Google Pixel, Nokia, etc.):

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and choose Settings.
3. Find and tap Calls or Calling accounts.
4. Pick your SIM card.
5. Go to Additional settings and then Caller ID.
6. Choose Show number.

How to Remove Private Number on Samsung:

Samsung likes to be different. If you need to figure out how to remove private number on Samsung, the path is unique:

1. Open the green Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮).
3. Go to Settings.
4. Select Supplementary services.
5. Tap Show my caller ID and choose Show number.

How to Remove Private Number on iPhone

Apple keeps it simple. The steps for how to remove private number on iPhone are always the same.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Tap Show My Caller ID.
4. Make sure the switch is ON (green).

If you ever see this switch greyed out, your carrier has it locked. Just use the *#31# code to override it.

Still Not Working? Try These Things.

• The Setting is Greyed Out: If you can’t tap the Caller ID option in your menu, it’s locked by your network. The *#31# code should still work. If not, a quick restart is your next best bet.
• Turn It Off and On Again: Seriously. A simple reboot can fix weird network glitches.
• Pop the SIM Out: Power down, take the SIM card out for a minute, then put it back in. This makes your phone reconnect to the network from scratch and can clear the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What’s the direct code to make my number show? Just dial *#31# and press call. It works on MTN, GLO, Airtel, and 9mobile to make your number visible.

Q2: Why can’t I change the Caller ID setting on my phone? It’s usually because your network provider is controlling that setting. The *#31# USSD code is designed to override that.

Q3: How do I know for sure if it worked? The best way is to call a friend or your second phone. If they can see your number, you’re all set.

Q4: Are there other useful codes I should know? Absolutely. Your phone’s dialer serves as a gateway to various services. Beyond call settings, you can handle important financial tasks, like using a code to check your BVN number without ever stepping into a bank.

Final Words

And that’s it! You’re now in complete control of your Caller ID. For almost everyone, dialing *#31# is the only step needed to fix the “private number” issue. Now you can be sure that when you call, people know it’s you.