Codes to Check If Your Phone Is Hacked: What They Can Actually Tell You

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Seen a TikTok, Facebook or YouTube video claiming that a secret phone code can tell you whether your phone has been hacked?

Codes like *#21# and *#62# are often presented as “hacker detection codes.” Dial one, a number appears, and suddenly you’re wondering whether someone is spying on you.

Here’s the truth: there is no phone code that can scan your device for hackers, spyware or malware.

Some codes can check specific call-forwarding settings, which can be useful but that is very different from checking whether your phone has been hacked.

If you’re genuinely worried about your phone, start with these 10 real signs your phone may have been hacked.

Quick Answer

On supported mobile networks, these are the codes people most commonly use to check or manage call forwarding:

None of these codes can detect hackers, spyware, malware, or hidden tracking apps.

The underlying call-forwarding functions are common, but the exact codes and results can vary by carrier, plan and network.

Do Codes to Check If Your Phone Is Hacked Really Work?

Let’s clear up the biggest myth – these codes do NOT detect any HACKING .

They cannot find:

• Spyware or stalkerware
• Malware running in the background
• Keyloggers recording what you type
• Hidden tracking apps

What they CAN check:

• Call forwarding settings
• Whether your calls or messages are being redirected to another number

Think of them as checking one specific door in your house not a full security sweep of the entire building.

If someone has secretly set your calls to forward to their number, these codes can reveal it. That’s genuinely useful. But if your phone has spyware installed, these codes won’t pick it up at all.

Do These Codes Work on Every Phone and Carrier?

Not necessarily.

Many mobile networks support codes for checking and managing call forwarding, but the exact code, result and available features can vary between carriers and plans.

If a code returns an error or doesn’t give you a clear result, check your carrier’s call-forwarding settings or contact its support team.

What Does *#21# Actually Mean?

One of the most searched questions is: *Is #21# a hacker code? Not exactly but it can still be useful.

The *#21# code checks unconditional call forwarding. In simple terms, it shows whether your calls are being automatically redirected to another number.

Why does that matter? If call forwarding is set to a number you don’t recognize, someone could potentially intercept your calls, receive your messages, or even capture 2FA verification codes. That said, don’t panic immediately if you see a number appear. In many cases, the forwarding number simply belongs to your carrier’s voicemail system.

If no forwarding is enabled, that’s usually a good sign. But if calls are being redirected to an unfamiliar number, it’s worth investigating further, especially if your phone has also been behaving strangely.

What Does *#62# Mean?

On supported networks, *#62# checks where calls are forwarded when your phone is unreachable. For example, when it is switched off or outside network coverage.

If you want to check what happens when you don’t answer, *#61# is commonly used on networks that support this format.

How to Stop Call Forwarding Instantly: ##002#

On some supported mobile networks, dialing ##002# cancels call diverts.

But don’t think of it as a “hacker removal code.” It does not scan your phone, remove spyware or prove that someone was intercepting your calls.

It simply changes call-forwarding settings where the network supports that command.

If you’re unsure what forwarding services your carrier uses, especially if you rely on voicemail, check with your carrier before changing settings.

What These Codes Cannot Detect?

Even if all results look normal, your phone could still be compromised.

Watch for these signs:

• Battery draining fast
• Phone overheating
• Unknown apps installed
• Strange pop-ups
• Data usage spikes

What To Do If You Still Think Your Phone Is Hacked

If your codes look clean but something feels off:

1. Remove suspicious apps
2. Check device administrator access
3. Update your OS
4. Run a trusted mobile security app
5. Check if your personal data was already exposed : Aura scans the dark web and alerts you if your information is circulating where it shouldn’t be. Start your free trial here.

For a full walkthrough, read: What To Do If Your Phone Is Hacked (7-Step Emergency Guide)

FAQ: Code to Check If Phone Is Hacked

Continue Your Security Journey

• If you think your iPhone may have been hacked, this guide will walk you through the most common warning signs and show you how to check whether your device has been compromised.
• What to Do in the First 10 Minutes If Your Phone Is Hacked
• 7 Ways Hackers Spy On Your Phone