How to Unhide Number on MTN | Full Guide

For many MTN subscribers, having your number appear as “Private” or “Unknown” when placing a call can be more nuisance than a privacy feature. This issue can arise from various settings or codes that conceal your caller ID. Fortunately, restoring your number’s visibility is straightforward.

If you’ve ever wondered How to unhide Number on MTN, this guide provides everything you need to know—from why your number shows as private in the first place, to step-by-step methods for unhiding it both through direct dialing codes and alternative routes that don’t require making a voice call.

In this writing, we will walk you through the reasons behind hidden numbers and provide step-by-step instructions to unhide your number on MTN.

MTN Nigeria is one of the largest mobile operators in the country, serving millions of subscribers. While it offers a range of services—including data plans, voice bundles, and value-added features—sometimes the default caller ID settings or unintended USSD code changes can cause your number to show as private.

This can affect your everyday communication, so it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons and learn how best to restore your caller ID.

Why Is My MTN Showing Private Numbers?

There are a few common reasons your MTN SIM might be sending “Private Number” instead of your actual phone number. Understanding these scenarios will help you troubleshoot more effectively and decide which method to use to unhide your number on MTN.

1. Caller ID Setting on Your Handset

Modern smartphones—both Android and iOS—include built-in caller ID settings that let users toggle whether their number appears to the recipient. If someone accidentally turned off “Show My Caller ID” in the Phone/Call settings, every outgoing call would display as private.

This setting override travels with your voice minutes, so even if MTN’s network is configured to show your number by default, the phone-level setting takes priority.

How It Happens

• Android: In Android’s Phone app, navigate to Call Settings → Additional Settings → Caller ID. If “Hide Number” is selected, it overrides network defaults.
• iPhone: Under Settings → Phone → Show My Caller ID, toggling that option off causes any call you make—even if your network would normally reveal it—to appear as “Private.”

Occasionally, firmware updates or third‑party dialer apps can reset or change those preferences without you realizing it. An unintended tap, accidental menu navigation, or app permission ask could turn off your caller ID display.

2. USSD Code Previously Activated

MTN—and virtually every GSM network—uses standard GSM control codes for hiding or unhiding caller identity. When you dial certain codes like *31# or #31#, you’re instructing MTN’s service nodes to hide or reveal your number.

If you’ve ever used those codes in the past—perhaps to make an anonymous call—and did not reset them, your number remains concealed until you explicitly reverse the action.

• Hide Number for Single Call: Dial *31# followed by the recipient’s number.
• Unhide Permanently (Default): Dial #31# without a subsequent number.

It’s easy to confuse which code permanently unhides versus which hides on a single call, so unwittingly leaving the hiding code active is a top cause of sudden “Private” display.

3. Network Provisioning or SIM Registration Glitch

Occasionally, an MTN provisioning error or an issue with the mobile switching center can misinterpret your caller identity flag. If the network’s database registers your SIM as having a private-caller default, every outgoing call until corrected at the network level shows up as private.

Such issues are rare but not unheard of—especially if you recently ported a number or migrated to a new SIM.

In those events, even dialing the standard unhide code might not work until the network database is refreshed. That’s why customer support sometimes steps in to manually reset your caller ID status on the backend.

4. SIM Card or Device-Specific Anomalies

If your SIM card has been physically damaged or corrupted, or if your handset’s firmware is outdated, you may see unexpected behavior in how your CLI (calling line identity) is transmitted.

For instance, some feature phones (non‑smartphones) come with default settings that hide outgoing numbers unless you adjust them in their limited menu. Additionally, if you recently swapped SIMs between phones without resetting network settings, your new device could inherit a “hidden” caller profile.

How to Identify SIM/Device Issues

• Test on Another Handset: If calling from a second device with the same SIM still shows private, it’s more likely a network or SIM-level config.
• Fresh SIM Registration: Occasionally, swapping to a brand-new MTN SIM (keeping the number) can clear odd provisioning flags that cause caller ID failures.

