Android phones are packed with features, many of which are easily accessible through the settings menu. However, some of the most interesting and useful features are hidden behind secret codes that you can dial directly into the Phone app. These codes allow you to access detailed information about your device, run diagnostics, and even clean up your phone. Here’s a guide to some of the most useful secret codes you should know.
How Do Android Secret Codes Work?
The secret codes for Android phones are similar to USSD codes (like #123# for checking your balance with a carrier), but they go a step further. These codes fall under the MMI (Man-Machine Interface) category, which allows you to interact with your device beyond the normal interface. They typically start and end with a hash (#) or asterisk (*), and once entered into your phone’s dialer, they automatically execute their corresponding function.
To use these codes, simply follow these steps:
• Open the Phone app.
• Enter the code using the dialer.
• The code will execute automatically, and while you may not always see a visual response, rest assured that the action has been carried out.
Note that some phones, especially from different manufacturers, may not support all codes. It’s also worth mentioning that some codes could potentially affect your device if misused, so it’s important to proceed with caution.
1. *#06# – Display Your IMEI NumberOne of the most essential pieces of information about your phone is its
IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity), a unique identifier used to register your device on mobile networks. Whether you need it for security reasons or technical support, knowing your IMEI is crucial.
Simply type *#06# into your dialer, and your IMEI number(s) will appear on the screen. This code works across a variety of Android phones, including Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and Xiaomi devices.
2. *#07# – Check Your SAR (Specific Absorption Rate)The
SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) is a measure of the amount of electromagnetic energy your phone emits, and it’s important to know whether your device meets the safety standards set by health organizations. Some people may be concerned about the impact of radiation from their devices, and this code helps you find the
SAR value of your phone.
For devices like Google Pixel, this code will show the SAR value, although it may not work on all Samsung or Xiaomi models.
3. ##4636## – Access Detailed Information About Your DeviceIf you’re curious about your phone’s internal stats, this code opens up a diagnostic menu with a wealth of information. It divides into three sections:
Phone Information,
Data Statistics, and
Wi-Fi Information.
In the
Phone Information tab, you’ll find details like your
IMEI, network type, signal strength, and even the bandwidth speed. This can be useful if you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or simply want to know more about your phone’s performance.
This code works on
Google Pixel and
Xiaomi devices, but not on
Samsung Galaxy phones.
4. *#9900# – Delete Temporary FilesOver time, your phone accumulates temporary files that can slow it down. If you’ve noticed your device becoming sluggish, this code can help clean up by deleting unnecessary system logs and other temporary files.
After dialing *#9900#, a menu will appear. Simply click “Delete dumpstate/logcat,” and the system will delete the cached files. This code is functional on Samsung Galaxy devices, but it doesn’t work on Google Pixel or Xiaomi phones.
5. *#2663# – Fix Wi-Fi IssuesSometimes, your Wi-Fi may not perform as well as it should, or you may encounter connection issues. This code can help resolve those problems by updating the Wi-Fi firmware on your device.
Once you enter *#2663#, you can click the “
Refresh Wi-Fi Version” button to update your device’s Wi-Fi micro-firmware. Afterward, your phone will reboot to apply the changes. It’s a handy trick if you’re experiencing Wi-Fi dropouts, and it works on
Samsung Galaxy devices, but not on
Google Pixel or Xiaomi phones.
6. ##7287## – Access Google Pixel Diagnostics ToolIf you’re using a
Google Pixel device, this code is a useful diagnostic tool, especially if you need to check your phone before or after a repair. Dial ##7287## to open the
Pixel Diagnostics app, which will allow you to run various tests on your phone’s hardware and performance. Currently, this app is available only in English and is exclusive to
Google Pixel phones.
Be Cautious With These CodesWhile these secret codes can be incredibly useful, they also carry risks if used incorrectly. Some codes might cause irreversible changes to your device, like erasing memory or resetting settings. Always make sure to check the code’s purpose before using it, and avoid codes that you’re not fully sure about.
In conclusion, knowing these Android secret codes can give you access to
hidden features and important information about your phone. While not all codes work on every device, experimenting with those that are compatible with your model can help optimize your phone’s performance and make troubleshooting easier. Always be cautious when using unfamiliar codes, and enjoy exploring the hidden gems of your Android device.
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