These Secret iPhone Codes Are So Cool

By now, you're probably reasonable well-acquainted with your iPhone's basic capabilities. But you can take things to the next level, thanks to these secret iPhone codes via a recent video from Tech Insider. As it turns out, our phones are hiding a few neat tricks, and there's more to your iPhone's user-accessible features than meets the eye — if, that is, you know how to get to them.

Why would certain features be hidden by default from iPhone users? Well, with so many commonly unused iPhone features hiding in plain sight already, there's constant challenge in splitting the difference between leaving features out and overloading the user. A part of the solution is these codes, which allow you to get your phone to do things without cluttering up the settings area and other screens. Most users probably won't need the features these codes let you access, but they're there just in case.

For each code, you'll want to start with a clean slate on the screen where you place calls and dial numbers. Enter the code exactly as instructed to see your phone do its secret thing. It sort of feels like finding Easter eggs in video games and other digital products, but more useful! If only we could gamify all of our adulting.

Watch the full video here, and keep reading for three of my favorites.

1. Block Caller ID

This code is straightforward enough — if you use it, the person receiving your call will see a simple "No Caller ID" on their screen, instead of any of your real info. Just put in #31# into the box immediately preceding the phone number you're calling.

2. Find Out Exactly How Much Reception You Have

Tired of never knowing whether those bars of service are accurate? Put your phone into "field test" mode in a couple easy steps and turn on a numerically-precise reception indicator. First, type in the code *3001#12345#* and hit the phone icon, like you're calling this number. Then immediately hit your phone's power button.

You'll get a "power off" looking screen, but just hold the home button to return to your phone's main/home screen instead of actually powering off.

You'll see in the top info bar that you've now got a precise measurement of how much reception your phone can access currently.

Here's what the reception numbers mean (it's not exactly self-explanatory). Basically, -40 is the strongest signal and -140 is the worst. If you see a number between -40 and -80, you should be pretty much good to go.

If your number is constantly out of this range and you're not in a mobile dead zone for your friends on the same network, it's possible that your hardware might be failing. Meanwhile, if you have a number within the -40 to -80 range and calls still aren't sounding good to you, it may be trouble with the person on the other end of the line.

Don't forget to return to the field test mode menu another time to see what other hidden options and info are lurking there.

3. See Where Your Texts Go

Your cell phone is constantly "talking" to a control center via a "control channel." This channel is how the center finds out where you are, how it gets your phone to play its ringtone when a call is coming in, and how your phone sends a text (over the channel to the center, which directs the text to your friend's phone). If you want to know what number is serving as your phone's control channel, there's a code for that. Again, visit the call screen and call code *#5005*7672#

The result will look like a normal phone number, but there's no person there — only the computer supporting your phone.

For more secret codes, check out the full video from Tech Insider. Happy coding!

Images: lechatnoir/E+/Getty Images; Tech Insider/YouTube(8)