These secret codes can unlock options you by no means knew existed in your iPhone and Android

With Apple and Android rolling out new fashions and updates quicker than we will sustain with, it typically looks like we have solely simply received to grips with our newest handset earlier than we’re forking out on the following mannequin.

Apple retains issues barely extra constant because of its yearly launch of the following iPhone and the brand new simplified iOS naming system, however with 2025 revealing the usual mannequin, higher-priced iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, and the iPhone Air, we had been spoiled for alternative.

As telephones proceed to evolve at breakneck pace, even those that take into account themselves probably the most tech-savvy can typically be left feeling like they’re relics from a bygone period. If you wish to hold your self updated and down with the youngsters, PC Mag has revealed a collection of ‘secret’ codes that you simply may not know are lurking within the background of your iPhone and Android units.

What are the ‘secret’ cellphone codes?

We’re reminded that coders have a historical past of making backdoors or Easter eggs that may solely be accessed through a key.

Not simply restricted to programmers, most people can achieve entry through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), which can be known as ‘fast codes’ or ‘function codes’. Although initially created for Global System for Mobile Communications telephones on the 2G community, it may well nonetheless be discovered on trendy 4G and 5G telephones.

There are apparently round 800 Man Machine Interface (MMI) codes for particular units, with customers capable of unlock them by means of the straightforward use of their keypads. Allowing you to straight talk with a service supplier’s computer systems, we’ll admit that the majority of those codes are fairly ineffective for on a regular basis use. After all, how usually have you ever wanted to understand how close by cell towers are performing?

Remembering that many codes do not cross over with carriers, the outlet suggests you do an web seek for your machine’s make and provider, in addition to “USSD” or “MMI” for an correct checklist. Still, strive punching within the following codes and see what occurs.

Field Mode: *3001#12345#*

Typing on this code and urgent the decision button will grant you perception into ‘Field Mode’, which successfully offers you the rundown on native networks and cell towers. The purpose this one is helpful is because of it revealing your sign energy.

IMEI Display: *#06#

If you’ve got ever tried to promote your cellphone, you will possible want an IMEI quantity. This distinctive sequence hyperlinks your cellphone to a selected quantity and also can affirm whether or not a tool has been blacklisted.

Call Forwarding: *#67# and *#21#

If you are attempting to get some much-needed R&R however wish to verify the place your calls are being forwarded to, it is at all times greatest to double-check.

Call Waiting: 43 (Various Combinations)

Although completely different on completely different carriers, *#43# deactivates name ready on AT&T.

Available Minutes: 646

As 646 spells out ‘MIN’ on a keypad, it is no shock that this lets you understand how many minutes you may have left. Handy when you aren’t on a limiteless plan.

Billing Cycle: 3282

If you are recognized for forgetting when your month-to-month invoice is popping out, 3282 (spelling ‘DATA’) will reveal how lengthy your present cycle is and what your utilization ranges are.

Caller ID: #31#

There could possibly be any variety of causes you wish to block caller ID, however that is particularly to be used on landlines, with blocking Caller ID usually requiring you to cellphone customer support.

Test Alert Status: *5005*25371#

With complaints about receiving authorities alerts, you’ll be able to silence the tip of the world by calling *5005*25370#.

Check Account Balance: *777# (Prepaid) or *225# (Contract)

Similar to testing your billing cycle, dial *777# on a pay as you go cellphone to get a textual content about how a lot you’ve got received left.

Android Phone Stats: *#*#4636#*#*

Specifically for Android customers, this one brings up a testing panel with the likes of 5G/LTE debugging data, utilization stats, and Wi-Fi info. We’ll admit we do not perceive a lot of it.

Call Barring: *#33#

To fully shut out the world, name barring blocks all incoming and outgoing calls. Still, you will have to know the PIN quantity to your SIM or eSIM card to activate it.

Read the Regulations: *#07#

If you wish to take a look at all of the authorized jargon and regulatory details about your cellphone, merely sort *#07#. iPhone customers can discover this beneath Settings > General > Legal & Regulatory.

Wipe Your Android Device: *2767*3855#

We’d keep away from attempting to check this one, because the above code reportedly performs a full manufacturing facility reset in your Android, even going so far as reinstalling a tool’s unique firmware.