Complete Guide to Verizon Phone Codes

Learn what those mysterious star (*) and pound (#) codes actually do on your Verizon phone.

SAFE TO USE

*57

Call Trace

Purpose: Attempts to trace harassing or threatening calls

How it works: Dial *57 immediately after receiving the call. Verizon logs the information, but only law enforcement can access it with a subpoena.

Cost: $5 per trace attempt

Limitations: Works only on landlines and some VoIP services, not mobile phones in most areas.

USE WITH CAUTION

*228

PRL & Profile Update

Purpose: Updates your phone's roaming capabilities and programming

How it works: Dial *228, then:
• Option 1: Program phone
• Option 2: Update PRL (Preferred Roaming List)

Note: Doesn't work on 4G LTE or 5G phones. Can sometimes cause issues if used unnecessarily.

When to use: Only when Verizon support recommends it.

DANGEROUS IF MISUSED

*#21#

Call Forwarding Status

Purpose: Checks if your calls are being forwarded elsewhere

How it works: Dial *#21# and press call. Shows current call forwarding settings.

Danger: Scammers use similar codes to forward your calls without your knowledge.

Safety check: Run this monthly to ensure calls aren't being diverted.

SAFE TO USE

*611

Customer Service

Purpose: Free call to Verizon support

How it works: Dial 611 from your Verizon phone for free customer service.

Alternative: 1-800-922-0204 from any phone

Best use: Account inquiries, billing questions, technical support

USE WITH CAUTION

*#62#

Call Divert Status

Purpose: Checks if calls are being diverted when unreachable

How it works: Shows where calls go when your phone is off or out of service.

To disable: ##002# (cancels all call forwarding)

Security risk: Attackers can forward your calls to their number when you're unavailable.

SAFE TO USE

*82

Caller ID Unblock

Purpose: Unblocks your caller ID for one call

How it works: Dial *82 before the number to temporarily disable *67 blocking.

Common use: Calling businesses that block anonymous calls

Note: Doesn't work if you've permanently blocked caller ID in settings.

Common Verizon Codes Reference Table

Code	Function	Safety	Cost	Works On
*57	Call Trace (harassing calls)	Safe	$5 per use	Landlines only
*228	Update PRL/roaming	Caution	Free	3G phones only
*#21#	Check call forwarding	Dangerous	Free	All phones
*67	Block caller ID	Safe	Free	All phones
*69	Return last call	Safe	$1.99/month	All phones
*77	Anonymous call rejection	Safe	Free	Landlines only
##002#	Disable all forwarding	Caution	Free	All phones

Common Myths Debunked

Myth 1: *228 makes your 5G faster

Truth: *228 doesn't work on 4G/5G phones. It's for 3G devices only. For 5G issues, update carrier settings in phone settings.

Myth 2: *#21# shows if your phone is hacked

Truth: It only shows call forwarding status. It won't detect malware, spyware, or other hacking methods.

Myth 3: *57 works for prank calls

Truth: Verizon requires police involvement. They won't trace calls for minor annoyances.

Myth 4: *69 traces any call

Truth: *69 only returns the last incoming call. It doesn't provide caller information beyond their phone number.

⚠️ EMERGENCY CODES TO KNOW

911: Standard emergency services

*911: Emergency call when normal 911 isn't working (uses different routing)

112: International emergency number that works in US

##911: Reports false 911 call (if accidental dial)

Important: All emergency calls work even without service, with a locked phone, or without a SIM card.

Phone Security: Are You Being Monitored?

