Have you ever been asked to type out some obscure code on your mobile handset to retrieve some information for a support representative? Here are some of the useful codes I’ve found (tested on Nokia handsets using the two largest UK networks: a Nokia 6021 connected to Vodafone; and a Nokia 6600 connected to Orange):
*#06#– display the IMEI of the handset (does not require send to process). IMEI number analysis will show details of the handset manufacturer, type and production date (although strangely, my Nokia 6021 is recorded as having been produced two days after I received it!) as well as handset approval information and IMEI number break down.**21*number#– divert all calls to number (call forwarding).*43#– activate call waiting.#43#– cancel call waiting.141number– temporarily withhold caller line identification (CLI) information when calling number.
These ones might be useful for Vodafone users (none of them worked for my handset connected to Orange):
*#100#– obtain own number (returned in local format, e.g. 07812345678). Number analysis will give a whole host of useful information about a number including the number range, country/operator/network (for mobile numbers – although my personal number which has been transferred between networks still shows the operator as Vodafone Ltd even though it’s been connected to Orange for over a year now), number break-down, network technology type (for mobile numbers), and dialling format information.*#104#– obtain voice mailbox number (a response of 447812345678 VF-GMLRE relates to a voice mailbox number of +44-7812345678).*#147#– display number of last caller, along with time and date (e.g. 01234567890 08:00 30AUG05).*61*mailboxnumber*10*duration#– set the ring duration before diverting to voice mail (where mailboxnumber is in international format, e.g. +447812345678, and duration is between 5 and 30).*#1345#– check pay as you talk balance.##0021#– cancel call forwarding.1210– cancel all voicemail diverts.1211– reset all voicemail diverts to the standard setting (divert if switched off, engaged, or out of coverage).1212– send all calls to voicemail (e.g. when abroad and receiving calls could cost you money!).1213– remove the all calls divert (1212).1471– voice equivalent of*#147#, with call return options.21212– record a personal greeting.
Another useful Vodafone number to know is for checking call rates when abroad. Text from country (e.g. from France) to 4636 and the reply will detail the cost to make a call from country, the cost to receive a call from country, the cost of sending an SMS message from country to a UK number and the name of the Vodafone preferred rate network for country (e.g. SFR in France).
If anyone has some more useful codes (not numbers for information services), please leave a comment on this post including the handset type and network on which the codes have been tested (no requests for handset unlocking codes please).
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