Turns out, your phone is brimming with secrets just waiting to be discovered. By simply dialing a few key combinations, you can access a slew of capabilities, transforming yourself from an ordinary phone user into a true power user.
These secret codes, which are often overlooked, give you access to diagnostic menus, hidden settings, and even shortcuts to basic information.
1. Field Mode: 3001#12345# (iPhone Only)
- Function: This code gives you access to a hidden menu called “Field Mode” on iPhones. It’s primarily for engineers and technicians to gather technical data about the cellular network.
- What it shows: You’ll see information like signal strength, cell tower connection details, and other network parameters.
- Warning: Changing settings in Field Mode can potentially affect your phone’s performance. Unless you know what you’re doing, it’s best to just look and not touch.
2. IMEI Display: *#06#
- Function: This universal code displays your phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
- What it is: The IMEI is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your phone. It’s like your phone’s fingerprint.
- Why it’s important: You’ll need your IMEI if your phone is ever lost or stolen. It can be used to block the phone from being used on any network.
3. Call Forwarding: *#67# and *#21#
- Function: These codes manage to activate call forwarding settings.
- *#67#: Shows if call forwarding is enabled when your line is busy.
- *#21#: Shows if call forwarding is enabled for all incoming calls.
- How to use: After dialing the code, follow the prompts to activate, deactivate, or change the forwarding number.
- Note: The exact functionality might vary depending on your carrier.
4. Call Waiting: 43 (Various Combinations)
- Function: This code activates or deactivates call waiting. The exact combination depends on your carrier and phone model. Some common codes include:
- *#43# on AT&T: Activates voice call waiting, data call waiting, fax call waiting, SMS call waiting, and sync data circuit call waiting.
- *43 on Verizon: Deactivates call forwarding, not call waiting.
- How it works: With call waiting enabled, you’ll hear a beep when another call comes in while you’re on the phone. You can then choose to answer it or ignore it.
5. Caller ID: #31# (Temporary Disable)
- Function: This code allows you to temporarily block your caller ID for the next outgoing call. The person you call will see “Private Number” or “Unknown” on their screen.
- How to use: Dial #31# followed by the number you want to call.
- Note: This only affects the immediate call. To permanently disable caller ID, you’ll need to change settings in your phone’s call settings menu.
6. Available Minutes: 646
- Function: With an iPhone on AT&T, this code is usually used on prepaid plans to check your remaining minutes.
- How to use: Simply dial 646 and you should receive a message with your balance.
- Note: This code might not work for all carriers or postpaid plans.
7. Bill Balance: 225
- Function: Similar to the available minutes code, this is typically used on prepaid plans to check your current bill balance.
- How to use: Dial 225, and you should receive a message with the amount you owe. For AT&T, use *225#. On Verizon, it’s #225. T-Mobile users, use #225#.
- Note: Again, this code might not be universal across all carriers and plans.
8. Billing Cycle: 3282 (USSD code, Varies by Carrier)
- Function: This code is usually used on postpaid plans to check your current billing cycle details. It might reveal your billing period start and end dates, data usage, and other account information.
- How to use: Dial 3282, and you’ll likely receive a text message with the relevant details. AT&T is *3282#; Verizon is #3282, and T-Mobile is #932#.
- Important Note: This is a USSD code (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data), meaning it interacts with your carrier’s network. The exact code and information provided can vary depending on your carrier. Check your carrier’s website or customer service for the correct code.
9. Test Alert Status: *5005*25371# (iPhone Only)
- Function: This code is for checking the status of emergency and government alerts on your iPhone. It displays the phone number that alerts will be sent to.
- Note: This is mainly for testing purposes and doesn’t change alert settings.
10. Check Account Balance: *777# (Prepaid) or *225# (Contract)
- Function: These codes are quick ways to check your account balance, especially on prepaid plans. The specific code can vary by carrier. iDial ** 777#:* for prepaid plans to check remaining balance, while ** 225#:* is more common for contract plans to get balance information.
- Important Note: Check with your carrier for the correct code, as these can be carrier-specific.
11. Android Phone Stats: *##4636#*#* (Android Only)
- Function: This code opens a hidden testing menu on Android phones. It provides detailed information about your phone’s usage, battery health, Wi-Fi details, and network information.
- Warning: Be careful in this menu, as changing certain settings could affect your phone’s performance.
12. Wipe Your Android Device: *2767*3855# (Android Only)
- Function: This code performs a factory reset on your Android phone. It erases all data and settings, restoring the phone to its original state.
- Extreme Caution: Use this code only as a last resort if you’re absolutely sure you want to wipe your phone clean. There’s no way to undo it.
Your phone is more powerful than you think. These codes will help you understand its inner workings, fix problems easily, and personalize your phone like never before.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.