Signs Your Phone Might Be Tapped

Battery drains unusually fast
Phone gets hot when not in use
Strange background noises during calls
Unexpected texts with codes/links
Apps opening/closing by themselves
Increased data usage without explanation

How to Check for Monitoring

Dial *#21# to check call forwarding
Dial *#62# to check diversion when unavailable
Dial *#06# to verify IMEI matches phone box
Check for unknown apps with microphone access
Monitor data usage by app
Look for unexpected location sharing

What to Do If Compromised

Backup data and factory reset
Change all passwords (email, social media, banking)
Enable two-factor authentication
Contact Verizon for new SIM card
File police report for harassment
Consider professional security audit

Legal Protection Against Harassment

Steps to take if receiving harassing calls:

Document everything: Date, time, what was said
Use *57 immediately after call: Even if Verizon can't trace, it creates a record
File police report: Get a case number
Request Verizon assistance: Provide police report number
Change your number: Last resort, but sometimes necessary
Consider legal action: Restraining orders for serious cases

Verizon's harassment policy: They can block numbers, change your number, or in extreme cases, provide call records to law enforcement with proper legal requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does *57 do on a Verizon phone?

Answer: *57 is Verizon's Call Trace feature for landlines. After receiving a harassing or threatening call, dial *57 immediately. Verizon will attempt to trace the call, but only law enforcement can access the results with proper legal authorization. Cost is $5 per use.

What does *228 do on Verizon?

Answer: *228 updates your phone's roaming capabilities (PRL - Preferred Roaming List) and reprograms the device. Only works on 3G phones. For 4G/5G devices, updates happen automatically over the air.

What does *#21 do to your Android phone?

Answer: *#21# checks call forwarding status. It shows if your calls are being forwarded to another number. This is a read-only code - it doesn't change anything. However, similar codes starting with ** can enable forwarding, so be careful.

What is *#62 used for?

Answer: *#62# checks call diversion when your phone is unreachable (off, out of service, or in airplane mode). Shows where calls go when you can't answer. ##002# disables all call forwarding/diversion.

Can you tell if your phone is being monitored?

Answer: Some signs include rapid battery drain, unusual data usage, phone heating up when idle, strange noises during calls, and unexpected reboots. Dial *#21# and *#62# monthly to check for unauthorized call forwarding.

Is ##002 safe to use?

Answer: Yes, ##002# is safe. It cancels all call forwarding on your line. Useful if you suspect someone has forwarded your calls, or if you previously set up forwarding and forgot about it.

What does *77 do on your phone?

Answer: *77 enables Anonymous Call Rejection on landlines. It blocks calls from people who have blocked their caller ID. Doesn't work on mobile phones - use your phone's built-in spam blocking features instead.

What is the *#69 code used for?

Answer: *69 is Verizon's Last Call Return service. It redials the last number that called you. Costs $1.99/month subscription. *69 also works on most other carriers.

Best Practices Summary

Safe codes to use regularly:

*#21# - Monthly check for call forwarding
*#62# - Monthly check for call diversion
##002# - Reset if you suspect tampering
*#06# - Verify IMEI matches documentation

Codes to avoid unless necessary:

*228 - Only if Verizon support recommends
Any code starting with ** - These usually enable features
Codes from unknown sources - Could be scams

Emergency knowledge:

911 works without service, SIM, or even on locked phones
*911 for alternate emergency routing
Keep emergency contacts written down (not just in phone)

"Phone codes are powerful tools that can enhance security or create vulnerabilities. Understanding them is the first step toward protecting yourself in an increasingly connected world."

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

Complete Guide to Verizon Phone Codes

Call Trace

PRL & Profile Update

Call Forwarding Status

Customer Service

Call Divert Status

Caller ID Unblock

Common Verizon Codes Reference Table

Common Myths Debunked

⚠️ EMERGENCY CODES TO KNOW

Phone Security: Are You Being Monitored?

Signs Your Phone Might Be Tapped

How to Check for Monitoring

What to Do If Compromised

Legal Protection Against Harassment

Frequently Asked Questions

What does *57 do on a Verizon phone?

What does *228 do on Verizon?

What does *#21 do to your Android phone?

What is *#62 used for?

Can you tell if your phone is being monitored?

Is ##002 safe to use?

What does *77 do on your phone?

What is the *#69 code used for?

Best Practices Summary