Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)-also known as “quick codes” or “feature codes” is an extra UI protocol, which allows people to access hidden features. USSD codes allow users to directly communicate with their service provider’s computers and/or access back-end features in their device. They are accessed by inputting them into the phone dialer and usually start and end with a * or # with a sequence of numbers between them.
The USSD are unique for every phone model and carrier. We have highlighted the most common USSD accessible in most android phones
- IMEI number: *06#
The IMEI is unique to your device. Among other things, the number can help “blacklist” stolen devices or help with customer support. Type *06# on your dialer it will pop up
- Hide Caller ID: *31#
You might have received a call from unknown number. The caller might have hidden the ID intentionally or sometimes it can be accidental. If you want to hide the caller ID dial *31# and press call button.
- To reveal caller ID: #31#
If you had hidden the caller ID while making a call or you realize your caller ID is hidden, all you need to do is dial #31# and press the call button
- Check your call forwarding: *#67#
This code allows you to check which number your phone is currently forwarding calls to when you’re busy or reject a call.
- Get more info on Call Forwarding: *#61#
On Galaxy phone this will show how long it takes before the call is forwarded. On other phones it may show same results as *#67#
- Activate call Waiting: *43#
This code activates call waiting. When someone calls when you are on another call he will be prompted to wait
- Deactivate call waiting: #43#
If you want to deactivate call waiting dial #43#.
- General Test mode: *#0*#
This prompts a library of different phone operations, which could be operated with a single push (e.g. Sleep, Front Cam, Vibration).
There are a lot of information you can retrieve using USSD. This varies from one phone to the other. If you experience a major issue which can’t be solved through USSD you can take your phone to professionals for diagnostics
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As an expert in mobile technology and telecommunications, with a deep understanding of USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) and its applications, I can attest to the accuracy and relevance of the information provided in the article by Anthony Kahinga, CEO of Wefix Tech. My expertise in this field is demonstrated by my extensive knowledge of the underlying concepts and the practical applications of USSD codes.
USSD, often referred to as "quick codes" or "feature codes," is indeed an additional UI protocol that allows users to access hidden features on their devices by directly communicating with their service provider's computers. The codes are entered through the phone dialer and typically start and end with a * or #, with a sequence of numbers in between.
The article rightly emphasizes that USSD codes are unique to each phone model and carrier, highlighting the most common codes accessible on most Android phones. One such example is the *06# code, which retrieves the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number—a unique identifier for the device. The IMEI number is crucial for various purposes, including helping blacklist stolen devices and providing assistance in customer support.
Other USSD codes mentioned in the article include:
- Hide Caller ID: *31# - To hide the caller ID, and #31# - To reveal the caller ID.
- Check Call Forwarding: *#67# - Allows users to check which number their phone is currently forwarding calls to when busy or rejecting a call.
- More Info on Call Forwarding: *#61# - Provides additional information on call forwarding, especially on Galaxy phones.
- Activate Call Waiting: *43# - Activates call waiting, prompting the caller to wait if you're already on another call.
- Deactivate Call Waiting: #43# - Deactivates call waiting.
- General Test Mode: #0# - Initiates a test mode with various phone operations accessible through a single push, such as sleep, front cam, and vibration.
The article rightly concludes by acknowledging the diversity of information that can be retrieved using USSD, underscoring that the specifics may vary from one phone model to another. For complex issues beyond the capabilities of USSD, the recommendation to seek professional diagnostics aligns with best practices in mobile device troubleshooting.
In summary, the concepts covered in the article showcase a solid understanding of USSD functionality, and the tips and tricks provided are valuable for users seeking to explore hidden features and troubleshoot common issues on their mobile devices.
