My phone once started randomly calling my ex. 📞 (Don’t ask!) It was a total glitch—or at least, I hope it was. But it got me thinking: What if it wasn’t?

If your phone has been acting weird, opening apps on its own, draining battery like crazy, or making calls, you definitely didn’t dial; it’s time to check if something shady is going on.

Let’s skip the tech jargon and get straight to the point. What To Dial To See If Your Phone Is Hacked? This guide provides you with some quick dial codes to see if your calls are being forwarded, monitored, or hijacked by digital ghosts. 👻

Let’s get started 🚀

🔑Key Highlights
  • Use Hidden Dial Codes: Dial *#21# to check call/message forwarding, *#62# to see call redirection, and *#06# to verify IMEI integrity.
  • Check for Hacking Signs: Look for fast battery drain, slow performance, high data usage, unknown apps, or suspicious pop-ups.
  • Monitor Phone Activity: Android users can use ##4636## for phone stats and ##197328640## to enter service mode for malware detection.
  • Strengthen Security: Use strong passwords, update software regularly, avoid public Wi-Fi, and install a trusted antivirus app.
  • Take Immediate Action: If your phone is hacked, disconnect from the internet, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and remove suspicious apps.
  • Secure Accounts & Call Forwarding: Check and disable unauthorized call forwarding, contact your carrier, and secure bank accounts.

What to Dial to See If Your Phone Is Hacked?

A girl being confused what to dial after seeing her phone being hacked.

Worried your phone might be hacked? You can quickly check for suspicious activity using hidden dial codes. These quick codes help you uncover signs of hacking, like call forwarding, data theft, or malware.

Here’s what to dial to see if your phone is hacked:

1. *#21# – Check Call and Message Forwarding

This service line will help you find out if your calls, texts, or data have been forwarded without your knowledge. If the forwarding is actually on when you never set it up, this could only mean someone has been eavesdropping on your communications.

What to do: Disconnect it immediately from settings or contact the carrier for help.🚫

2. *#62# – Check Call Redirection When Unreachable

This service line will tell you that at times, when your phone is turned off or is unreachable, calls are actually sent to be redirected. This is the most common way for hackers to reroute your calls.

What to do: Turn it off if you see whether there exists an active redirection, yet you never enabled it, either from settings or contact your service provider.🔄

3. *#06# – Check Your IMEI Number

Operation with this code indicates the IMEI (international mobile equipment identity), which is a unique ID measurement for your phone. Upon dialing the code, it shows you the number of your IMEI. Compare it to the one printed on your box that comes with the phone or in the settings.

What to do: If it’s not corresponding, your phone may have been tampered with, so contact your carrier or manufacturer for assistance.🛠️

4. *#*#4636#*#*(Android Only) – Access Usage Statistics

With this code, you are taken to a hidden menu that displays usage statistics for your phone, like call history, data use, and battery status. This is where you also search for unwanted apps or unusually high data usage.

What to do: Uninstall suspicious apps and run a malware check using a well-known antivirus application.

5. *#*#197328640#*#*(Android Only) – Enters Service Mode

From the above, you will enter a service menu that allows you to search for any form of malware or tracking software. Considered a high-level tool, it must be used carefully.

What to do: Don’t attempt anything yourself unless you’re professional enough to understand the results; ask for someone to help.🧑‍💻

How do these quick codes work?

Dial codes, or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD codes) or MMI (Man-Machine Interface) codes, are hidden codes inserted in your phone by the manufacturers or operators. When you enter a code in your phone’s dialer, it sends a request to your phone’s system or network to perform a specific function.

For example:

  • Check call forwarding: Dial *#21# 📞
  • Find your IMEI number: Dial *#06# 🔢
  • Access hidden phone info (Android): Dial ##4636##

These quick codes do not need the internet or apps and display results instantly, like checking settings or confirmation messages. A few codes are device-specific, so utilize them carefully to avoid unwanted changes.

Also Read: ##002# Code Meaning: Function, Usage, and How It Works

How To Know If Your Phone Is Hacked?

Smartphones are a part of our daily lives, carrying confidential data such as personal images, bank details, and passwords. If your phone is compromised, it may result in privacy invasions, money loss, and identity theft.

