HomeTechnologyHow to check if your smartphone is hacked using this simple code

How to check if your smartphone is hacked using this simple code

A simple USSD code can help users quickly check for call forwarding misuse, a common hacking tactic, and take immediate steps to secure smartphones against scams and unauthorised surveillance risks.

December 30, 2025 / 20:11 IST
Story continues below Advertisement
fraud scam
fraud scam
Snapshot AI
  • Call-forwarding scams divert calls, messages, and OTPs without user knowledge.
  • Dial #21# to check if calls or messages are being forwarded to another number
  • Use ##002# to instantly disable all call forwarding on your smartphone

Smartphone hacking and call-forwarding scams are rising, with attackers silently diverting calls, messages, and OTPs without the user’s knowledge. A simple USSD code can help you quickly check whether your calls or messages are being forwarded to an unknown number.

How to check for call forwarding on your smartphone
1. Open the Phone or Dialer app on your smartphone.
2. Enter *#21# exactly as shown.
3. Tap the call button and wait for a few seconds.
4. A message will appear on your screen showing the status of call forwarding, message forwarding, and data forwarding.

Story continues below Advertisement

If the result shows “Not forwarded” for all services, your phone is not redirecting calls or messages. If any number appears next to voice calls, SMS, or data, it indicates that forwarding is active and needs attention.

 Understand the *#21# result