Many Android users are faced with a situation where they need to save their own number in the phone book, check the call forwarding, or simply learn how the caller's name is displayed when there is an incoming call. In the operating system Android there are several ways to implement the "call yourself" task, and they all depend on the specific device model and the settings of your mobile operator.
Usually, dialing your own number results in a busy signal or a quick connection reset, since the network blocks such cycles. However, using special engineering codes or forwarding settings, you can bypass this limitation. In this article, we will look at legal communication testing methods that will help you set up your smartphone as efficiently as possible.
It is important to understand that some methods require access to hidden menus that may be blocked by the manufacturer. Before you start experimenting, make sure that your tariff plan supports incoming calls from your own numbers or forwarding to avoid unnecessary costs.
Using USSD codes for testing
The fastest way to test the network's response to calling yourself is to use USSD requests. These special character sequences allow you to interact directly with carrier servers, bypassing the standard dialing interface. Depending on the provider, the commands may vary, but the general principle remains the same.
First, open the "Phone" application and go to dialing mode. Enter the code ##4636##. This universal combination opens a menu Testingwhere you can find information about the phone and usage statistics. Although there is no direct "call yourself" button, this section is critical for diagnosing communication problems.
Some telecom operators provide their own service codes for checking services. For example, set 111# or similar combinations can show the status of active services, including forwarding. If you want to find out if forwarding to your number is active, use the code #21#. It will display the current status of all types of call forwarding.
Be careful when entering commands from unverified sources. Entering the code incorrectly may change your tariff settings or activate paid services.
⚠️ Attention: Entering engineering codes may lead to network settings being reset. Before using, make sure you understand the purpose of each command.
Setting up conditional and unconditional forwarding
One of the most reliable methods of organizing a call to yourself is setting up Call forwarding. The essence of the method is to redirect incoming calls to the same number. When you call yourself, the network sees active forwarding and connects the call, creating the effect of calling your number.
To set up unconditional forwarding (when the call goes away immediately without waiting for the beep), go to the settings of the "Phone" application. Usually the path looks like this: Settings → Calls → Call forwarding → Voice call → Always forward. In the number entry field, enter your own phone number.
After activating this feature, try dialing your number. If everything is configured correctly, you will hear beeps and be able to accept the call. This is a great way to check the quality of the connection and the operation of the speaker during a call without the need to use a second phone.
- 📞 Allows you to check the operation of the speaker and microphone in a real conversation.
- 🔒 Requires confirmation via SMS or the operator's voice menu upon first activation.
- 💰 May be a paid service depending on your tariff plan.
- 🔄 Easily disabled through the same call settings menu.
Remember that when actively forwarding to your number, you may not hear standard call tones, since the connection is established instantly through the operator's server.
☑️ Setting up forwarding
Hidden engineering menus and diagnostic modes
For advanced users who want to gain deep access to the radio module settings, there are engineering menus. These interfaces are intended for service engineers, but are often available to ordinary users. They allow you to carry out tests signal, check the operation of antennas and simulate various network conditions.
In the menu Testingwhich is opened with the code ##4636##, select "Phone information". Here you will find a "Run ping pong test" button or similar options that simulate data transfer. Although this is not a pure voice call, such a check confirms that the communication channel with the base station is active and stable.
On devices from Samsung, Xiaomi or OnePlus may have their own unique access codes. For example, on some Samsung models there is a code #0#that opens the general diagnostics menu, where you can test proximity sensors and the screen, which is indirectly related to the quality of call processing.
⚠️ Attention: The engineering menu interface may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's firmware. Do not change settings whose meaning you do not know.
What to do if the code does not work?
If the standard code ##4636## does not open the menu, the manufacturer may have blocked this function in their shell. Try installing the "Activity Launcher" application from Google Play, find the "Testing" or "Phone Information" section in the list of activities and launch it manually. This often helps to bypass software restrictions.
Specifics of working with two SIM cards
Owners of supported smartphones Dual SIM have the unique opportunity to call themselves absolutely legally and for free. You just need to dial the number of your second SIM card while in the device. This is the most natural way to check communication and does not require complex settings.
When calling from SIM 1 to SIM 2 (or vice versa), you can check how switching between cards works, whether one of them is blocked during a call, and whether the caller ID is displayed correctly. This also allows you to test the function VoLTE on both cards at the same time.
If you only have one SIM card, but the phone supports eSIM technology, you can activate a test profile or a second operator profile to get a similar effect. Modern flagships are increasingly abandoning the physical slot in favor of built-in modules.
| Configuration type | Ability to call yourself | Complexity of setup | Risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two physical SIM | High | Low | None |
| SIM + eSIM | High | Average | Absent |
| Forwarding | Average | Average | Low |
| Engineering codes | Low (data test) | High | Medium |
Using a second SIM card is the safest method, since it fully corresponds to the normal usage scenario of the device and does not affect hidden system partitions.
When calling between your SIM cards, be sure to turn on the speakerphone or use a headset to avoid acoustic feedback (whistle), since the microphone and speaker are in the same case.
Problems and limitations when calling yourself
Despite the availability of methods, users often encounter with a situation where challenging yourself is impossible. This is due to the security policies of mobile operators, which block cyclic calls to prevent abuse and switching errors.
In addition, some smartphone models programmatically prohibit dialing your own number in the standard dial. In this case, the system may display an error message or simply not respond to pressing the call button. Bypassing these restrictions through third-party applications may require ROOT-rightswhich is not recommended for ordinary users due to the risk of losing the warranty.
If your goal is simply to check whether the network sees your number, it is better to use sending an SMS to yourself or checking your balance. These operations are less likely to be blocked by operators and provide sufficient information about the status of registration in the network.
⚠️ Attention: The conditions for the provision of forwarding services can be changed by the operator unilaterally. Always check the current rates in your personal account or the official application of your operator.
Alternative ways to check connection
If classic methods are not suitable, consider using instant messengers. Applications like Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber allow you to make calls to your account from another device or even from the same smartphone (via the "Favorites" function or creating a group of one participant).
This approach allows you to check the quality of the Internet connection, the operation of codecs and the stability of voice transmission over the protocol. IP. This is especially true in areas of poor cellular coverage, where voice calls may be interrupted, but the Internet can work stably.
You can also use screen recording services with audio. Start recording, call your number from another phone and accept the call. The resulting file will allow you to analyze in detail the sound quality and the presence of extraneous noise without having to hold the phone to your ear.
The safest and most informative way to check communication on dual-SIM devices is to call between your numbers. For single-SIM devices, setting up forwarding is optimal if the tariff allows it.
Is it possible to permanently disable the ability to call to your number?
The user cannot directly prohibit the network from connecting a call to his number, since this is a basic switching function. However, you can activate Do Not Disturb mode or block your own number in the blacklist if the phone supports blocking incoming calls from itself (a rare feature).
Why does it immediately reset when you dial your number?
This is standard network behavior to prevent routing loops. The operator sees that the calling and receiving subscriber are the same person, and breaks the connection so as not to waste communication channels.
Does forwarding affect traffic consumption?
Voice forwarding is usually charged as an outgoing call to the forwarding number. If you redirect a call to your own number, the operator may charge you per minute of conversation according to your tariff. Check with your provider.
Is it safe to use type codes ##4636##?
Yes, viewing information in this menu is safe. The only danger is when changing the parameters of the radio module (for example, selecting only a 2G network or resetting IMEI), which can lead to loss of communication. You can simply view the data without risk.
How to check if the network can see me, without making calls?
Pay attention to the icons in the status bar: the presence of letters 4G, LTE or 5G next to the signal level means successful registration. You can also try sending an SMS to the operator's short service number.