There’s a little secret among smart phone developers. Often times in order to keep open areas of the phones data, memory or access, the programmers must leave open these little access codes to gain entry into otherwise blocked off “doors”. These little shortcuts and, codes, as they are known by allow any developer on many platforms access to new menus, and other diagnostics that most device owners have no idea exist.
Since the coding and programs for most phones are different, even from generation to generation, not all of these codes will work, but try them out and impress your friends or show off that you look like you can hack into your phone. I’m sure it will impress somebody. Here’s a list of a few codes, but beware, some of these can reverse other blocks, and make your phone act very differently and sometimes even damage components of the internal system. Just be careful, but have fun. They are all designed to be entered from the numeric entry keypad in the phone.
*#06# – IMEI number
*#0*# – Enter the service menu on newer phones like Galaxy S III
*#*#4636#*#* – Phone information, usage statistics and battery
*#*#34971539#*#* – Detailed camera information
*#*#273282*255*663282*#*#* – Immediate backup of all media files
*#*#197328640#*#* – Enable test mode for service
*#*#232339#*#* – Wireless LAN tests
*#*#0842#*#* – Backlight/vibration test
*#*#2664#*#* – Test the touchscreen
*#*#1111#*#* – FTA software version (1234 in the same code will give PDA and firmware version)
*#12580*369# – Software and hardware info
*#9090# – Diagnostic configuration
*#872564# – USB logging control
*#9900# – System dump mode
*#301279# – HSDPA/HSUPA Control Menu
*#7465625# – View phone lock status
*#*#7780#*#* – Reset the /data partition to factory state
*2767*3855# – Format device to factory state (will delete everything on phone)
##7764726 – Hidden service menu for Motorola Droid
More of these secret codes can be found on the internet, and probably ones designed specifically for your device. Have a quick search and show off your hacking skills to your unknowing friends!