*#21#, *#62# and ##002# Codes: What They Show on Your Phone and What They Don't Detect
Updated: 3 days ago
Quick answer
The code *#21# shows whether your calls, voicemail or data are being unconditionally forwarded to another number. It does not show whether your phone is being tapped, or whether spyware is installed. The other useful codes are *#62# (forwarding when you are unreachable), *#61# (when you don't answer), *#67# (when you are busy), ##002# (cancels all forwarding) and *#06# (shows the IMEI). They are a quick, free check, but only one piece of the puzzle.
What these codes are for
These are service codes (known as MMI or USSD codes) defined by the GSM standard and recognised by mobile operators. You dial them in the Phone app as if they were a number and press call. They work on iPhone and Android with Portuguese operators (MEO, NOS, Vodafone, DIGI and associated brands), although the way the reply appears on screen may vary.
What they check is the call forwarding setting on the operator's network. It is a legitimate and very common setting (forwarding to voicemail or to an office phone), but it can also be used by someone who had access to your phone for a few minutes to divert your calls.
The codes, one by one
*#21# — unconditional forwarding
Shows whether all calls (and, with some operators, messages and data) are being forwarded without your phone even ringing.
Normal result: "Call forwarding: not forwarded" or "disabled" for every service.
Result worth investigating: a phone number you don't recognise appears. In that case, your calls are going to that number.
*#62# — forwarding when unreachable
Shows where calls go when the phone is switched off or has no signal.
Normal result: a number almost always appears. In most cases it is your operator's voicemail number, which is perfectly normal.
How to check: compare the number with the voicemail number given by your operator (on its website, in its app or on its helpline). If it is a private mobile number, it is suspicious.
*#61# — forwarding when you don't answer
Shows where calls you don't answer after a few seconds are sent. As with *#62#, the usual result is the voicemail number.
*#67# — forwarding when busy
Shows where calls go when you are already on another call or reject them. Normally this is also voicemail.
##002# — cancel all forwarding
Disables all forwarding (unconditional and conditional). It is the quickest way to reset everything. Bear in mind that it also disables voicemail; if you want to keep it, reactivate it afterwards following your operator's instructions.
Important: if you suspect someone has set up forwarding to spy on you, photograph the screen showing the result before cancelling. That image is proof that the forwarding existed and to which number.
*#06# — view the IMEI
Shows the IMEI, the device's unique identification number. It has nothing to do with tapping, but it is useful for registering the phone, reporting a theft or confirming that the device you have is the original.
What these codes do NOT show
This is the part many websites leave out:
They do not detect court-ordered interception. Interception ordered by a judge is carried out on the operator's network and does not change call forwarding. We explain why in How to know if your phone is being tapped in Portugal.
They do not detect spyware. A spy app installed on the device doesn't need to forward calls: it reads messages, records audio or sends your location over the internet.
They do not detect account access. WhatsApp Web, a shared Apple ID or a Google account signed in on another device go completely unnoticed by these codes.
There is no "secret code" that reveals everything. Codes such as "*#*#4636#*#*" (a test menu on some Android phones) show technical network and battery information, not spying.
What to do if the result is suspicious
Photograph the screen showing the number that appears.
Note the date and time and keep it somewhere safe.
Don't confront anyone before you understand what is going on; there may be more than one method of access.
Cancel the forwarding with ##002# (or just the specific code) and check again.
Contact your operator and ask when and how the forwarding was activated; ask them to block changes without authentication.
Change your SIM PIN and your phone's lock code. Whoever set up the forwarding very probably had the phone in their hands.
Check everything else: WhatsApp sessions, devices linked to your Apple or Google account and installed apps. The full guide is in How to know if your phone is being spied on, and the WhatsApp part in WhatsApp spied on: how to tell and how to protect your account.
When a code isn't enough
If the codes look normal but you still notice that someone knows about your conversations, the check has to go deeper. A technical sweep of the phone analyses the device and linked accounts to detect spyware, management profiles, abusive permissions and remote access. The phone stays with us for about 12 hours and we deliver a written report. Appointments are booked 24 hours in advance.
When the concern extends to your home, car or office, we carry out an electronic sweep of premises and vehicles, including detection of GPS trackers on cars and hidden microphones in the office.
About us
Detetives Privados Portugal is coordinated by Alexandre Ribeiro, a private detective with experience since 2001 and a member of WAD (no. 1687), APDPE (no. 1326), LIDEPPE (no. 33) and IKD. We work throughout the country, from Porto, Lisbon and the other regions.
The initial assessment is free and confidential, and the quote is fixed before any work begins. Call +351 936 225 975 (24-hour answering) or use the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when I dial *#21#?
The phone queries the operator and shows whether unconditional forwarding of calls, messages or data is in place. If everything shows as disabled, no calls are being diverted to another number.
Does *#21# tell me if my phone is being tapped?
No. It only shows call forwarding. It does not detect court-ordered interception, spyware or access to your accounts.
*#62# shows a number. Should I worry?
Usually not. In most cases it is the operator's voicemail number. It is only suspicious if it is a private number you don't recognise.
What is ##002# for?
It cancels all call forwarding at once. It also disables voicemail, which can be reactivated afterwards. If the forwarding is suspicious, photograph the screen before cancelling it.
Do the codes work on iPhone and with all Portuguese operators?
Yes, they work on iPhone and Android and with the main operators (MEO, NOS, Vodafone and DIGI). The way the reply appears on screen may vary between brands and operators.
What should I do if the codes look normal but I suspect I'm being spied on?
Check your WhatsApp sessions and your Apple or Google accounts, and look for strange apps or permissions. If the suspicion persists, ask for a technical sweep of the phone, with a written report.
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