○ IN BRIEF
○ Samsung phones have a hidden diagnostic tool that you won’t find in the settings or apps screens.
○ It checks for problems in many of the key hardware features, including the screen and speakers.
○ However, it won’t check the health of your battery or for any software problems.
Among the many features in Samsung phones is a hidden gem that most users are unaware of—a built-in diagnostic tool that can quickly check if your device is functioning properly. It’s part of Samsung’s Service Mode and is incredibly useful for identifying hardware and software issues. Here’s how to find it.
How to Use the Hidden Diagnostic Tool
You won’t find the diagnostic tool in the settings menu, which is why it’s so obscure. To access it, follow these steps:
- Open the phone app on your Samsung device, just as if you were going to make a call.
- Dial
*#0*#
on your keypad. As soon as you input the last character, the diagnostic mode will launch. There’s no need to press the call button.
Once entered, your screen will change to display a grid of buttons, each corresponding to a different test that you can run on your device. These tests cover a wide range of components, ensuring that every part of your phone is working as it should.
What You Can Test
The diagnostic menu gives you access to several tests that check various hardware aspects of your Samsung phone. Here’s a breakdown of the key tests you can run:
- Screen Tests: The top row of buttons usually includes options like Red, Green, and Blue. These buttons test the screen’s ability to display colors correctly. If your screen shows any odd discoloration, dead pixels, or strange lines during these tests, it might indicate a screen problem.
- Receiver and Vibration: You can test the phone’s receiver by tapping the Receiver button. If the sound is clear, your receiver is functioning well. Similarly, the Vibration button checks the vibration motor—essential for alerts.
- Touch and Sensors: The Touch option allows you to verify that your screen’s touch sensitivity is working correctly. You can also test various sensors, including the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and light sensor. These are vital for features like auto-rotation, ambient light adjustment, and more.
- Camera and Sound: Testing the front and rear cameras can reveal any issues with image quality or the ability to focus. For sound, the Speaker button ensures that your phone’s speakers are working properly.
- Other Things: The tool also includes tests for the phone’s physical buttons (like volume and power), the S-Pen, or the fingerprint scanner.
Why It’s So Useful
This hidden diagnostic tool is incredibly valuable because it provides an easy and quick way to troubleshoot potential issues with your Samsung device.
Running these tests from time to time can help you catch problems before they’re bad enough for you to notice. For example, you might see a slight screen discolouration that you wouldn’t have otherwise spotted, allowing you to address it before it worsens.
If you’re planning to sell your phone or buy a used one, this tool is an excellent way to ensure all the hardware components are in good condition. Equally, if you’ve had your phone repaired, these tests can confirm that everything has been fixed correctly.
But for all its usefulness, there are one or two limitations to keep in mind. The tool doesn’t check software issues, battery health, or network-related problems. For these, you might still need to use other tools or apps.
And crucially, it doesn’t provide solutions to the issues it identifies. If a test reveals a problem, you’ll need to take further steps, such as performing a factory reset, updating software, or contacting Samsung support for repairs.
Test Your Phone’s Hardware Today
The hidden diagnostic tool in Samsung smartphones is ideal for anyone looking to keep their device in top working condition. By regularly checking your phone’s hardware with this tool, you can maintain its performance and longevity, ensuring it serves you well for years to come.