Did you know you can unlock hidden features by simply pressing certain numbers on your phone? You’re not the only one who doesn’t know. These numbers, which are sometimes called “secret codes”, are diagnostic codes you can dial in order to find out technical information about your device. You won’t see them in the user manual of your smartphone, but every phone has a variety of shortcuts and access codes that allow you to change settings. They can be used as shortcuts or troubleshooting tools, and to learn more information about your device.
They can be useful in some situations, even if they are not practical to use every day. You can learn more about your device and have fun while doing so. Android as well as iPhones both offer secret codes. However, these codes are not always the same. You can unlock unique features using the dial pad.
Hidden codes for iPhones
Call Incognito
Remember when you used to be able to block your landline number so that it didn’t show up on the caller ID on your phone? Reader’s Digest says you can do this on your cell phone by pressing *67, then entering the number of the person including the area code. Press the green button.
Disable call waiting
Find it irritating when another person interrupts your call? Dial # and the green dial button to disable call waiting. Type *43# followed by the green dial button to reverse this. After completing both tasks, you will receive confirmation messages.
Stop Calling Outgoing Numbers
You can prevent your child from accidentally dialing a number by using this handy Tom’s guide hack: Dial *33*, then enter the PIN you want with a #. Tap the green dialing button. Once you have received confirmation, click dismiss.
If you ever get your phone back simply press #33*[your PIN]# to disable the feature.
Check Signal Strength
To determine the signal strength of your network, dial *3001#123456#* with the dial button. This will give you a lot more information about your network than most people need, but can help troubleshoot poor reception.
Listen to Local Traffic Information
You can get the latest traffic information without an app or Internet. To get the most recent information, dial 511 and press the green button. Be aware that in some states (like North Carolina), live operators may be used instead of recorded information.
Test the Emergency Alert System
Amber alerts and other government alerts are automatically sent to mobile phones. Users of iOS 15.6 and later can toggle Test Alerts in Settings and Notifications to turn on and off this feature, but users running iOS 15.3 and earlier need to use this code. Press *5005*25371# with the dial button to enable Alert System Status. Press *5005*25370# to turn off alerts.
Hidden Codes on Android Phones
You can unlock secret codes by opening the Phone application and accessing the dial pad. Lifewire states that you don’t have to press “call” after entering the code. The phone will automatically process it.
Block Your Identity
Press *31# to activate caller ID and dial #31# to turn it off.
Deactivate call waiting
With a few button clicks, you can turn off the feature of call waiting. Press #43# if you want to turn the feature off and *43# if you want to turn it on.
Data Use and Privacy
Press *#*#4636 #*#*. to get information about your phone, such as battery data and usage statistics.
Check Battery Status
Dial *#0228# for battery status and statistics.
Decide Signal Strength
You can use field tests to test the connection strength of your phone. This will show your settings, your network and other technical information about your device.
Dial *#*#7262626 #*#*. to see if a booster system is needed or if the phone is not working.
Open Developer Options
You’ll need the developer options to be able to see a tre assure trove additional options. You can adjust the number of Bluetooth devices connected at once. You should be cautious about the features you change, as you do not want to alter your phone’s initial setup.
The dial pad is replaced by the Settings app. Open the Settings app, and then tap About Phone. Seven times, press the Build number. Enter your passcode, then return to the Settings menu. Select Developer Options and System Settings. Samsung devices should begin by tapping Software Information and then Build Number seven consecutive times.
Do you like to play with technology? We do too! You might enjoy dozens of other iPhone tricks. Try them out!
Cleaning up your phone can also be a good idea for all smartphone users to increase storage. It can also make phones run faster and more efficiently, making them more enjoyable to use.