How to Unhide Number on MTN

Once you recognize why your MTN caller ID is hidden, you can choose any of the following proven methods to restore visibility. We’ve broken down each approach by device type and circumstance, ensuring that no matter which phone you own, you’ll find the right steps.

1. Adjust Your Phone’s Caller ID Settings

For Android Devices

1. Open the Phone App: Launch the default dialer on your Android handset.
   
2. Access Call Settings: Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner and select Settings or Call Settings, depending on your device model.
   
3. Locate Additional Settings: Scroll until you find Additional Settings, Supplementary Services, or More Settings.
   
4. Select Caller ID: Under that submenu, tap Caller ID. You’ll see options like Network Default, Hide Number, and Show Number.
   
5. Choose Show Number: Tap Show Number and wait for confirmation. Once set, your next outgoing call will display your MTN number.
   

Tip: Some Android skins place these options under Settings → Connections → Call → Additional Settings → Caller ID, so if you don’t see them right away, check for similar menu labels.

For iPhone Users

1. Launch Settings: Tap the Settings icon on your Home screen.
2. Navigate to Phone: Scroll down and select Phone (the green handset icon).
3. Tap Show My Caller ID: On the next screen, find Show My Caller ID.
4. Toggle On: If the switch is off (grayed out), slide it on. When it turns green, your number will no longer display as private on outgoing calls.

2. Use the USSD Code to Unhide Number

MTN relies on GSM-standard USSD codes to switch caller ID settings on and off at the network level. Depending on the scenario—whether you need to reveal your number for a single call or restore it permanently—you’ll dial one of these two codes.

Unhide Permanently (Default Caller ID)

• Dial #31# on Your MTN Line:
  Simply launch your dialer, type #31#, and press “Call.” If successful, the network will confirm that caller ID is now active for all outgoing calls. You do not append a phone number; #31# by itself toggles your CLI to “show.”

Confirmation: You may receive an on-screen message or a brief USSD pop-up indicating that “Caller ID is now active” or “Private number disabled.”

Unhide for a Single Call

• Dial #31# + Recipient’s Number:
  If you previously hid your number specifically for one or more calls and want to unhide it for just one outgoing call, type #31#08012345678 (replace with the actual number). This temporarily turns on caller ID for that single call, then reverts to the previous setting afterward.

3. Reset or Reinsert Your SIM

Sometimes toggling settings or dialing USSD codes doesn’t immediately take effect because of temporary glitches in how your handset communicates with MTN’s network. One quick troubleshooting step is to reset your SIM connection:

1. Power Off Your Phone: Completely switch off your handset.
2. Remove the MTN SIM: Eject the SIM card from its tray.
3. Wait 10–15 Seconds: Allow any residual power to drain and network sessions to close.
4. Reinsert the SIM: Place it back carefully, ensuring the metal contacts align properly.
5. Power On and Redial #31#: Once your device reconnects to MTN’s network, dial #31# again to unhide your number.

This simple sequence refreshes your network registration and often clears minor misconfigurations that might persist even after adjusting phone or network settings.

4. Contact MTN Customer Care

If you’ve tried handset settings, USSD codes, and SIM resets with no luck, the issue might lie in the network’s provisioning database. In that case, MTN’s customer care team can expedite a fix by manually toggling your caller ID flag at the network core.

• Dial 180 from Your MTN Line: This is MTN’s toll-free customer support number.
• Explain the Issue: Clearly state that your calls appear as Private Number despite toggling between Hide Number and Show Number in your phone’s settings and dialing #31#.
• Request Caller ID Reprovisioning: Ask the agent to reset your MTN CLI status. They often run a quick network refresh or re-link your SIM to show the correct identity.
• Wait for Confirmation SMS: MTN may send a follow-up message confirming that your caller ID has been reinstated. After that, test by dialing a friend or secondary number to verify.

How to Unhide a Number on MTN without Calling

Not everyone is comfortable dialing support or executing USSD codes directly, especially if they have a weak signal, limited airtime, or simply want to avoid making additional calls.

