Ever called someone and they didn’t pick up because your number showed as “Private”?
Frustrating, right?
You’re not alone—tons of Nigerians deal with this.
Maybe you turned on the private number setting by mistake.
Or your phone’s default settings are messing with your caller ID.
Whatever the reason, it’s a communication killer.
People don’t trust “Unknown Caller” these days.
Scammers ruined that vibe.
This guide is your fix.
We’re diving into how to remove private number in Nigeria—step-by-step, no fluff.
Whether you’re on MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, I’ve got you.
Let’s make sure your calls show your number loud and clear.
Why Is My Number Showing as Private? The Real Deal
Before we fix it, let’s get why this happens.
It’s not some tech conspiracy.
Your number shows as “Private” or “Unknown” because your caller ID is blocked.
Could be your phone settings.
Could be your network provider.
Or maybe you accidentally dialed a code that hides your number.
Here’s a quick story:
My buddy Tunde (I have talked a lot about him lately, sorry Tunde?) was job hunting.
He called a recruiter, but his number showed as “Private.”
Guess what? They didn’t pick up.
Tunde missed the interview.
He didn’t even know his phone was set to private until I showed him how to check.
Don’t be Tunde.
Let’s break down the common reasons your number is private:
- Phone Settings: Some Android or iPhone devices default to hiding caller ID.
- Network Provider: MTN, Airtel, or Glo might have activated private mode for you.
- USSD Codes: Dialing #31# before a call hides your number for that call.
- Third-Party Apps: Apps like Truecaller or call blockers can mess with your ID.
- SIM Issues: Dual SIM phones sometimes apply private settings to one SIM.
Knowing the “why” helps you fix it faster.
Let’s get to the how.
How to Remove Private Number on Android in Nigeria
Android phones are everywhere in Nigeria.
From Samsung to Infinix to Tecno, they’re the workhorses of communication.
But their settings can be a maze.
Here’s how to unhide your number on any Android device, no matter the brand.
Follow these steps, and you’re golden.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deactivate Private Number on Android
- Open the Phone App: Find the “Dial” or “Phone” icon on your home screen.
- Access Settings: Tap the three dots (⋮) or gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Go to Call Settings: Look for “Settings,” then “Calls” or “Calling Accounts.”
- Find Additional Settings: Scroll to “Additional Settings” or “More Settings.”
- Select Caller ID: Tap “Caller ID” or “Show My Caller ID.”
- Choose Show Number: Pick “Show Number” or “Network Default” to unhide your number.
- Test It: Call a friend to confirm your number shows up.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a dual SIM phone, repeat these steps for each SIM.
Each SIM has its own caller ID settings.
Brand-Specific Fixes for Android
Some Android brands like Samsung or Infinix have slightly different menus. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Samsung: Phone App > Three Dots > Settings > Supplementary Services > Caller ID > Show Number.
- Infinix/Tecno: Phone App > Three Dots > Settings > Carrier Features > Select SIM > Caller ID > Show Number.
- itel: Phone App > Three Dots > Settings > SIM > Additional Settings > Caller ID > Show Number.
I helped my cousin Amaka with her Infinix last week.
Her number was private because she toggled the wrong setting while exploring her phone.
Five minutes later, her caller ID was back, and she was calling her clients again.
It’s that simple when you know the steps.
How to Remove Private Number on iPhone in Nigeria
iPhone users, you’re not left out.
Apple keeps things straightforward, but you still need to know where to look.
Here’s how to stop your number from showing as private on an iPhone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unhide Number on iPhone
- Open Settings: Tap the “Settings” app from your home screen.
- Go to Phone: Scroll down and select “Phone.”
- Find Show My Caller ID: Look for “Show My Caller ID” in the menu.
- Toggle It On: If it’s off (gray), tap the switch to turn it on (green).
- Test the Change: Make a call to see if your number displays.
Quick Note: If “Show My Caller ID” is already on but your number is still private, your carrier might be the issue.
More on that later.
Last month, my neighbor Chidi was stressing out.
His iPhone was showing “Private Number” when he called his boss.
He thought it was a network glitch.
Turned out, he’d turned off “Show My Caller ID” by accident.
One toggle, and he was back in business.
