USSD codes on Android are not just secret codes that will help us nerds to play with our smartphones, even brick them sometimes. They can be useful for accessing information on your device, for development, or for performing actions quickly.
What are android secret codes?
USSD codes
They are often confused with secret codes on Android. First of all, USSD stands forUnstructured Supplementary Service Data, which is Frenchfor additional service for unstructured data. It is a protocol that allows information to be sent via GSM, 3G or 4G networks. The idea is to be able to trigger actions remotely, by sending a specific code for each.
To enter them, simply proceed directly from the call application pad. They usually start and end with a sharp or an asterisk. You can find the list with your operator, as atOrangefor example. Some orders have been standardized and are available worldwide, unchanged. They allow for example to program a call transfer.
You can request information from your operator’s servers thanks to them, that’s all. They are used at the same level as the secret codes specific to Android, which is why it is easy to confuse them.
In fact, it is traditionally used to request information from its mobile operator. You may know the famous Orange # 123 #, which lets you know your credit balance. It’s a USSD code!
The hidden side of USSD codes
This is less true now, but at one time some experts sounded the alarm about the possibilities ofexploitson Android. The protocol can be used for malicious purposes by applications or even sites.
In late 2012, for example, a scandal hit the flagships of Samsung. They were vulnerable to a factory reset code, which could be launched directly from a web page. That said, I’m not sure what the interest is for the author of this hack, for once.
Android secret codes
They have a peculiarity, they always end in a sharp, but generally start with an asterisk. Unlike the USSD codes, we do not need to be connected to the network to activate them: logic, they act directly from and on the Android system.
They are actually stored in system files and depend on the version installed on the smartphone. Many codes have become obsolete when switching to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. By far the most interesting of these is the phone information menu.
In addition, note that since the arrival of Lollipop certain codes are deleted, others implemented. We update the list when we get info, regularly.
Also note that some manufacturers are adding their grain of salt with new codes on some of their terminals. We try to give you as complete a list as possible. It will eventually be updated when we discover new secret codes.
Warning:these codes can make you lose your data or even make your smartphone unusable. Most of the menus are in English and include obscure or even incomprehensible terms for ordinary people. Apply the most basic rule in DIY: if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, don’t do it.
List of secret codes on Android
Information codes:
- * # 06 # – phone IMEI
- * # 0 * # – Information menu (does not work on all phones)
- * # * # 4636 # * # * – Information menu
- * # * # 34971539 # * # * – Camera information menu
- * # * # 1111 # * # * – FTA software version
- * # 12580 * 369 # – Software and hardware info
- * # 7465625 # – Device lock status
- * # * # 232338 # * # * – Shows the MAC address of the device
- * # * # 2663 # * # * – Shows the version of the touch screen
- * # * # 3264 # * # * – Show version of RAM
- * # * # 232337 # * # – Shows the Bluetooth address of the device
- * # * # 8255 # * # * – Google Talk service status
- * # * # 4986 * 2650468 # * # * – Show info on phone, hardware and PDA
- * # * # 1234 # * # * – Show info about PDA and firmware
- * # * # 2222 # * # * – Show FTA info
- * # * # 44336 # * # * – Show firmware date and change list
- * # 0228 # – Battery status
- * # 3282 * 727336 * # – Data usage status
- * # 03 # – NAND flash serial number
- * 2767 * 4387264636 # – Display of the product code
Backup codes:
- * # * # 273282 * 255 * 663282 * # * # * – Backup of all media files
- * # 8736364 # – OTA updates menu
Test codes:
- * # * # 197328640 # * # * – Test mode
- * # * # 232339 # * # * – Wifi test
- * # * # 526 # * # * – Wifi test
- * # * # 0842 # * # * – Brightness / vibration test
- * # * # 2664 # * # * – Touch screen test
- * # * # 232331 # * # * – Bluetooth test
- * # * # 7262626 # * # * – Field test
- * # * # 1472365 # * # * – Rapid GPS test
- * # * # 1575 # * # * – Full GPS test
- * # * # 0283 # * # * – Loopback packet test
- * # * # 0 * # * # * – LCD screen test
- * # * # 0289 # * # * – Audio test
- * # * # 0673 # * # * – Audio test
- * # * # 0588 # * # * – Proximity sensor test
- * # 0782 # – Clock test
- * # 0589 # – Light sensor test
- * # 7353 # – Quick test menu
Configuration codes:
- * # 9090 # – Configuration diagnostic
- * # 301279 # – HSDPA / HSUPA control menu
- * # 872564 # – USB logging control
- * # 2263 # – Selection of bands
- * # 7284 # – Control of USB 12C mode
- ** 05 *** # – Unlocking the PUK code from the emergency call screen
Useful codes for development:
- * # 9900 # – System dump mode
- ## 778 (+ call) – Show the EPST menu
- * # 273283 * 255 * 3282 * # – Data creation menu
- * # 746 # – Debug dump menu
Manufacturer-specific Android secret codes:
Motorola
- ## 7764726 – Hidden menu on Motorola Droid
HTC
- * # * # 3424 # * # * – HTC test program
- ## 786 # – Reverse logistics support (info sent to the manufacturer)
- ## 3282 # – EPST menu
- ## 3424 # – Diagnostic mode
- * # * # 8255 # * # * – Monitoring Google Talk
- ## 33284 # – Field Test
- ## 8626337 # – Launches the VOCODER
- * # * # 4636 # * # * – Show HTC information menu
- # * # 759 # * # * – Debug of the UI
Samsung
- * # * # 197328640 # * # * – Main menu of service mode
- * # 32489 # – Information on encryption
- * # 4238378 # – GCF configuration
- * # 3214789650 # – LBS test mode
- * # 745 # – RIL Dump Menu
- * # 7412365 # – Camera firmware menu
- * # 528 # – Technical mode of Wifi
- * # 07 # – History of tests
- * # 272886 # – Selection of automatic responses
Other Android secret codes:
- * # 7780 # – Factory Reset
- * 2767 * 3855 # – Full Factory Reset
- * # * # 7594 # * # * – Change the function of the power button
- * # * # 8351 # * # * – Activate the dialing log mode
- # * # 8350 # * # * – Disables dialing log mode
Codes not to be used, risk of data loss or destruction of the smartphone.
* # * # 7780 # * # * – Reset the / data partition* 2767 * 3855 # – Formatting the device
Do you think these codes are useful? If you note that some do not work under certain versions, do not hesitate to let us know!