Secret codes for Android devices to access hidden information

Our Android devices hold a large amount of information about the hardware and system that an average user might find difficult to access. But if you know the secret codes that Android uses to bring up this information, you can find out all sorts of hidden stuff about your device. For example, if the IMEI number – used to uniquely identify your device and block its use if stolen - has rubbed off the back of your phone and it isn't printed inside the battery cover, a simple button combination can bring it up on screen.

With only your dialer and some codes you can get lots of secret info about your Android. / © AndroidPIT

The code entry procedure is very simple and only requires you to bring up your dialer keypad and enter the appropriate number sequence. Not every code works on every device or every version of Android, so don't despair if a particular code doesn't work for you: it's not you, it's the code. Here are the best-known codes for Android.

If you want to get your IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) number, which is essential in case your device is stolen and you want to block the thief from accessing your network, all you have to do is dial *#06#

Your IMEI is one of the most important details on your Android device. 

Ever wanted your Power button to just turn off your phone without bringing up the menu first? Enter *#*#7594#*#* to enable direct power off.

Maybe you just want to know your country code (Country Services Code or CSC), which is of course useful if you're having any problems displaying notifications or data that's based on your country, like map content. Just enter *#1234# and apparently you can change your CSC with *#272*<insert IMEI number here>* - this didn't work for me though.

If you want your PDA, Phone, CSC, Build Time and Changelist number (useful for flashing Samsung devices in Odin for example), just enter *#*#44336#*#*

The Testing Menu offers a wealth of interesting info on your device. 

However, if you need additional testing information about your device, like phone or battery information, your usage statistics or Wi-Fi information, you can simply enter *#*#4636#*#*

Maybe you just need your Wi-Fi MAC address instead? Just enter *#*#232338#*#*

And if you want to factory reset your device (do not take this lightly – this will erase all of your data and apps) enter *#*#7780#*#* or for a hard reset (all apps, data, full reformatting of your phone, including firmware) enter *2767*3855#

A nice option if you're having problems with the stock Email app. / 

Some others you might want to try:

*#*#8255#*#* to access GTalk Service Monitor
*#*#36245#*#* to access Email debug info Email
*#*#225#*#* events calendar
*#*#426#*#* debug info for Google Play Service
*#*#759#*#* to access Google Partner Setup

The list goes on, there are many other codes for all sorts of tests, resets and more - codes that allow you to quickly reach the farthest corners of your device. Here, in addition to those mentioned above, you'll find a substantial list of codes for Samsung and HTC models.

Maybe you'll never actually need them, but if one day you do you know where to find them!