What is the number to see if your phone is being monitored?

Can You Check If Your Phone Is Being Monitored by Dialing *#21#?

There’s a common belief that dialing *#21# on your phone can reveal whether it's being monitored. While this code won’t detect comprehensive surveillance or spyware, it does serve a specific purpose: checking if unconditional call forwarding is active on your device.

When someone enables call forwarding without your knowledge, all incoming calls are silently redirected to another number—potentially allowing a third party to intercept your conversations. By entering *#21#, your phone sends a query to the network, which responds with information about whether calls are being forwarded and, if so, to which number.

It’s important to clarify, though, that this code alone doesn’t guarantee your phone is secure. If call forwarding is off, it doesn’t mean your device isn’t compromised. Modern surveillance methods—especially through malicious apps or phishing—often operate in the background without triggering call forwarding. These threats bypass traditional network-level checks and require more advanced detection tools.

Still, *#21# is a quick and easy first step. If you notice unexpected forwarding, it could be a red flag worth investigating further. Combine this check with reviewing installed apps, monitoring data usage spikes, and using trusted mobile security software.

In the end, while *#21# isn’t a magic bullet against monitoring, it’s a small but useful tool in staying aware of your phone’s activity. Digital privacy starts with vigilance—and sometimes, a simple code can be the first nudge to look deeper.