Android Secret Codes: Which Work, Which to Avoid

Open your Phone app and type the code in the dialer. Some run instantly; others need you to press Call. Results vary by brand, Android version and carrier.

Safe and useful on most phones

• *#06# – shows your IMEI (works on virtually every phone, including iPhone). Save it in case your phone is stolen.
• *#*#4636#*#* – testing menu with signal strength, network type and battery info (many non-Samsung Androids).
• *#0*# – Samsung hardware test menu: screen colours, touch, speaker, vibration, sensors. Great when buying a used Samsung.
• *#0228# – Samsung battery status.

Call forwarding and calling (GSM carriers)

• *#21# – check if all calls are being forwarded
• *#61# – check forwarding when you don't answer
• *#62# – check forwarding when you're unreachable
• *#67# – check forwarding when you're busy
• ##002# – cancel all call forwarding
• *#43# – check call-waiting status
• *#31# – check if your caller ID is hidden

Security tip: if *#21# shows your calls going to a number you don't recognise, run ##002# and contact your carrier.

Codes to avoid

Some viral lists include codes that wipe your phone instantly with no confirmation (factory-reset codes) or open engineering menus that can change radio settings. We've left them out on purpose. Only use codes when you know exactly what they do.

Common mistakes in viral lists

• *#21# checks call forwarding, not caller ID — that's *#31#.
• Cancel-all-forwarding is ##002#, not *#002#.
• Many "service mode" codes only work on specific older Samsung models.