Android, the most popular operating system in the world, offers a wide range of features that can be customized to suit your needs. However, many people are unaware of the existence of secret codes that can unlock additional features and diagnostic tools on our phones. In this article, we will take a closer look at these hidden features that can make using mobile devices much easier.
Secret phone codes
Android secret codes are a set of short codes that can be entered into the phone’s dialer to access hidden features and diagnostic tools. While the name “secret codes” may suggest that they are something reserved for a select few, there is nothing secret about them. Many users and websites use this name because of their lesser-known use, rather than any great secret.
What are secret codes in Android?
Phone secret codes are special character sequences that allow users to access hidden diagnostic options and menus. They are often used by manufacturers and service technicians to test and configure devices, but they can also be incredibly useful for regular users who want to better understand and manage their phones.
Why is it worth knowing “Android codes”?
Knowing secret codes can bring many benefits. First, they provide quick access to important information about your device, such as the IMEI number, battery status, and detailed hardware information. Second, they allow you to run diagnostic tests that can help identify and fix problems with your phone. Third, they allow you to easily change network settings and configure various device features, which can be especially useful for advanced users.
Types of Android Phone Secret Codes
Secret phone codes can be divided into two main categories: MMI codes and USSD codes. Each of these categories has its specific uses and differs in the way they work, although their structure is very similar.
MMI Codes
MMI codes, or Man Machine Interface, are defined by phone manufacturers and allow access to hidden settings menus. They are especially useful for service technicians and more advanced users who want to learn more about the capabilities of their device. MMI codes can be used to access hardware information, test various phone components, and change advanced system settings. An example of such a code is *#06#, which displays the phone’s IMEI number.
USSD Codes
USSD codes, or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, are codes used by mobile network operators to communicate with devices. For USSD codes to work, the phone must be connected to an active mobile network. These codes are often used to check account balances, manage network services such as call forwarding or voicemail settings. An example of a USSD code would be *#123#, which on some networks shows the user’s account balance.
Phone Secret Code Categories
Android secret codes can also be divided into three main categories based on their functionality: information codes, test codes, and setup codes.
Information codes
Information codes are used to obtain important information about a device without having to search through the phone’s settings. They can quickly provide access to the IMEI number, software version, battery details, and other important data. For example, by typing *#06# you can instantly check the device’s IMEI number, which is especially useful if your phone is lost or stolen.
Test codes
Test codes allow you to check various components of your phone, such as the display, microphone, speakers, and more. These codes can be used to quickly diagnose any hardware issues. For example, the code ##4636## allows you to view battery information and usage statistics, which can help identify battery life issues.
Configuration codes
Configuration codes allow you to modify network settings, Bluetooth, camera software, and other advanced phone features. Using these codes, you can change settings that are not normally available in the standard settings menus. For example, the code #*#*232338#*#* shows the MAC address of the device, which is useful when setting up a Wi-Fi network.
How to Run Secret Codes on Android
Phone codes are powerful tools that can provide users with a wide range of information and diagnostic functions. To use these codes, you don’t need to have advanced technical knowledge – just know the appropriate sequence of characters and the basic method of activating them.
Android Code Structure
Both MMI and USSD codes have a similar structure, which makes entering them intuitive. Usually, these codes start with an asterisk
contain a combination of numbers and other symbols, and end with a hash sign (#).
Triggering codes to your phone
To activate the secret code for your phone, you need to open the dialer app on your phone. This is the same app that we use to make phone calls. Once it is launched, you need to enter the code exactly as if you were dialing a phone number. In most cases, the code will activate automatically after entering the last character (#), but in some cases you may need to press the call button.
Requirements for running codes
It is worth noting that some codes may require an active mobile network to work. This mainly applies to USSD codes, which communicate with network operator servers. An example would be a code to check the balance of a mobile account, which will not work without a network connection. On the other hand, MMI codes, which are used to obtain information about a device or test its components, usually work regardless of the network connection. It is also worth noting that not all codes will work on all devices. Some of them were created with specific brands of devices in mind.
Be careful! Be careful when using secret codes for your phone. Some of them, like factory reset codes, can erase all data on your phone. An example of such a code is##7780##
which restores your device to its factory settings, erasing all apps and user data. Only use these codes if you’re sure you want to do this, and make sure you have a backup of any important data.
Best Android Secret Codes
Android secret codes can be an invaluable tool for any user looking to better understand and manage their device. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most useful codes that work on most Android devices.
Universal phone codes
- Some secret codes work on all Android devices, regardless of their manufacturer. Here are a few of the most important ones: Checking the IMEI number
- – *#06# – The IMEI number is a 15-digit unique identifier assigned to each phone. It can be used to block the device if it is lost or stolen. To check it, simply enter *#06# in the dialer. Phone Information and Usage Statistics– *#*#4636#*#* – t
- en code displays detailed information about the phone, such as usage statistics, battery information, and Wi-Fi details. This is one of the most useful codes for anyone who wants to have a complete overview of their device’s health. SAR values and regulatory labels
- – #07# – SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value shows how much radio waves are absorbed by the user’s body. The #07# code displays this information, which may be useful for those concerned about health and safety. Software and Hardware Information –#12580
- 369# – This code provides detailed information about installed software and hardware specifications, which can be helpful in diagnosing technical issues. MAC address– *#*#232338#* #* – MAC address is a unique network identifier for a device. Code##232338# #
- allows you to check the current MAC address, which is useful when configuring a Wi-Fi network. Google Play Services Diagnostics– *#*#426#* #* –
- If Google Play Services isn’t working properly, this code lets you get Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) diagnostics, which can help you fix issues with Google apps. GPS Test– *#*#1472365#* #*
– This code runs a GPS test to see if your phone’s GPS is working properly. This is especially useful if you’re having trouble navigating.
Manufacturer Specific Codes
- In addition to the universal codes, there are also manufacturer-specific codes. Here are some examples: Engineering mode (Motorola)– *#*#2486#* #* –
- This code opens the engineering mode which allows for advanced diagnostics and configuration of the Motorola device. Engineering Mode (OnePlus)
- – *#888# – Similar to Motorola, this code opens Engineering Mode on OnePlus devices, allowing access to advanced diagnostic tools. Hardware diagnostics (Samsung Galaxy) –#0
# – This code opens the diagnostics menu on Samsung Galaxy devices, allowing you to test various components such as the display, speakers, and sensors.
Other Android Secret Codes
- In addition to the codes that work on most devices, there are many other secret codes that can be useful in various situations. Here are some lesser-known but still very useful codes: Touchscreen testing– *#*#2664#* #* –
- This code runs a touchscreen test to check its sensitivity and accuracy. This is useful if you have problems with your screen responding to touch. Vibration and backlight testing– *#*#0842#* #* –
- This code allows you to check whether vibration and backlight are working properly, which can help diagnose hardware problems. Testing Wi-Fi Networks– *#*#232339#* #* –
- This code runs a Wi-Fi network test, allowing you to check the stability and performance of your wireless connection. Proximity sensor testing– *#*#0588#* #* –
- This code tests the proximity sensor, which is responsible for turning off the screen during a phone call when the phone is held to the ear. Backing up your media– *#*#273282255663282*#* #* –
- This code allows you to quickly create a backup of photos, videos, and other media stored on your device. Checking RAM version –##3264# # –
- This code displays information about the version of RAM installed on your device, which can be useful when diagnosing performance issues. Clearing Internal Memory (OnePlus)– *#*#2947322243#* #* –
This code allows you to quickly clear the internal storage of OnePlus devices, which can be helpful in troubleshooting memory issues.