Your Android mobile includes a wide variety of secret codes inherited from GSM mobiles. And there is a very useful one that has become popular because of the risk that someone is forwarding calls without permission: code ##002#. Typing it in one go ends all detours, whether you have them enabled or not.
We may not use carrier services as much as we did when we were using cell phones that could only call and text, but those services are still available on our smartphones when we need them. Call waiting, answering machine, or call forwarding are especially useful when we are waiting for a communication and the phone is out of battery
Call forwarding can be used for spying purposes
Call forwarding cancelled after sending code ##002#
With call forwarding you have the possibility to receive communications on another mobile phone other than your own and without changing the phone’s SIM. Now, this feature is used to spy on you if someone activates it without your knowledge: it will know which numbers are calling you and when they are doing so; with the possibility of talking to these people without you knowing. Unfortunately, this is more common than it seems.
Android notifies with a persistent notification if call forwarding from the phone is activebut it can be hidden quite easily. If you suspect that your mobile phone has been used without permission, it does not hurt to check the diversions: not only can you check them using GSM codes, but it is also possible to eliminate all diversions at once. The protagonist of the article is used for the latter: the code ##002#.
What the above code does is cancel all active call forwarding on your phone number. This is how you make sure that no one is spying on the communications you receive, it is done like this:
- Open the phone app on your mobile.
- Type ##002# and press the talk button.
Automatically, you will end all call forwarding, as well as other forwarding (such as SMS). These will only be reactivated if someone gains access to your SIM card; either from your mobile phone or by placing said card in another phone. We recommend that you block it with a PIN code that no one knows if you think it may be the target of spying.
Check call forwarding using the code *#21#
Alternatively, you can check all call forwarding from your Android settings. The menu varies considerably between makes and models. (There are even manufacturers that don’t include it), but there is a quick way to quickly find the operator settings:
- Search for the phone app.
- Click on the three dots in the menu and select “Calls”.
- Enter call forwarding options.
If you want to check if call forwarding is enabled, then know which phone number they are being directed toyou can use the above process from android settings or send a GSM code:
- Open the Phone app on your Android.
- Dial *#21#, press the call button and you will receive the transfer information from your operator.
Cover image | Ivan Linares
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