Telephone system codes

While most are aware of codes such as 1471 and 1571 for last number dialled and the answer phone it seems people are unaware that the telephone exchanges recognise certain other codes - ones that make use of the hash (#) and star (*) symbols that normally see no use at all.

As a service to my many readers [snort] and to myself I'd thought I'd write up a list of  perhaps the most useful and that I know will most likely work regardless of system used:

*#001# - What codes/services are currently active on your phone (note that doesn't tell you what services are available just which ones are switched on at that moment)

*21* (telephone number) # - Divert all incoming calls to the telephone number entered
#21# - Cancel that diversion

*61* (telephone number) # - When not answered divert incoming calls to the number entered
#61# - Cancel that diversion

*67* (telephone number) # - When busy divert incoming calls to the number entered
#67# - Cancel that diversion

Forgot what number you've diverted to? Dial the cancel code with a * first and it'll tell you.

5 - Request ringback when calling a busy/engaged phone
#37# - Cancel ringback

141 (telephone number) - Withhold your number from the person you're calling

There are others, but since all the unbundling etc. most don't work now or if they did still work I consider them to risky to unleash upon the world ;-)

Actually on that note - if anyone calls to 'check your phone' and asks you to input any type of * or # code don't do it!