Samsung Reveals 6 Galaxy Dial Codes for IMEI, Diagnostics and 1.2GB Log Cleanup

Q: Is using secret codes worth disabling your phone's main defense against 5.4 million monthly cyberattacks?

For most people, no. Disabling Samsung’s Auto Blocker to use hidden dialer codes is usually a poor trade-off unless you have a specific troubleshooting need and know exactly what the code does. The benefit is real but narrow. Codes like `*#06#` to view the IMEI, `*#0*#` for hardware diagnostics, `*#9900#` to clear logs, or `*#2663#` to refresh touchscreen or Wi-Fi firmware can save time and help diagnose faults. They are especially useful for advanced users, repair technicians, or someone trying to confirm a hardware problem before seeking service. The risk is that Auto Blocker is not a minor setting. On newer Galaxy phones it is a core security layer that blocks sideloading, unauthorized USB commands, non-official software changes, and other common attack paths. Samsung has been strengthening it, not weakening it, which signals how important the company considers that protection. Turning it off, even briefly, creates a window of reduced defense. That does not mean entering a code is inherently dangerous. Many MMI codes are harmless and read-only. The bigger issue is the step required to make some of them work. If a code has a safer alternative in Settings, Device Care, or Samsung’s built-in diagnostics, that route is usually better. If you must use a code, disable Auto Blocker only temporarily, use a well-documented code from a trusted source, avoid USB connections during that period, and turn Auto Blocker back on immediately after.

3 articles · Updated · Android Authority · Jul 8

Six Samsung Galaxy dial codes can open hidden menus for IMEI lookup, caller-ID blocking, USB settings, touchscreen firmware, log deletion and full hardware diagnostics.
Auto Blocker must usually be turned off in One UI before most MMI codes work, while some carrier-locked phones may still block them even with the setting disabled.
*#06# shows a phone’s 15-digit IMEI, *#0808# opens USB mode controls, and #0# launches a test grid for speakers, touch, vibration and sensors.
*#2663# can refresh touchscreen firmware and Wi-Fi version, while *#9900# clears system logs—in one test freeing 1.2GB from “Other files.”