Can you reveal a wiretap with a simple code?
Over the years, there have been a number of TikTok videos, blog postings, and even articles in technology new publications regarding the 'secret' iPhone surveillance report code of *#21#. The trouble is, the code is neither secret (a Google search gave me 25 billion, yes billion, results) nor does it tell you if your iPhone is being bugged, spied upon, or wiretapped. So, what is code *#21#, and what information does it reveal?
What is the iPhone *#21# code?
OK, first things first. You can enter this code on either an iPhone or Android device, and it will work for some people but not for others. This is because it is service provider rather than device dependent. If it doesn’t work, you'll either get an error message or sometimes a voice message telling you the number doesn't exist. If it does work, however, it will return a 'setting interrogation report' which does, for sure, look like some secret dive inside the smartphone that reveals spying activity. Except it isn't, and it doesn't.
What does dialing *#21# actually do?
When you dial *#21#, you are, in fact, activating a feature access code that quickly tells you the status of call forwarding for your phone. It's a quick way of seeing what, in the case of this particular 'setting interrogation code,’ your call forwarding settings. That's it, nothing more or less. So, sure, it will reveal if voice calls, data calls and SMS calls are being forwarded. But this will be by way of your phone settings rather than the Feds setting up a wiretap or some spyware installation watching your every move. It's feasible a partner or someone with access to your device has altered your call forwarding settings, so there is some use to the code.
Dialing *#21# on your iPhone issues a setting interrogation report
That said, if you were concerned about such stalking activity, it's simple enough just to go visit Settings|Phone|Call Forwarding and check if it's toggled on or not. You would also discover where your calls are going, so it would be pretty poor spying from the not getting your ass arrested perspective. It's also not the way most spyware works as, once again, it would be too easy to spot, to trace, to enable law enforcement to do its thing. It's certainly not how law enforcement does do its thing when wiretapping is concerned.
Some other 'secret' codes you can try
There are lots of other such codes that can be used to get various technical reports about your smartphone. Again, whether they work for you will vary. However, if you want to give them a go, here are some of my favorites.
*3001#12345#* returns a field test report which actually means an in-depth interrogation of your connection to your service provider. It's very technical because it isn't meant for ordinary users but rather for engineers to test cellular signal strength and other things that help them troubleshoot problems. If you are a smartphone geek, though, it's a fun dive into this otherwise hidden world.
The Filed Test code reveals technical connectivity data for you to delve into
*#06# returns your device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and Embedded Identity Document (EID) numbers. These are unique to your device, and you are often asked for an IMEI when trading in a smartphone using one of the many outfits online that buy them, for example.
*#31# reveals your caller ID status. If you want to make an anonymous call, you can use *#31# followed by the number you are calling, and your caller ID will be withheld for that one call.
There's a list of 100 such codes to be found at Gadget Hacks, although don't expect all of them to work for you, and use at your own risk, of course.