Don’t overcomplicate it—check your settings first.
Network-Specific Fixes: MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile
Sometimes, your phone isn’t the problem—your network provider is. MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile all have ways to manage caller ID. Here’s how to remove private number on each network in Nigeria.
MTN Nigeria
- Dial a Code: Dial *31# to enable caller ID for all calls.
- Check Settings: Go to Phone App > Settings > Additional Settings > Caller ID > Show Number.
- Contact Support: If it’s still private, call MTN at 180 for help.
Airtel Nigeria
- Use the Code: Dial *31# to show your number by default.
- Phone Settings: Follow the Android or iPhone steps above.
- Customer Care: Dial 111 if the code doesn’t work.
Glo Nigeria
- Code Method: Dial *31# to unhide your number.
- Verify Settings: Check your phone’s caller ID settings.
- Support: Call Glo’s customer service at 121 for assistance.
9mobile
- Enable Caller ID: Dial *31# to display your number.
- Phone Check: Ensure your phone isn’t overriding the network setting.
- Get Help: Dial 200 for 9mobile support.
Heads-Up: Codes like *31# set your number to show by default.
If you previously used #31# to hide your number for a specific call, it won’t affect future calls.
But if you activated a permanent hide via your network, these codes reverse it.
I once had an MTN line that stayed private no matter what I did.
Turned out, I’d asked MTN to hide my number years ago and forgot.
A quick call to 180, and they fixed it in minutes. Don’t sleep on customer support—they’re clutch.
What If Your Number Still Shows as Private?
You’ve tried the phone settings.
You’ve dialed the codes.
But your number’s still playing hide-and-seek.
Here’s what to do when the basics don’t work.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Restart Your Phone: A reboot can fix weird glitches.
- Check Third-Party Apps: Apps like Truecaller or Hiya might be blocking your ID. Disable or uninstall them temporarily.
- Update Your Phone: Old software can mess with settings. Check for updates in Settings > System > Software Update.
- Contact Your Carrier: Your network provider might have a block on your account. Call them to confirm.
- Test with Another Phone: Try your SIM in a different phone to rule out device issues.
When to Call Your Network Provider
If nothing works, your carrier is your last stop. Here’s who to call:
Be ready to verify your identity. They’ll check if your account has a private number restriction.
My friend Sarah had this issue with Airtel. She tried everything, but her number stayed private.
One call to 111, and they found a setting on her account from an old request.
Fixed in 10 minutes.
Don’t waste hours—call if you’re stuck.
Why You Should Care About Removing Private Number
Hiding your number sounds cool until it backfires.
Here’s why showing your caller ID matters in Nigeria:
- Builds Trust: People are more likely to answer when they see your number.
- Avoids Missed Opportunities: Job calls, business deals, or family emergencies—private numbers get ignored.
- Reduces Suspicion: Scammers often use private numbers. Don’t get mistaken for one.
- Improves Communication: Clear caller ID makes follow-ups easier.
Think about it:
You’re calling a client, but they see “Private Number.”
They don’t pick up.
You lose the deal.
Or worse, you’re calling your mom, and she thinks it’s a kidnapper.
Not worth the hassle.
Bonus: How to Hide Your Number (If You Change Your Mind)
Sometimes, you want to go incognito for one call.
Maybe you’re pranking a friend or calling a shady vendor.
Here’s how to hide your number temporarily:
- Per-Call Hide: Dial #31# before the number (e.g., #31#08012345678).
- Permanent Hide: Go to Phone Settings > Caller ID > Hide Number (reverse this to unhide).
- Network Option: Call your provider to enable private mode for all calls.
Warning: Don’t abuse this.
Hiding your number for harassment or scams is illegal in Nigeria.
Keep it legit.
Read also: How to Check Your MTN Number in Nigeria
Final Thoughts
Private numbers are a pain.
They kill trust, block connections, and make you look sketchy.
But fixing it is easy.
Check your phone settings.
Dial the right code.
Call your network if you’re stuck.
You don’t need to be a tech wizard.
Just follow the steps, and your number will show up like it should.
Got a story about a private number messing up your day?
Drop it in the comments.
And if this guide helped, share it with your crew.
Let’s keep Nigeria’s calls open and honest.
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