Here’s how to know whether your phone is tapped and what to do next:

  • 🔋 Unusual battery drain: Check if the phone battery is draining quickly or faster than usual, it could be due to malicious software running in the background.
  • 🐌 Slow performance: If your phone is tapped or hacked, then your phone often becomes slow, freezes, or crashes frequently because malware consumes system resources.
  • 📡 Increased data usage: Unexplained spikes in data usage may indicate that an app or malware is transferring data from your phone without your knowledge.
  • ⚠️ Pop-ups and strange ads: Persistent pop-ups, ads, or redirects to unknown websites are common signs of adware or spyware on your device.
  • 📲 Unknown apps or charges: If you notice unfamiliar apps installed on your phone or unexplained charges on your bill, your phone may be compromised.

How to Protect Your Phone from Hacking?

There are some common and most important steps that you have to take to protect your phone from hacking.🔓 They are relatively simple and very effective at managing the safety of your devices:

Ways to protect your phone from hacking.

I. Use Strong Passwords and Biometric Locks🔑

  • Set a strong, unique password or PIN to lock your phone. Never use easily guessed combinations such as “1234” or your birthdate.
  •  Enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) for extra protection.

The reason it is important that this is your first line of defense from unauthorized access.

 II. Update Your Software

  • Update your phone’s OS and apps as soon as updates are available. Most updates usually address critical security gaps in the OS that hackers commonly exploit.

The reason it is crucial is that an outdated program is one of the easiest ways for a hacker to compromise your phone.

III. Avoid Public Wi-Fi or Use a VPN🌍

  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi when doing anything sensitive, like online banking or entering passwords. Public networks are usually unsecured and are easy targets for hackers.
  • If you have to, always connect to a VPN when doing stuff on public Wi-Fi, so your data remains encrypted.

The reason it is important: This is a common entry point for a hacker to intercept your data.

IV. Install Antivirus and Security Apps🛡️

  • Get a trusted antivirus app to scan for malware, spyware, and other threats. Some antivirus packages also have features to locate your phone in case it’s lost or stolen.

The reason it is essential is that antivirus software serves as a barrier to malicious apps and files.

V. Be Aware of Phishing Scams and Suspicious Links🚨

  • Stay away from clicking suspicious links in your emails and any texts or messages on social media. Hackers frequently rely on phishing scams that trick individuals into revealing their personal information or downloading malware onto their systems.
  • Verify the sender’s identity before responding to any requests for sensitive information.

Why it matters: Phishing is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to your phone and accounts.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Phone Is Hacked?

Remember that if you feel suspicious activity in your phone and suspect your phone has been hacked then it’s important to act quickly to protect your personal information and prevent further damage.

Let’s see what to do in such a situation that help you regain control and secure your device:

👉📖Tip: Firstly, you should look for signs of hacking before taking any actions. The most common signs of a hacked mobile phone are rapid battery drain, unusual spikes in data usage, slow performance or frequent crashes, strange pop-ups or apps you didn’t install, calls or texts you didn’t make, and others.

If you notice any of these, then proceed with the following steps:

  • Disconnect from the internet: Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data immediately to cut off the hacker’s access. Use Airplane Mode for a quick disconnect.
  • Change your passwords: Update passwords for all critical accounts (email, banking, social media) and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for added security.
  • Remove suspicious apps: Uninstall any apps you don’t recognize or remember downloading, especially those with excessive permissions.
  • Run a malware scan: Use a trusted antivirus app to scan for and remove malware or spyware that may be hiding on your device.🛡️
  • Update your phone’s software: Install the latest OS and app updates to patch security vulnerabilities hackers might exploit.
  • Check for a call or message forwarding: Dial *#21# to see if calls or messages are being forwarded. Disable it in settings if you didn’t enable it.
  • Contact your carrier and bank: Inform your mobile carrier to secure your number and notify your bank to prevent unauthorized transactions.
  • Monitor your phone and accounts: Regularly check for unusual activity, such as high data usage, unfamiliar apps, or suspicious transactions.👀
Also Read: How to check if your calls are being forwarded?

Dial Codes to Check If Your Phone Is Hacked: Android and iPhone

If you suspect that your phone has been hacked, you may dial some special codes to check whether there are sure signs of unauthorized activity. These codes work on both Android and iPhone phones; they will help you discover call forwarding, stolen data, or the presence of malware.

