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This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.
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Service mode is a secret menu embedded in modern smartphones. You can use it to diagnose issues with your device. To enter the special mode (sometimes called "engineering mode"), you’ll type a code into the default Android phone app. We also go over how to put your Samsung or Google Pixel into maintenance or repair mode when you need to service your device. Keep reading to learn more.
Entering Service Mode
Service mode is a special mode where you can diagnose issues with your device. To access service mode, dial the special code for your phone model and carrier, which can be found on Google. If you need to get your Samsung or Google Pixel serviced, you can put your phone into maintenance/repair mode to keep your data safe.
Steps
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Search for your device’s service menu code. Look for special codes for accessing service mode on your Android device. For example, you could search "[Mobile Carrier] Galaxy S5 Service Menu Code," replacing "[Mobile Carrier]" with your network carrier. -
Take note of the numeric code. Once you find the code, write it down! This will let you reference it later.Advertisement -
Go back to the Home screen. If you were using your Android to search for the code, tap the Home button on your device to go back to the home screen. -
Launch the Phone app. On the home screen or app drawer, tap the default Phone app on your device.[1]- The codes may not work on third-party calling apps.
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Enter the service code. Tap the dialing field near the top of the screen to display the number pad. Then, type in the code for your phone model and carrier.- Note: If you have a Verizon Android device, you may be unable to access the service menu using this code method. You might need to sideload a diagnostic app instead. Be cautious when sideloading apps, as they may contain malware.
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Tap the call button to access Service mode. The Phone app may crash after tapping the dial icon—this is normal. You should see some info regarding your device, like the GSM status, Cell ID, IMEI Certification status, and more.- On some devices, like the Galaxy S3, you will see buttons labeled with the names according to what function they will test.
- You can now choose a tool by tapping on the button for the respective tool on the screen to help diagnose device-related problems.
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Go to Settings > Device care. Before you enter maintenance mode, Samsung recommends backing up your data.[2] You must also have a lock screen enabled, and you must have 500MB to 1.5GB of free storage space.- Maintenance mode is also only available to users who are running One UI 5 or higher on their device.
- Maintenance mode is used if your phone needs to get serviced. It keeps your data and info safe and secure, and allows for easy backup restoration if your phone needs to get reset.
- It differs slightly from service mode, but is instead used if your phone is getting serviced/repaired.
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Tap Maintenance mode. If you would like to make a backup, you will be prompted to do so. Otherwise, continue to the next step. -
Tap Turn on. Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device in maintenance mode. If you don't have a lock screen set up, you'll be prompted to set one up before you can continue. -
Disable maintenance mode once you get your phone back. To do this, go back to Settings > Device care > Maintenance mode. Then, tap Exit > Restart and enter your lock screen credentials when prompted.- To restore your data (if necessary), go to Settings > Device care > Maintenance mode > Temporary cloud backup > Restore.
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Go to Settings > System. Repair mode is used if your phone needs to get serviced. It keeps your data and info safe and secure, and allows for easy backup restoration if your phone needs to get reset.- It differs slightly from service mode, but is instead used if your phone is getting serviced/repaired.
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Tap Repair mode. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter repair mode. You'll be prompted to enter your security PIN, password, or pattern, which is the same as your lock screen code. If you don't have a lock screen set up, you'll be prompted to set one up during this process. -
Allow the phone to restart. After your phone restarts, it will be in repair mode. -
Disable repair mode once you get your phone back. To do this, go to Settings > System > Repair mode. Enter your PIN, password, or pattern, and let your phone restart. Once it reboots, you'll be out of repair mode.[3]
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