Think you’ve explored every inch of your Android phone? Think again. Beneath the familiar icons and settings lies a world of hidden functions—and all it takes to unlock them is a few secret codes typed into your phone app. These shortcuts can reveal technical details, diagnose performance issues, or even tidy up your system. Here’s how to access them—and why they’re worth knowing.
How secret Android codes work
If you’ve ever dialed something like #123# to check your mobile balance, you’ve already used a similar system. But Android’s secret codes belong to a more advanced category called MMI (Man Machine Interface) codes. They’re typically a mix of symbols like * and #, followed by a string of numbers.
To use them, simply open your phone’s dialer, type in the full code, and hit call. Some commands display information immediately, while others trigger background actions—so don’t panic if nothing appears right away. It’s also worth noting that not every code works on every phone. Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi models, for example, all have slightly different responses, depending on what their manufacturers allow.
And yes—a word of caution. A few codes can make irreversible changes to your device, like erasing all internal data. Stick to the safe ones below unless you’re absolutely sure what a command does.
The most useful secret codes for Android
Here are six codes that open up handy, safe-to-use tools hidden deep inside Android.
1. *#06# — Find your IMEI number
Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is like your phone’s digital fingerprint. It’s a unique 15- to 17-digit code used by mobile networks to identify and authorise your device. If your phone is lost or stolen, having this number can help your carrier block it from being used on any network. Just type the code, and your IMEI will pop up instantly.
2. *#07# — Check your phone’s SAR level
SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate, which measures the amount of electromagnetic energy your body absorbs from your device. Every phone sold in the US and Europe must meet safety standards set by organisations like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). This code lets you view your device’s SAR value in seconds—useful if you’re health-conscious or just curious about your gadget’s emissions.
3. ##4636## — Access detailed phone and data info
This is a favourite among Android enthusiasts. Type it in, and you’ll access a hidden testing menu packed with detailed data about your network, signal strength, and Wi-Fi status. It even displays how much mobile data you’ve used and your current connection speed. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes insight that tech support might ask for—only now, you can see it for yourself.
4. *#9900# — Clear system logs on Samsung devices
If your Samsung phone feels a bit sluggish, this code can help. It opens a “SysDump” menu that lets you delete temporary log files your phone has accumulated over time. It’s like clearing digital dust from under the carpet—your system runs smoother, and you free up valuable storage space.
5. *#2663# — Fix Wi-Fi issues
We’ve all been there: Wi-Fi drops for no reason, and toggling airplane mode doesn’t help. This Samsung-specific code refreshes the Wi-Fi firmware, which can resolve minor bugs. Once you type it in, tap “Refresh Wi-Fi Version,” let your phone restart, and voilà—your connection should stabilise.
6. ##7287## — Run diagnostics on Google Pixel phones
For Google Pixel users, this one’s a gem. It opens Pixel Diagnostics, a built-in app that tests your hardware before and after repairs. From screen responsiveness to speaker output, it’s a thorough check-up for your phone. Just remember—it’s currently available only in English, and you may need to switch your device language to access it.
A few final tips
Before you rush to try these, keep in mind that not all codes are universal. Your phone’s manufacturer or carrier may disable some. And while it’s fun to explore, tread carefully—avoid unknown combinations you find online unless confirmed by Android’s official documentation or major manufacturers.
Still, these codes are an eye-opener. They reveal just how much functionality lies beneath Android’s surface. Once you start experimenting, you might never look at your “simple” phone the same way again. Sometimes, a little curiosity (and a few taps of the # key) is all it takes to make your tech feel brand new.
I have a Pixel 9a. None of these codes work for me.