Did you know that smartphones are ‘equipped’ with secret codes that can unlock (or lock) a number of different functions? These secret codes, also known as ‘backdoors’, were originally intended to provide the OEMs with access to their respective devices for the purpose of troubleshooting.
However, the internet did what it does best and these secret codes became public knowledge that can be accessed and used by anyone that sets their mind on it.
Below is a list of 16 secret codes that we think you might find useful somewhere down the line.
Factory Reset
This function will basically restore your device to its original manufacturer settings. To do this, simply dial *#*#7780#*#*or go to Settings >Restore > Factory Reset.
How to Reinstall Firmware
To reinstall your smartphone’s firmware, open the dialer and type *2767*3855#. Another way to do is to this is to use a third party software and install new firmware modules via your computer.
How to Turn On Testing Services Mode
This feature is typically used by Android programmers and testers. To activate it, simply dial *#*#*#*#197328640 and the new Testing Menu will appear on the settings page.
Learn More About Your Phone Camera
The quality of the camera is often the deciding factor for many customers looking to buy a new smartphone. To find out more about the camera on any Android Smartphone, open the dialer and type in *#*#34971539#*#*.
How to Back Up Media Files
You don’t have to worry about your media files anymore as your smartphone has the ability to create backups. All you need to do is type in *#*#*273 283 255* 663 282*#*#*.
How to Access Google Talk Monitoring Service
If you suspect Google is ‘spying’ on you, there is a way for you to access their talk monitoring service and find out if, and to what extent, they have been monitoring you. Just open your dialer and type in *#*#8255#*#*.
How to Check the Battery Status
Obviously, you can check the status of your battery on your screen display. However, there is another way to do this and it is easy too. Just dial *#0228#.
How to Access Encryption Information
If you are interested to learn the type of encryption your phone is using to protect you, simply dial in *#32489#.
How to Access Data Usage Statistics
If you are not sure if your phone bill corresponds to the amount of data you think you’ve used, simply enter in *# 3282 * 727 336*#. This will tell you whether your phone company has done right by you or not.
3D Testing
Depending on your phone, you can test whether your device is capable of rendering 3D modules. To do this, simply enter 3845 #*920#.
How to Perform WLAN Testing
To check the status of your wireless network, just type in 528#*#*#*#* or 526#*#*#*#*.
How to Conduct GPS Test
GPS can sometimes be a bit off the mark so it might be wise for you to check just how accurate your GPS really is. To run a full GPS ‘diagnostic’ test, simply type in *#*#1575#*#*.
How to Test Your Bluetooth
Are you experiencing problems with your Bluetooth connections? If the answer is yes, you can test the status of your Bluetooth by dialing the following secret code: *#*#232331#*#*.
How to Check FTA Software
If you want to learn more about the type of software your smartphone is using, simply enter *#*#1111#*#*.
How to Check FTA Hardware
Having learned about your software, you may find yourself compelled to learn more about the hardware it is running on. You can do this by dialing *#*#2222#*#*.
Diagnostics Settings
If you want to see the configuration of your diagnostic testing, simply dial*#9090#.
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