Android Emergency Dialer Codes: A Complete Guide

Emergency dialer codes (also known as USSD codes or special service codes) are built into Android devices to perform specific tasks that are critical in emergency situations. These codes are often used to access hidden settings, network diagnostics, or emergency features that can assist users in managing their mobile experience, especially during emergencies.

In this guide, we will explore the various Android emergency dialer codes, what they do, and how you can use them in critical situations.

What Are Emergency Dialer Codes?

Emergency dialer codes are a set of specific codes that users can enter directly into the phone's dialer app. These codes usually start with * (asterisk) or # (hash), followed by a combination of numbers. Some codes are universally applicable across devices, while others may be specific to certain manufacturers or mobile carriers.

On Android, these codes serve various purposes, such as:

  • Accessing hidden menus and diagnostic tools
  • Checking the status of your device and network
  • Triggering emergency features like an emergency call or information sharing
  • Activating/deactivating certain phone features
  • Performing factory resets or network resets

These codes are designed to be entered through the dialer (the app you use to make phone calls). However, some codes may not work on all devices or carrier networks, and they may be restricted depending on the phone manufacturer or Android version.

Common Android Emergency Dialer Codes

Below are some commonly used Android emergency dialer codes that can be helpful in various situations:

1. Emergency Call (SOS) Mode

  • Code: 112
  • Function: This is the universal emergency number in many countries worldwide, similar to 911 in the U.S. Dialing this number will connect you to emergency services, regardless of your carrier or country (assuming your device has network coverage).
  • Use: Dialing 112 allows you to contact emergency responders in case of urgent situations like accidents, health issues, or other life-threatening emergencies.

2. Check IMEI Number

  • Code: *#06#
  • Function: This code reveals your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. The IMEI is a unique identifier for your phone and can be helpful if your phone is lost or stolen.
  • Use: This code displays the IMEI number, which you can record and report to your carrier or the authorities if your device is stolen.

3. Factory Reset (Wipe Data)

  • Code: *#*#7780#*#*
  • Function: This code initiates a factory reset, which erases all data on your phone, including apps, contacts, messages, and personal files.
  • Use: Only use this code when you need to completely erase all personal data on your device, such as when selling or donating your phone, or if you are troubleshooting a device that is behaving improperly.

Warning: Performing a factory reset is permanent and will remove all user data, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

4. Network Diagnostics

  • Code: *#*#4636#*#*
  • Function: This code opens the Testing Menu or Service Mode, which provides detailed information about your phone’s battery status, usage statistics, and network information. It includes information like signal strength, Wi-Fi connection, and mobile network status.
  • Use: This is a useful tool for troubleshooting network or connectivity issues and checking battery performance and usage.

5. Mobile Device Diagnostic Tool

  • Code: *#0*#
  • Function: This code opens up a hidden diagnostic tool on some Android devices, allowing you to test various hardware components, including the screen, camera, sensors, and speaker.
  • Use: You can use this tool to perform a quick self-diagnosis of your phone’s hardware, which can help identify issues like broken sensors or malfunctioning displays.

6. Check Battery Health

  • Code: *#*#4636#*#* → Battery information
  • Function: In the Testing Menu, you can navigate to Battery Information, which will show you the current health of your battery, including voltage, temperature, and charging status.
  • Use: This code helps you to monitor the condition of your phone’s battery to prevent unexpected power failure.

7. Turn Off Call Forwarding

  • Code: ##002#
  • Function: This code deactivates call forwarding on your device, which may have been set up to automatically forward calls to another number.
  • Use: If your calls are being forwarded and you want to stop it immediately, you can dial this code to turn off call forwarding.

8. Enable/Disable Airplane Mode

  • Code: *#*#7594#*#*
  • Function: This code allows you to turn Airplane Mode on or off, which disables your phone’s cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections.
  • Use: This feature is useful when you need to disable all wireless communication on your phone quickly, such as in situations where you need to conserve battery or during a flight.

9. Reset Network Settings

  • Code: *#*#8736364#*#*
  • Function: This code resets your phone's network settings, including Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings. It’s helpful when troubleshooting connectivity issues.
  • Use: If your phone is having trouble connecting to networks or Wi-Fi, this code can reset network settings to default values, which can help fix connection problems.

10. View Software Version

  • Code: *#*#4986*2650468#*#*
  • Function: This code displays information about the software version and build information of your Android device, including the baseband version and kernel version.
  • Use: Developers or advanced users can use this to check the specific details about the software installed on the device.

11. Service/Engineering Mode

  • Code: *#*#3646633#*#*
  • Function: This opens the Engineering Mode menu on certain devices (usually used by technicians and engineers). Here, you can access various settings related to the phone’s hardware, network, and more.
  • Use: This is mostly for advanced users or technicians who need to test or modify device parameters related to hardware and network settings.

12. Emergency Information (ICE - In Case of Emergency)

  • Code: Emergency Info (varies by manufacturer)
  • Function: Many Android phones have an Emergency Information feature, which lets you store critical health information, contact details, and medical history for emergency situations. This can usually be accessed directly from the lock screen or emergency dialer.
  • Use: You can enter emergency contacts, allergies, blood type, medical conditions, and other important details in case you are unable to speak during an emergency. You can enable this feature via your phone’s settings (check under Health/Medical Info or Security Settings).

Why Are Emergency Dialer Codes Important?

  • Network Troubleshooting: Codes like *#*#4636#*#* and *#0*# can help diagnose network and hardware issues, allowing users to quickly troubleshoot problems.

  • Emergency Services: Emergency codes like 112 or 911 ensure that, even in remote areas with poor signal strength, you can still contact emergency services in case of critical health situations, accidents, or natural disasters.

  • Privacy and Security: Emergency information (ICE) allows your device to be accessed in a secure way without compromising personal data. Emergency responders can quickly access this information if you're unable to provide it yourself.

  • Device and Battery Monitoring: Codes like *#*#4636#*#* can help monitor your device's health and battery status, ensuring it’s functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Android emergency dialer codes provide a quick and efficient way to troubleshoot your phone, reset certain features, and even access emergency information in critical situations. While many of these codes work across Android devices, some may be device or carrier-specific, so not all codes will work on every phone.

Always be cautious when using codes like factory resets, and make sure to back up your data regularly to avoid losing important information. By understanding and using these emergency dialer codes, you can optimize your Android phone's functionality and be better prepared for emergencies.