14 secret Android security codes you need to know

USSD codes, also known as secret codes, are simply codes used to unlock hidden actions on your smartphone.

Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world today. And if you've been using an Android device for a while, you probably already know about USSD codes.

USSD codes, also known as "secret codes", are simply codes used to unlock hidden actions on your smartphone. Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a user interface protocol that you can use to access hidden features in your smartphone.

To run any Android security code, you must enter it directly into the dialer. If entered correctly, the code will answer automatically or you may have to press dial. So what are the most popular Android security codes? And what do these "secret codes" actually do?

1. 27673855# (Erase device and reinstall firmware)

This is one of the most effective Android security codes that you can use to quickly erase all information from your device. Think of it as a factory reset - enter this code in your dialer and run it, it will effectively wipe all data from your phone. This code also reinstalls the firmware.

Caution : This is a hard reset process and will wipe everything, so use it only in emergencies.

2. ##7780## (Factory Reset)

If you don't want to do a hard reset, this is the most suitable method. Similar to factory reset, this code will erase all app data from your device, as well as any apps. It will then return your device to its original state.

If you don't want to reset and reinstall the firmware and just want to delete all your personal data, apps and app data from your device, then this is the best option. That makes it great for privacy if you're going to sell your phone.

3. *#06# (Check IMEI of device)

14 secret Android security codes you need to know Picture 1 14 secret Android security codes you need to know Picture 1

This is another important code that you can use to check if the IMEI of your device is the same as the one mentioned in the box. Most modern smartphones have IMEI printed on the back, but if you want to be sure, you can check with this code.

Just open the dialer, add the code and it will return the IMEI. If you do this on a Samsung Android device, it will also show you the device's serial number. This is important for security purposes, especially if you are going to buy a used device.

4. #0# (Enable general test mode)

Android phone not working properly? You would easily suspect third-party interference affecting it. Enter this code on your Android device and it will show you a bunch of different features, including:

Touch test.
Front cam.
LED.
Sub key.
Barcode emulation test.
Device version.
RGB testing.
Check Grip sensor.

If you suspect any root-level spoofing on your device, you can test individual features using this mode. From device version to front cam, each module can be tested separately.

5. ##232338## (Show MAC address)

A Media Access Control address, also known as a MAC address, is a unique address assigned to every device. This is important because it can be used to identify a computer when it connects to a network.

If you suspect MAC spoofing on your device, you can view the MAC address on your device and check it on your network to make sure it's correct.

6. ##4636## (Check battery, WiFi and other info)

This is a useful code that returns battery, WLAN and additional information from your device. For instance, it can show you statistics about the most commonly used mobile apps, and you can also get detailed information on battery consumption and WiFi usage. If you are going to buy a used phone, this can be really helpful.

It gives you accurate data like battery temperature or voltage. This can be important for security as an app consuming too much battery can be a sign of something malicious.

7. ##7594## (Change power button behavior)

14 secret Android security codes you need to know Picture 2 14 secret Android security codes you need to know Picture 2

If you want to change the behavior of the power button, you can use this code. Instead of having to hold the power button, then choose from the Power Menu to turn off your phone, this code allows you to turn off your phone without showing the Power Menu.

This code can be useful when you want to quickly turn off your device in dangerous situations. The next time the device is powered on, it will ask for a password, thus keeping your data safe in case it is stolen.

8. #3282727336*# (View system and storage information)

This important code allows you to view system and storage information. You can also view statistics regarding data usage with this code. While such data is difficult to tamper with, it can still be done. By running this USSD code, you can get accurate information about your device's internal Android system and available memory.

Any data consumption on the device will also be displayed on your screen when you use this code.

9. *#67# (Check call forwarding)

If you want to know if your calls are forwarded to another number use this code. That will tell you if call forwarding is active on your device, and it will also tell you the number your calls are being forwarded to. In case calls are being forwarded when your number is busy or when you reject a call, you will know about it too.

In most cases, you will only find this as the official voicemail service of your carrier. And you also have the option to change this setting by going to Android's call settings.

10. *31# (Disable Caller ID)

14 secret Android security codes you need to know Picture 3 14 secret Android security codes you need to know Picture 3

If you want to keep your privacy and prevent others from knowing when you call them, you can disable the caller ID using this code.

If you want to re-enable Caller ID, simply add the code again. It will show you a message indicating whether the service is enabled or disabled each time you add it.

11. ##34971539## (View camera information)

The last code on our list allows you to view comprehensive information about the camera, including the number of cameras, maximum zoom level, firmware version and other details. Given the fact that mobile cameras now have several modules, this code can help you identify any tampering with the camera's firmware.

12. *43# (Enable call waiting)

If you're someone who is always on the phone, then call waiting might be just what you're looking for. With call waiting, you can make a second incoming call by keeping your first call on hold. In fact, in some cases you can also switch between calls.

For example, if you think you're on the phone with a scammer and someone else calls you, you can switch to that call and step away from the scammer to think things through and perhaps seek advice.

Simply enter the code into the dialer and the service will be activated on your phone. In contrast, when you want to disable it, the code only has to be tweaked slightly; just enter #43# and call waiting will be disabled.

13. ##49862650468##* (Check firmware information)

This is a handy code that you can use to check the firmware information. This is an important security code because you can use it to check if your device's firmware has been tampered with. In many cases, rooting the device will change the firmware, so this can help you know if the phone is running stock firmware or not.

The code can help return important information like smartphone model, hardware, radio, and if you're using an older Android device, even the date of manufacture. It's a useful code to find out if someone tampered with your smartphone, especially if you bought a used phone.

14. ##197328640## (Activate Service Mode)

Service mode on Android allows you to run a series of tests, including speaker tests, on-screen RGB calibration, tactile and vibration, and more. You can also change some network settings with this code.

You should always know what's going on behind the scenes on your smartphone. So you can use this code to get more information about network and radio related activities on your device including LTE status and Security Information Management (SIM) i.e. log file and can further access the debug screen. This allows you to access the EFS partition (and have write permissions) to check all information related to your radio signal, IMEI, SIM card and even WiFi and Bluetooth networks.