Below is a comprehensive rundown of the most helpful codes and their purpose for both Android and iPhone:

Code Purpose Android iPhone What to Do
*#21# Check call/message forwarding Disable forwarding in settings or contact the carrier.
*#62# Check call redirection when unreachable Disable redirection in settings or contact the carrier.
*#06# Display IMEI number Compare the IMEI with the one on the box or in the settings.
*#*#4636#*#* Access usage statistics (Android only) Uninstall suspicious apps and run a malware scan.
*#*#197328640#*#* Enter service mode (Android only) Check for malware or tracking software (use carefully).

How to Execute All The Codes on Both Android and iPhone?

Here is how you can execute the following quick codes on Android and iPhone:

1. On Android:

👉 Check Call and Message Forwarding (*#21#)

  • Open the Phone Dialer app.
  • Dial *#21# and press Call.
  • A message will appear, showing if call or message forwarding is enabled.

👉 Check Call Redirection When Unreachable (*#62#)

  • Open the Phone Dialer app.
  • Dial *#62# and press Call.
  • If the redirection is active, it will display the number to which calls are being forwarded.

👉 Check Your IMEI Number (*#06#)

  • Open the Phone Dialer app.
  • Dial *#06# and press Call.
  • Your phone’s IMEI number will be displayed on the screen.

👉 Access Usage Statistics (*#*#4636#*#*, Android Only)

  • Open the Phone Dialer app.
  • Dial *#*#4636#*#* (no need to press Call; the menu will open automatically).
  • Check the following sections: Phone information, Battery statistics, and App usage details.

👉 Enter Service Mode (*#*#197328640#*#*, Android Only)

  • Open the Phone Dialer app.
  • Dial *#*#197328640#*#* to enter the Service Mode menu.
  • Navigate through service settings to check for unauthorized tracking or spyware.

2. On iPhone

👉 Check Call and Message Forwarding (*#21#)

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Dial *#21# and press Call.
  • The screen will show if a call or message forwarding is enabled.

👉 Check Call Redirection When Unreachable (*#62#)

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Dial *#62# and press Call.
  • It will show the number that calls are redirected when your phone is unreachable.

👉 Check Your IMEI Number (*#06#)

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Dial *#06# and press Call.
  • The IMEI number will appear on the screen.

Conclusion

Your phone is not merely a gadget; it’s the gateway to your private life, finances, and confidential information. If you suspect it’s hacked, the dial codes that we mentioned above are your initial line of defense.

From the scanning call forwarding using *#21# to the detection of concealed malware using *#*#197328640#*#*, these codes empower you to be proactive in tackling potential threats. Consider that hacking is not merely a technical issue; it’s an invasion of your individuality.

By being cautious, monitoring your phone activity all the time, and using these quick codes sparingly, you can protect yourself from prying eyes and evil attacks. Do not wait until a breach takes place—do it now and keep your digital life secure. Your phone exists to serve you, not to betray you! 🔐📱

FAQs

How do I know if my calls are being forwarded?

To know that your calls are being forwarded, you have to dial:

  • #21# to check for unconditional call forwarding.
  • #62# to see where calls go when unanswered or unavailable.
  • If any unfamiliar numbers appear, it could indicate unauthorized forwarding. Use ##002# to disable all call forwarding

Can I use these codes on any phone?

Most of these codes work on both Android and iPhone devices. However, some advanced codes like ##4636## are specific to Android, while 3001#12345# is exclusive to iPhones.

Can hackers track my location through my phone?

Yes, hackers can track your location using spyware or by intercepting data. Use codes like #21# or #62# to check for unauthorized tracking and disable it with ##002#.

Will turning off my phone stop hackers?

Turning off your phone may temporarily stop hackers from accessing it, but it won’t remove malware already installed. A factory reset or professional assistance may be necessary in severe cases.

How to Check If Your Phone Is Hacked in Settings?

Here are some quick ways to check if your phone is hacked using phone settings:

  • Check battery usage
  • Review app permissions
  • Check data usage
  • Look for unknown apps
  • Monitor call & SMS history
  • Check device admins
  • Scan for malware

Can a hacker track my location through my phone?

Yes, hackers can track your location through your phone using spyware or by intercepting your data.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.