USSD Codes: What They Are and How to Use Them

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Plus, a list of helpful USSD codes to try on your Android or iPhone

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: January 21, 2026 Fact Checked

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Running a USSD Code

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USSD Code List

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Fixing "USSD Running"

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Video

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Q&A

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Warnings

An Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code is a code that you can enter into your mobile phone's dialer to perform certain functions. While not all phones allow you to enter every USSD code, some codes are required to work on all phones in certain regions. This wikiHow guide will teach you how to run a USSD code on your Android or iPhone, give you a list of USSD codes and what they do, and show you what to do if you see "USSD code running" on your phone.

What is a USSD code?

A USSD code is a code you can dial on your mobile phone to interact with your carrier or gather information from your phone. For example, entering the USSD code *#06# into your phone dialer will display your IMEI (or MEID) number, while entering 500525371# opts you in to receive government emergency test alerts.

Section 1 of 3:

Running a USSD Code

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Unlike SMS text shortcodes, you'll want to run USSD codes using your phone's Phone dialer.
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Dial the USSD code. Some start with *, others #. Depending on the code you enter, you may see the results as soon as you enter the final character.
- Want to try running some USSD codes? Jump to our USSD Code List.
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Tap the Call button. If the code doesn't work immediately (only some do), tap your dialer's call button like you're making a call. If the code you're dialing works on your phone and carrier, you'll see the output instantly.
- When the code is running, you may see "Please wait..." (iPhone) or "USSD code running…" (Android). It should go away within a few seconds.
- If the code is invalid, you will get an error.

Section 2 of 3:

USSD Code List

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Enter *#06# to check your phone's IMEI number. If you need to check your IMEI or MEID, dial this USSD code into your phone's dialer. As soon as you enter the last character, your phone's identification numbers will appear on the screen.
- While some USSD codes don't work on all phones, mobile phone carriers are required to allow customers to dial *#06# to get their phone's identification numbers.^{[1]
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Enter *5005*25371# to enable test alerts for emergencies. Dialing this USSD code in most regions will either sign you up to receive test alerts from your local government in case of an emergency, or confirm that you're already receiving these alerts. You may need to tap the Call button to see a confirmation.^{[2]
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- To stop receiving emergency alerts (we don't actually recommend this), enter the USSD code *5005*25370#.
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Use various USSD codes to check your balances and data usage. Depending on your carrier and phone, you may be able to enter USSD codes to see how much money you owe on your account, check your data usage, and check your minutes.^{[3]
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- Check your balance: This code varies, but many carriers (including Verizon and T-Mobile) let you check your balance by dialing the USSD code *225# or #225#.
  - Some carriers have a separate USSD code to check your balance for prepaid accounts, such as *777#, or variations like *#777*4#.
- Check your minutes: Dial #646# or #646 to see how many minutes you've used.^{[4]
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- Check your data usage:
  - T-Mobile and associated carriers: #932# (#WEB#)
  - Verizon and associated carriers: #3282 (#DATA)
  - AT&T & associated carriers: *3282# (*DATA#)
This code can come in handy if you need to provide your MAC address to your network administrator to allow your Android through the firewall.^{[5]
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This USSD code will give you extra details on battery usage, Wi-Fi signal, and other helpful information about your phone and mobile network.
On some Android phones (mostly Samsung), you can enter this code to perform a quick test on your phone's vibration and backlight capabilities.^{[6]
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Here, you can view very detailed information about your cellular connection.^{[7]
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Try other carrier-specific codes. Some carriers have lots of USSD codes you can run. Here are a few:
- Verizon: You can use #768 #PMTto make a payment, #874 to check your upgrade eligibility, and #7623 (#ROAD) to request roadside assistance.^{[8]
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- T-Mobile: Dial #264# (#BNG#) to check the status of Binge On, #766 (#RON#) to enable international roaming, or #686# (#NUM) to display your phone number.^{[9]
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- AT&T: Dial *77# to stop accepting calls from people who block their caller ID, or *87# to disable the feature. You can also use *639# (*NEW#) to check upgrade eligibility, and *729 (*PAY) to make a payment.^{[10]
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Fix "USSD Running" Stuck

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Certain USSD codes may not work on your phone and could cause the phone to freeze up. Rebooting your phone should fix the problem instantly–just be sure not to run the same code again!
If you've downloaded any apps recently, they may be trying to send USSD codes from your phone to do bad things (like erasing your phone). Reboot your phone, turn on airplane mode, and delete any recently-installed apps. You may also consider checking for malware using a free app like Malwarebytes.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Can fraudster withdraw money from my account through USSD without my phone?

Aasim

Top Answerer

No. USSD codes are really only used for changing carrier settings and for checking your phone's IMEI.

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Warnings

Some USSD codes, such as SIM PIN codes, can cause damage to your SIM card if misused. Entering the SIM PIN incorrectly three times locks the SIM card until a PUK is given, which you only have another three attempts to unlock before the SIM card is rendered useless.

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