Fortunately, MTN provides self‑service options—mobile app and web‑based tools—to adjust your caller ID remotely. Here’s how you can unhide your MTN number without placing a voice call.

1. Leverage the MyMTN App (Smartphone Method)

The MyMTN mobile app, available for both Android and iOS, serves as a centralized dashboard for managing your MTN account. Among other features—such as data bundle purchases, bill payments, and usage tracking—you can toggle caller ID settings.

If you haven’t already installed the MyMTN app, download it from Google Play Store or Apple App Store and log in with your MTN number and password (or register if it’s your first time).

1. Open the MyMTN App: Launch it and log in using your MTN phone number and OTP/password.
2. Navigate to Profile / Settings: Depending on the app version, find the menu icon (☰) or the “Profile” tab at the bottom.
3. Locate Caller ID / Privacy Settings: Scroll until you see an option labeled “Preferences,” “My Settings,” or “Privacy.” Here, MTN often lists toggles for Caller ID display.
4. Enable Show My Number: Slide the switch from “Off” to “On” under Caller ID. The change is registered on MTN’s backend, so you don’t need to dial any USSD codes or place a call.
5. Log Out and Test: Exit the app, then call a friend or a secondary line to confirm that your number now displays.

2. Use MTN’s Web-Based Self-Care Portal (Desktop/Laptop Method)

If you prefer a larger screen or don’t have enough space on your phone to install the MyMTN app, MTN’s self-care portal allows you to adjust account preferences—including caller ID—through a browser. This works on both mobile browsers and desktop/laptop setups.

1. Visit MTN Self-Care Website: In your browser, go to https://www.mtnonline.com/myaccount (URL may vary; look for “My MTN” or “Self-Care Portal” on MTN’s official site).
2. Log In Securely: Enter your MTN number and the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your phone. Once authenticated, you land on your dashboard.
3. Access “Service Settings” or “Profile Settings”: The portal usually has a left‑hand menu. Click on something akin to “Service Management” or “Account Settings.”
4. Find Caller ID Preferences: Under that section, you’ll see “Caller ID” or “Privacy Settings.” If the portal lists “Hide My Number” as checked, uncheck it or select “Show My Number.”
5. Submit and Confirm: After saving changes, the portal will prompt a confirmation that your preference is updated.
6. Verify by Calling: No voice call to support needed—just place a call to any friend’s MTN line to confirm your CLI now appears.

3. Send an SMS Command (Where Available)

Some networks offer SMS‑based commands to toggle hidden or visible caller ID. While MTN’s primary method is USSD or app/web portals, in limited cases—especially on older SIM types—you can send a text to a specific MTN shortcode to switch Caller ID settings.

• Draft an SMS to 131 with the content UNHIDE.
• Send and Wait for Confirmation: You should receive a reply, usually within minutes, confirming the caller ID is now active.

Caveat: This SMS method may not work on every MTN SIM or account type. If you attempt it and don’t get an automated response, revert back to the MyMTN app or self-care portal.

4. Visit an MTN Service Center

If you have zero data, no app access, or persistent network issues, you can still get caller ID restored without placing a direct call:

1. Locate the Nearest MTN Service Center: Check online or call a friend to confirm an outlet within a convenient distance.
2. Bring a Valid ID and Your MTN SIM: When you arrive, request “Unhide my caller ID.” The staff can run a backend check, ensure your number isn’t flagged, and reset it manually.
3. Wait Briefly: It typically takes under five minutes for them to confirm and restore your number visibility.
4. Test Immediately: Ask someone in the shop or step outside to place a quick call, verifying your number now displays instead of “Private.”

FAQs

Conclusion

Having your MTN number appear as “Private” might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can seriously impact your ability to communicate effectively, especially if recipients consistently avoid anonymous callers.

By understanding why your MTN number shows private, whether due to handset settings, USSD codes, or network provisioning glitches, you can select the right solution.

References

• wakaabuja.com/How to Unhide Number on MTN 
• truehost.com.ng/How to Unhide Number on MTN 
• legit.ng/How to Unhide Number on MTN 

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