The top Android secret codes that everyone user should know
Android offers useful customization options and hidden features. In addition to launchers, icon packs, and themes, you can explore shortcodes or secret codes to unlock extra features and run diagnostics on your Android phone. Some shortcodes work on all Android devices, while others are limited to third-party Android skins like One UI for Samsung phones.
We primarily focus on universal secret codes that work on most Android phones. These codes allow you to easily debug your device without relying on other hacks. Later, we list the exclusive codes for Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung devices.
The codes below don't work on an Apple iPhone running the iOS software.
Types of secret codes on Android
You can classify the Android secret codes into two main categories: manufactured-defined MMI codes and USSD codes. These codes have the same structure, so you won't notice a difference when running them.
- MMI: It stands for Man Machine Interface. A mobile phone manufacturer defines it and lets you access the hidden settings menu of your Android smartphone.
- USSD: It stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It is a communication protocol mobile carrier providers use. Your phone needs an active network connection for these codes to work. You can run these codes to find your phone's data usage, prepaid balance, and other carrier-specific information.
These secret codes are divided into three main categories.
- Information codes: These codes reveal essential information like the IMEI number, software version, and battery details. You don't need to dig through device settings to find such information when you memorize these codes.
- Testing codes: These codes test your phone's display and components like microphone, speaker, and more.
- Configuration codes: You can tweak network settings, Bluetooth, camera firmware, and call forwarding with these configuration codes.
How to run secret codes on your Android
USSD and MMI codes have the same structure. Generally, these start with an asterisk (*), end with a hash (#), and use a combination of numbers, asterisks, and hash symbols in between. To run these codes, open the phone dialer and type the code.
Most codes run automatically when you enter the last hash (#) symbol. You may need to tap the call button to run some codes. Now that you have basic information about Android secret codes, let's check them in action.
Best secret codes for Android
Some secret codes run on all Android devices, regardless of the manufacturer, while some only work on specific Android OEM devices. If a code doesn't work on your Android device, your device OEM doesn't support it.
Find your device's IMEI number (*#06#)
An IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity number, is a 15-digit unique identifier number assigned to phones running on a GSM network. If your device is lost or stolen, you can use your device's IMEI number to block it. To find the IMEI number of your Android smartphone, use the *#06# code in your phone's dialer.
Display phone information and usage statistics (*#*#4636#*#*)
One of the most useful Android secret codes is the *#*#4636#*#* code, which displays your phone info, usage statistics, and Wi-Fi details. You can get a detailed view of your battery usage statistics and Wi-Fi details, set your preferred network type, and run ping tests.
Find SAR values and regulatory labels (#07#)
A device's SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value shows you the rate of RF (radio frequency) absorbed by your body from your smartphone. You'll find the SAR value and other regulatory information by dialing the #07# code.
Software and hardware info (*#12580*369#)
If you want to find your phone's software and hardware information, dial *#12580*369# to get the details instead of navigating through your Settings menu.
Find the MAC address (*#*#232338#*#*)
MAC, or Media Access Control address, is a 12-digit unique identifier that identifies any device on a network. If you want to spoof your Mac address for privacy reasons, use the *#*#232338#*#* code to check your current MAC address to see whether your spoof is working.
View calendar information (*#*#225#*#*)
This code is for checking the calendar information of all the linked Google calendars on your smartphone. When you run the *#*#225#*#* code, it displays the number of birthdays, holidays, and events on your calendar.
Perform Google Play Services diagnostic (*#*#426#*#*)
If Google Play Services misbehaves on your smartphone, run the *#*#426#*#* secret code to get the Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) diagnostics to see the status of your Google Play Services.
Perform a GPS test (*#*#1472365#*#*)
If your device's navigation doesn't work, run the *#*#1472365#*#* code to perform a GPS test to find whether it's a hardware or software issue.
Turn on and turn off caller ID (*31#)
If you don't want to display your caller ID (phone number) when you call someone, use the *31# code to turn it off. If your caller ID is turned off, running the *31# code activates it.
Activate call waiting services (*43#)
If you want to be notified when someone calls you while on a call, activate call waiting services on your phone by dialing *43#. If you don't want to be distracted while on a call, turn it off. Like caller ID, you can run the same code to turn it on and off.
Battery status & health (*#0228#)
If you notice a considerable drop in your phone's battery life, run a battery status and health test using the secret code *#0228#. It displays the power source, current voltage, charge details, health stats, and other details.
Check camera hardware specs (##34971539##)
You can find more details about your Android phone's rear and front cameras by running the ##34971539## secret code. You can verify the hardware specs, number of cameras, maximum zoom, and other aspects.
Limit background process (##0283##)
Do you experience degraded performance on your Android phone? Several services running in the background may cause performance issues. You can run the ##0283## secret code to suspend the background process on your phone. The secret code is helpful for old Android phones with low-end hardware.
Check signal strength (3001#12345#)
This is another handy secret code for your Android phone. If you face network signal problems, use the 3001#12345# code to check signal strength. It displays signal strength in dBm units.
Check call forwarding status (*#67#)
You can run the *#67# code to check whether call forwarding services are active on your phone.
Run a factory reset (*#*#7780#*#*)
If you want to delete all the data on your device to start fresh, factory reset your Android smartphone using the *#*#7780#*#* secret code. This deletes all the data on your device. Only enter this code if you know what you are doing.
Other secret codes for Android
Here are several other secret codes to run on your Android smartphone to reveal hidden information. We ran these secret codes on Google Pixel and Samsung devices. Some worked and others didn't. Your mileage may vary depending on the smartphone brand you use.
- *#*#2664#*#* → Touch-screen version and testing
- *#*#0842#*#* → Test vibration and backlight
- *#*#232339#*#* → Test Wi-Fi network
- *#*#0588#*#* → Proximity sensor test
- *#*#273282*255*663282*#*#* → Create device media backup
- *#*#34971539#*#* → Display camera information
- *#*#3264#*#* → Check RAM version
- *#*#2486#*#* → Engineering mode (Motorola)
- *#888# → Engineering mode (OnePlus)
- *#*#2947322243#*#* → Wipe internal memory (OnePlus)
- *#0*# → Open hardware diagnostic (Samsung Galaxy)
- *#0228# → Display battery information (Samsung)
- *#0808# → USB settings (Samsung)
- *#9090# → Advanced debugging tools (Samsung)
Use these secret codes to find Android's hidden features
Memorize the important secret codes to find your Android phone's hidden information and troubleshoot common glitches quickly. You can also bookmark this post and revisit it whenever you want to perform diagnostic tasks. Your Android phone is much more capable than these secret codes. Check out the top Android 14 tips and tricks to get the best out of your new Android phone.