The claim: Dialing this secret code will show if someone is monitoring your phone calls
AsAmericans continue working, socializing, shopping and living from home, our phones are increasingly involved in our daily lives. For some, this heightened dependence means heightened vulnerability to cyber-securitythreats.
A video posted to Instagram July 15 claims iPhone and Android users can test to see if someone is monitoring their phone useby dialing a secret code.
In the video, posted by @whodafckwannago2prison, a man holds an iPhone and demos how users should type *#21# to test their devices. He tells viewers to dispose of their phones if the next screen indicates that any of the listed features have been enabled.
The post quickly inspired hundred of comments from Instagram users sharing the results of their own test and expressing concerns about the security of their devices. Some questioned the validity of the code and the post's motivation.
“It worked but why do I feel like I just opened up my phone to whatever scam he doing,” @619meech commented.
Other videos making the same claim are circulating on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
@whodafckwannago2prisonhas not responded to USA TODAY’s request for comment.
The code does not show if a phone has been tapped
Scott Westover, Google communications manager for security,wrote in an email to USA TODAY:“Think this is just call forwarding.”
According to tech magazine How-To Geek, dialing this code shows whether or not call forwarding is enabled on the device — not whetherit's been hacked. How-to Geek described the *#21# feature as an “interrogation code” that allow users to view their call forwarding setting from the phone app.
“These are not related at all. The idea of a phone being tapped is totally irrelevant from (call forwarding settings), aside from social media memes making it relevant,” Alex Kirschner, Apple's Senior Public Relations Manager, iPhone, told USA TODAY.
Lately interrogationcodes, also called feature access codes,are getting a lot of attention as phone hack trends popularize them on platforms like TikTok.
"These short codes will either uncover hidden menus or act as direct commands. They provide additional information about your device and tweak current settings," wrote iPhoneTricks.org.
One of the most well-known interrogation codes is *67, which is commonly used to hide caller ID on outgoing calls.
Other interrogation codes showphone users their data usage, Bluetooth address and signal strength, among other things.
Some providers don't support these codes, causing themto not work on customers’ devices. Reaching a recorded message when dialing the code does not mean your phone has been hacked.
“Not all carriers support the same feature access codes or abilities so when dialing these codes on an unsupported carrier, like Verizon for example, a customer may get a prerecorded message informing them that they have dialed an incorrect number,” said Kirschner.
Many wirelessserviceproviders list *#21#, or variations of it, as a call forwarding command on their customer materials.
How-To Geek also explained that call forwarding could be disabled by typing ##002# or through the settings app. Phone owners that wish to disable call forwarding do not have to dispose of the device as the video suggests.
Our ruling: False
We rate the claim that dialing *#21# on an iPhone or Android device reveals if a phone has been tapped FALSE because it is not supported by our research. A Google spokesperson, tech websitesand service providers all confirm the interrogation code indicates whether or not a phone has call forwarding enabled – not a security breach.
According to tech magazine How-To Geek, dialing this code shows whether or not call forwarding is enabled on the device — not whether it's been hacked. How-to Geek described the *#21# feature as an “interrogation code” that allow users to view their call forwarding setting from the phone app.
Once you hit it on the screen, it will display the information on the phone screen. When you dial *#21#, it will display the various sorts of diversion status which is happening with the number. This will display the information and you will come to know if your calls or messages are tapped.
No, dialing *#21# on your phone does not mean that your phone is being tapped. This is a popular myth. The code *#21# is actually used to check the status of call forwarding on your phone [1]. To determine if your phone is being tapped or tracked, there are other methods you can use.
You can find out if your phone has been tapped using unconditional data forwarding with the help of MMI codes. On GSM networks, dial *#21# to list, and ##21# to clear your unconditional data forwarding settings. CDMA network customers can view and modify these settings too by dialing **21*.
Dialing this phone tapping code will answer the question of who receives your text messages and calls when your device is switched off, or you've lost connectivity. If this code returns a number, don't panic — it may simply be your voicemail.
On Android (varies from system to system), tap the Phone app > hamburger icon > Settings > Call > More Settings > Call forwarding. Entering code #31# will prompt a pop-up stating that your Caller ID had been disabled. In order to re-instate Caller ID, enter *31#. The code can only work on Android.
Signs that your phone might be monitored: Unusual Battery Drain: If your phone battery is draining faster than usual, it could be a sign of monitoring software running in the background. Increased Data Usage: Monitoring apps often use data to send information to the person spying on you.
An even more comprehensive check can be done by entering *#004#. This code will show all call forwarding settings, including voice mail diversion and caller ID restrictions.
First of all, if you see a persistent notification on your Android notification shade saying “Forwarding all calls” or something related, that means you or someone has activated call divert on your phone.
You can change this number by going to Settings. Also, use these other codes to check call forwarding status, when your phone is out of reach or when busy: All: *#21# – Unreachable: *#62# – When Busy: *#67# – Disable All Forwarding: ##002# + 'Call'.
The code ##4636## is a diagnostic tool code for Android devices, which allows you to access information about your device's battery, usage statistics, and other diagnostic data. However, not all Android devices support this code, and some may have restrictions that prevent it from running properly.
##002# - If your voice call or data call, or SMS call has been forwarded, dialling this USSD code will erase them. *#21# - By dialling this USSD code, you would get to know if your calls have been diverted somewhere else or not.
English. Security of Android Smartphone codes : Code ## 002 # ~ Deactivates all forwarding. Code * # 21 # ~ To know whether message or call has been diverted or not.
Fortunately, there's a code (netmonitor code) that helps you identify whether or not you're being tracked or tapped. To confirm this, dial any of the codes below for your phone's operating system: For Android devices, dial: *#*#197328640#*#* or *#*#4636#*#* For iPhones, dial: *3001#12345#*
If you hear a high-pitched hum, pulsating static, clicking, or beeping, these could be signs that your calls are being recorded. Someone could have set up call-forwarding without your permission or call-recording malware may be on the device.
##4636## or ##197328640## ➡️ To Check Unknown Connections (Android) If you're concerned someone has installed malware or spyware on your Android phone, these codes open up a screen that lists all running processes and services.
According to Gadget Mates, *#21# is a specific Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code that is typically used to check the status of call forwarding on a mobile device. It allows users to view whether their calls are being forwarded and to which number. They are also called Interrogation codes.
*#21# When you dial *#21#, it will display the various sorts of diversion status which is happening with the number. This will display the information and you will come to know if your calls or messages are tapped.
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Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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