15 amazing phone features you haven't heard of

Even an old push-button telephone has a hidden menu, access to which requires entering a special key combination. Some of them work on all mobile phones, but most are only suitable for models from certain manufacturers or running a specific operating system. Let's look at 15 codes that may come in handy.

Request IMEI number

Each phone has its own personal identifier (IMEI), which is never repeated. You can view IMEI on the phone screen by typing a key combination *#06#. It will work on absolutely any phone, even an old push-button one. IMEI is used by law enforcement agencies when searching for a stolen phone, so in case of such trouble, it will need to be provided.

Hiding your number when making an outgoing call on iPhone

Apple smartphones include a code *#30#, after entering which subscribers will not be able to see the caller’s number from this phone. This function is disabled by seeing the same combination again.

Calling the statistical information menu about your Android phone

If you type the key combination on your smartphone *#*#4636#*#*, a hidden menu will open where you can view statistical information about your phone, such as battery temperature, battery voltage, and other data.

Barring calls on iPhone

iPhone users can dial the combination on their phone *33*#to bar calls without having to turn off your mobile phone. To cancel the function you will need to press #33*PIN#.

Factory reset on Android

If you made mistakes when customizing your phone, after which the smartphone began to work incorrectly, you can return the factory settings using the combination *#*#7780#*#*. After entering it, all settings and accounts will be erased.

Full reset of settings with data clearing on Android

Key combination *2767*3855# permanently erases absolutely everything from the phone. This can be useful if you want to sell or give away your smartphone, when you don’t want another person to find the old owner’s confidential information in the device.

Improve call quality on iPhone

Entering the combination *3370# You can switch your smartphone to EFR encoding mode, which means better communication reception. This will be useful if you need to make a call in an area with poor coverage. The disadvantage of this encoding is faster battery consumption. After the call, you can turn off the mode using the combination #3370#.

Access audio recordings of phone conversations on Android

If you enter a key combination *#*#8351#*#* On many smartphones running the Android operating system, you can launch a mode that allows you to listen to your last 20 telephone conversations.

Finding a service center number on iPhone

If you want to contact the mobile operator’s service center, you can dial the code *#5005*7672# and his number will appear on the screen.

Disabling an Android smartphone

If the power button is broken, you can turn off the smartphone using the combination *#*#7595#*#*. Unfortunately, you still need a button to turn it back on.

Expanding call waiting functionality on iPhone

By dialing the combination on your phone *43# and by pressing the call key, you can see incoming calls even if there is already one conversation in progress and the second line is on hold. The function allows you to quickly switch between calls. To return to the old operating mode you need to dial #43# and challenge.

Accessing the service menu in Samsung Galaxy

If you dial the code *#0011# on Samsung Galaxy, you can open the service menu.

Digital signal strength display on iPhone

The graphical icon for the strength of the received communication signal indicates very approximate data. To get the real numerical expression of the signal, you can enter the combination *3001#12345#*, then hold down the Power button until the power off slider appears and click the Home button. The digital expression of the signal will appear on the screen. The indicator -140 DMB is the lowest signal level, and -40 DMB is the highest. To exit this mode, you must re-enter the code and press Home.

Send all incoming calls to voicemail on iPhone

Code *#21# will transfer all incoming calls to voicemail. Disabling forwarding is done by re-entering the same combination.

Hiding a number on an outgoing call

Having dialed the combination #31#+phone number You can hide your number when calling. The code works on iOS and Android.

Unfortunately, there are few completely universal codes that work on absolutely any phone. Still, the list will probably contain several effective and useful combinations for each device.

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