Secret Smartphone Codes That Actually Help You
Ever wonder why some friends can pull off tricks you haven't seen? Most of those tricks are just secret codes hidden inside your phone. You don’t need a special app – just dial a few numbers and you’ll get info or settings that are usually buried deep.
What Are Secret Codes?
A secret code is a short string of numbers and symbols you type into the dialer. When you hit send, the phone opens a hidden menu, shows a report, or runs a test. They work on almost every Android device and many iPhones have similar shortcuts, though iOS often hides them behind special menus.
Top Android Codes You Should Try Right Now
1. *#*#4636#*#* – This opens the "Testing" screen. You can see battery level, usage stats, and even run a Wi‑Fi test. It’s great for spotting why your phone drains fast.
2. *#06# – Instantly shows your IMEI number. Keep this handy if you ever lose your phone or need to report it stolen.
3. *#*#34971539#*#* – Opens the camera firmware info. Handy if you’re troubleshooting camera glitches.
4. *#*#2664#*#* – Brings up the touch screen test. Tap the screen and watch the response – perfect for checking dead spots.
5. *#*#7594#*#* – Lets you change the power‑button behavior. Turn the long‑press shutdown into a quick lock if you hate waiting for the phone to turn off.
These codes are safe – they only read data or open built‑in diagnostics. If you see a warning, just back out; nothing gets deleted.
iOS Shortcuts and USSD Hacks
iPhones don’t have as many dial‑pad codes, but a few USSD sequences work across carriers. Try *#21# to see if call forwarding is enabled, or *#31# to hide your number on outgoing calls.
If you have a newer iPhone, go to Settings → Privacy → Analytics & Improvements → Analytics Data. Scroll down for a list of hidden logs that can tell you about battery cycles and app crashes.
How to Use These Codes Safely
1. Open your dialer as if you’re making a call.
2. Type the exact code, including any asterisks (*) and pound signs (#).
3. Press the call button. Most codes will open a screen instantly; a few might show a simple pop‑up.
4. If you’re unsure, copy the code somewhere first. You can always paste it back if you make a mistake.
Never share your IMEI (*#06#) or any personal data that appears after a code runs. Those numbers are for you only.
Why You Should Care
Knowing these codes saves time and money. Instead of Googling “why is my battery draining?” you can check battery health instantly. Want to know if the antenna is weak? The signal strength code gives you a numeric reading, so you can decide if a case is the problem.
Plus, the brag factor is real. Pull up the hidden menu at a coffee shop, and your friends will think you’re a tech wizard.
Start with the most useful code for your need – battery health, IMEI, or touch screen test – and explore from there. You’ll quickly realize how many hidden tools your phone already has.
Remember: these codes are built into the operating system, so they work even without internet. Keep this list bookmarked on Mobile Monday India, and you’ll always have a quick cheat sheet at hand.