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What is *#9900 used for?

Published in Mobile Diagnostics 3 mins read

The *#9900# code is a specialized diagnostic tool primarily used on Samsung mobile phones to access crucial system information, including detailed system dumps and log files. While often referred to simply as *#9900, the complete and functional code includes the final hash symbol.

This hidden menu provides an advanced interface for users and technicians to delve into the device's operational data. This information can be invaluable for troubleshooting performance issues, analyzing crashes, identifying software glitches, and understanding the device's behavior at a deeper level.

Purpose of the *#9900# Code

The main function of the *#9900# code is to grant access to the device's system dump and log information. These logs contain a wealth of data about the phone's internal processes, errors, and system status.

Key Functions Accessible via *#9900#

Upon entering this code into your phone's dialer, you'll be presented with a menu offering various diagnostic options:

  • Generating System Dumps (Dumpstate/Logcat): This feature allows you to create comprehensive reports of your phone's current state and activity. These reports capture information about:
    • Running processes and applications
    • Memory usage and allocation
    • Battery statistics and power consumption patterns
    • Network activity and connectivity details
    • System errors and warnings
      Such dumps are critical for developers and technical support to analyze complex issues.
  • Managing Log Files: The menu also provides options to:
    • Delete Log Files: Clear out accumulated log data from your device, which can sometimes help free up internal storage space.
    • Copy Logs to SD Card: Export the diagnostic files to an external storage device for easier transfer to a computer for in-depth analysis or sharing with support personnel.
  • Low Battery Dump: Specifically captures diagnostic data when the phone's battery level is critically low. This can be crucial for diagnosing issues related to sudden shutdowns or abnormal battery drain.

Is *#9900# Safe to Use?

Entering the *#9900# code itself is generally considered safe and will not immediately harm your device. It simply opens a hidden diagnostic menu. However, the options within this menu are intended for advanced users, technicians, or developers.

Cautionary Advice:

  • Understanding is Key: It is strongly recommended to only navigate and use the functions within this menu if you have a clear understanding of what each option does.
  • Potential for Misuse: Incorrectly interacting with certain settings or deleting critical log files without knowing their implications could potentially lead to unexpected behavior or make troubleshooting more difficult. Always exercise caution and avoid altering settings unless specifically instructed by a qualified technician or if you are confident in your actions.

Practical Applications

The *#9900# code is most commonly utilized in scenarios where standard troubleshooting methods are insufficient. For example:

  • Advanced Troubleshooting: When a Samsung device experiences persistent or unexplained issues such as random reboots, excessive battery drain, app crashes, or connectivity problems, generating a system dump provides invaluable data for technical support teams to pinpoint the root cause.
  • Developer Debugging: Developers can use this menu to extract logs for debugging their applications or analyzing system-level behavior during development.
  • Technical Support: Often, when you contact Samsung customer support for complex issues, they might guide you to use this code to generate and share diagnostic logs.

For a broader understanding of other hidden codes and diagnostic tools on Android devices, you can explore resources that list Samsung secret codes and their functionalities.