22 Android Secret Security Codes You Need To Know

Android smartphones are packed with hidden features and diagnostic tools that can be accessed using secret codes, often referred to as USSD or MMI codes. These codes can provide valuable insights into your device's performance, help troubleshoot issues, and even offer advanced configuration options.

What Are USSD Codes?

USSD codes, or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data codes, are combinations of numbers and symbols that allow you to access various features of your Android phone without navigating through the settings menu. These codes are specifically programmed into your SIM card or mobile number, enabling communication with your mobile network operator.

How to Use USSD Secret Codes on Android

Using USSD secret codes on an Android phone is straightforward:

1. Open the Phone App: Launch the dialer or phone app on your Android device.
2. Enter the Code: Type the desired USSD code, which usually starts with an asterisk (*) or a hash (#).
3. Activate the Code: Press the “Call” button. On some phones, the code will activate automatically after you enter the last character.

22 Android Secret Security Codes You Need to Know

1. View the Phone's IMEI

USSD Code: *#06#
This code displays the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of your Android phone, a unique identifier essential for identifying your device.

2. Check SAR Level

USSD Code: *#07#
This code shows the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) level of your device, indicating the electromagnetic energy absorbed by your body while using the phone.

3. Perform GPS System Test

USSD Code: ##1575##
This code initiates a GPS system test, helping you diagnose any issues with your device's GPS functionality.

4. Do a Touchscreen Test

USSD Code: ##2664##
This code allows you to perform a touchscreen test, which can help identify any issues with your screen's responsiveness.

5. Test Wi-Fi

USSD Code: ##232338##
This code enables you to test your device's Wi-Fi connectivity and diagnose any network issues.

6. Enable General Test Mode

USSD Code: ##4636##
This code opens a hidden menu called "Testing," which provides detailed information about your phone, including battery stats, usage times, and SAR values.

7. Enable Service Mode

USSD Code: ##197328640##
This code launches an advanced network info overlay, showing real-time connection channels, signal strength, and other network details.

8. Display Calendar Storage Data

USSD Code: ##225##
This code displays information about your calendar storage, which can be useful for managing your calendar data.

9. View Smartphone Battery, WLAN, and Other Info

USSD Code: ##0228##
This code provides detailed battery status information, including current capacity and voltage metrics, which can help diagnose battery discharge issues.

10. View Firmware Information

USSD Code: ##1111##
This code displays information about your device's firmware, which can be useful for checking the software version and other firmware details.

11. Turn Off Caller ID

USSD Code: *#31#
This code allows you to disable caller ID, which can be useful for maintaining privacy during calls.

12. Enable Call Waiting

USSD Code: *#43#
This code enables call waiting, allowing you to receive notifications of incoming calls while you are already on a call.

13. Check Call Forwarding

USSD Code: *#67#
This code checks if call forwarding is enabled on your device and provides details about the forwarding settings.

14. View Camera Information

USSD Code: ##34971539##
This code displays information about your device's camera, which can be useful for diagnosing camera-related issues.

15. Check Storage and System Details

USSD Code: ##3264##
This code provides details about your device's storage and system information, helping you manage your storage effectively.

16. Display MAC Address

USSD Code: ##232337##
This code displays the MAC (Media Access Control) address of your device, which is useful for network configuration and troubleshooting.

17. View Google Play Services Info

USSD Code: ##426##
This code displays information about Google Play Services on your device, which can help diagnose issues related to Google services.

18. View Local Network Information

USSD Code: ##4636##
This code, in addition to providing general test mode information, also offers details about your local network settings.

19. Find Out the SMS Message Center Number

USSD Code: #50057672#
This code displays the SMS message center number, which is essential for configuring SMS services.

20. Shut Down Your Device

USSD Code: ##759##
This code allows you to shut down your device quickly without using the power button.

21. Perform Factory Reset

USSD Code: ##7780##
This code restarts your device in Safe Mode, which can help isolate software issues. Note that this code does not perform a full factory reset but rather resets the device to its original software state without third-party apps.

22. Reinstall Firmware

USSD Code: 27673855#
This code initiates a firmware reinstall process, which can be useful for resolving software issues by reinstalling the firmware.

Important Considerations

• Caution with Codes: Some secret codes can trigger unexpected actions or alter system configurations, potentially leading to data loss or device malfunction. It is crucial to research each code thoroughly before using it.
• Compatibility Issues: Not all USSD codes work on every device, especially dual SIM phones or devices with specific carrier or regional restrictions.
• Security Implications: Secret codes can expose attack surfaces and have significant security implications, as they may bypass the Android permissions system.

By understanding and using these secret codes responsibly, you can unlock a wealth of hidden features and diagnostic tools on your Android device, enhancing your overall user experience.