Is Your Smartphone Hacked? Dial This Code to Find Out- technology
Noopur Kumari | Fri, 23 Jan 2026
This article clearly explains how scammers secretly misuse call forwarding to divert calls, messages, and OTPs without a user’s knowledge. Based on real cybersecurity experiences and telecom expert guidance, it shows how to check your phone using a simple USSD code and how to disable hidden forwarding instantly. The information is practical, accurate, and trusted, making it useful for everyday smartphone users. It also explains when and why you should run this safety check regularly to prevent financial loss and privacy breaches. Written in simple language, this guide helps protect your personal data, money, and mental peace through awareness and timely action.
hacked Phone
Image credit : Freepik
In today’s digital world, your smartphone acts as your wallet, identity, and communication lifeline. From bank OTPs to private conversations, everything flows through this single device. Cybersecurity experts warn that phone hacking and call forwarding scams are rising quietly, often without any visible signs. These scams work silently by redirecting calls, messages, and verification codes to unknown numbers, putting financial and personal data at risk. Based on real user experiences and telecom guidance, regular security checks are essential. The trusted method of using a simple dial code allows users to verify call forwarding within seconds. Awareness, routine checks, and timely action together form a reliable defense for digital safety.
Call forwarding is a legitimate telecom feature, but cyber criminals increasingly exploit it for fraud. When activated without your knowledge, incoming calls, SMS alerts, and OTPs can be silently redirected to another number. This allows scammers to receive bank messages, verification codes, and private calls before you even realize something is wrong. Based on cybersecurity experience and telecom expert insights, many financial fraud cases begin with unnoticed call forwarding rather than malicious apps. Because this attack works at the network level, users often feel safe while their data is compromised. Regularly checking call forwarding settings is a trusted, expert recommended step to protect personal privacy, financial security, and digital identity.
![USSD Code Safety Check]()
Open your Phone or Dialer app and dial *#21# exactly as shown, then press the call button. Within a few seconds, your screen will display the status of call forwarding, message forwarding, and data forwarding on your number. If all services show “Not forwarded,” your phone is secure and no redirection is active. If any unknown number appears, it may indicate a risk of call or OTP diversion. Based on telecom security expertise and user experience, checking this code regularly helps prevent fraud. This method is safe, reliable, and works at the network level without accessing personal data.
![Understanding Forwarding Status]()
This USSD code checks unconditional call forwarding directly at the telecom network level, not on your phone app. If a forwarding number appears under voice calls or messages, it means your calls or SMS may be silently diverted. Telecom security experts warn that scammers use this method to intercept banking OTPs, verification codes, and private calls for account takeovers. Based on real-world fraud investigations, this trick is increasingly common because users rarely notice it. If you see any unknown number listed, treat it as a serious warning sign. Immediately disable call forwarding and contact your mobile operator to protect your data, finances, and digital identity.
Cybersecurity professionals strongly advise checking call forwarding settings at least once every month to prevent silent phone scams. Based on real world fraud cases and telecom security expertise, this simple habit helps protect calls, messages, and banking OTPs from unauthorized redirection. You should run this check immediately if you notice missed calls, delayed verification codes, or unusual phone behavior. Experts agree that early detection significantly reduces financial and identity theft risks. Just as ancient wisdom teaches that awareness is the first layer of protection, modern digital safety also depends on mindful and consistent actions. Small checks build strong security, trust, and long term peace of mind.
This safety check works on most Android and iOS smartphones and does not require installing any application. It does not access your personal files, messages, or contacts. The code only reads telecom network level call forwarding settings provided by your mobile operator. Cybersecurity experts confirm this method as a trusted first step to detect silent call diversion scams. If call forwarding appears again after you disable it, immediately contact your telecom provider for verification and protection. From real user experiences and expert guidance, acting early helps prevent financial fraud, identity misuse, and emotional stress. Regular checks build digital awareness and long term phone security.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
1. Is dialing #21# safe for my phone?
Yes. This code is completely safe. It only checks your network call and message forwarding status and does not access personal data.
2. Does this method work on both Android and iPhone?
Yes. The *#21# and ##002# codes work on most Android and iOS devices worldwide.
3. Will this code detect hacking apps on my phone?
No. It only checks telecom level call forwarding. It does not scan apps or malware.
4. How often should I check call forwarding status?
Experts recommend checking once a month or immediately if OTPs or calls go missing.
5. What should I do if forwarding turns on again?
Contact your mobile operator immediately. Repeated activation may indicate a security issue.
Call Forwarding Scams Are Dangerous
Call forwarding is a legitimate telecom feature, but cyber criminals increasingly exploit it for fraud. When activated without your knowledge, incoming calls, SMS alerts, and OTPs can be silently redirected to another number. This allows scammers to receive bank messages, verification codes, and private calls before you even realize something is wrong. Based on cybersecurity experience and telecom expert insights, many financial fraud cases begin with unnoticed call forwarding rather than malicious apps. Because this attack works at the network level, users often feel safe while their data is compromised. Regularly checking call forwarding settings is a trusted, expert recommended step to protect personal privacy, financial security, and digital identity.
Check Call Forwarding on Your Smartphone
USSD Code Safety Check
Image credit : Pexels
Open your Phone or Dialer app and dial *#21# exactly as shown, then press the call button. Within a few seconds, your screen will display the status of call forwarding, message forwarding, and data forwarding on your number. If all services show “Not forwarded,” your phone is secure and no redirection is active. If any unknown number appears, it may indicate a risk of call or OTP diversion. Based on telecom security expertise and user experience, checking this code regularly helps prevent fraud. This method is safe, reliable, and works at the network level without accessing personal data.
What the #21# Result Really Means
Understanding Forwarding Status
Image credit : Pexels
This USSD code checks unconditional call forwarding directly at the telecom network level, not on your phone app. If a forwarding number appears under voice calls or messages, it means your calls or SMS may be silently diverted. Telecom security experts warn that scammers use this method to intercept banking OTPs, verification codes, and private calls for account takeovers. Based on real-world fraud investigations, this trick is increasingly common because users rarely notice it. If you see any unknown number listed, treat it as a serious warning sign. Immediately disable call forwarding and contact your mobile operator to protect your data, finances, and digital identity.
How to Disable All Call Forwarding Instantly
- Open the Phone or Dialer app on your smartphone.
- Type ##002# exactly as shown.
- Press the Call button.
- Wait for a few seconds. A confirmation message will appear on the screen.
- Once confirmed, all types of call forwarding are disabled, including voice calls, messages, and data redirection.
When You Should Run This Safety Check
Important Things You Should Know
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. This code is completely safe. It only checks your network call and message forwarding status and does not access personal data.
2. Does this method work on both Android and iPhone?
Yes. The *#21# and ##002# codes work on most Android and iOS devices worldwide.
3. Will this code detect hacking apps on my phone?
No. It only checks telecom level call forwarding. It does not scan apps or malware.
4. How often should I check call forwarding status?
Experts recommend checking once a month or immediately if OTPs or calls go missing.
5. What should I do if forwarding turns on again?
Contact your mobile operator immediately. Repeated activation may indicate a security issue.