UScellular codes: star codes, USSD strings, and programming codes
UScellular sits between two worlds — legacy star codes from its CDMA days and GSM USSD strings on newer VoLTE handsets. Both sets are here, plus a straight answer on programming codes.
UScellular call forwarding codes
| Code | What it does | Works on |
|---|---|---|
*72<number> | Forward every call | Legacy and most handsets |
*73 | Cancel forwarding | Legacy and most handsets |
**21*<number># | Forward every call | VoLTE Android and iPhone |
**61*<number># | Forward when unanswered | VoLTE Android and iPhone |
##21# | Cancel forward-all | VoLTE Android and iPhone |
*#21# | Check what forwarding is set | VoLTE Android and iPhone |
Try the star code first on an older device and the USSD string first on a recent one. If the first family does nothing, the other almost always works. Device-by-device steps are on how to forward calls on UScellular.
What the UScellular service programming code is
This is the most searched UScellular code and the most misunderstood, so plainly: the service programming code, also called the SPC or MSL, is a six-digit number that unlocks the programming menu on a CDMA-era phone. It is what a technician uses to write network settings onto a handset.
Three things worth knowing:
- UScellular does not publish it. The SPC is specific to your account and handset. Legitimate ones come from UScellular support, not from a code list, and any site claiming a universal SPC is guessing.
- Modern phones do not use it. SIM-based and VoLTE handsets provision over the air. If your phone has a SIM you can remove, you almost certainly do not need an SPC at all.
- Guessing is a bad idea. Repeated wrong entries can lock the programming menu, and on some handsets that requires a service visit to clear.
If you are trying to get a UScellular phone working on another network, the thing you actually want is a carrier unlock through UScellular's unlock request process, not an SPC.
SIM, IMEI, and device codes
| Code | What it does |
|---|---|
*#06# | Show your IMEI, works with no SIM and no signal |
**04*<old>*<new>*<new># | Change your SIM PIN |
**05*<PUK>*<new>*<new># | Unblock a PIN-locked SIM using the PUK |
*#5005*7672# | Show the SMS center number |
*#07# | Show regulatory and SAR information |
These are handset codes rather than UScellular codes, so they behave the same on any carrier. The PUK is the one to be careful with — ten wrong entries permanently disables the SIM and you will need a replacement. The full set is on the USSD code list.
Voicemail, caller ID, and everyday features
| Code | What it does |
|---|---|
*86 | Call your voicemail |
*67<number> | Hide your caller ID for one call |
*82<number> | Show your caller ID for one call |
*69 | Call back the last number that rang you |
*70<number> | Turn off call waiting for one call |
611 | UScellular customer service |
For data usage, minutes, and balance, UScellular directs customers to the My Account app rather than dial codes — the hash shortcuts that work on Verizon and T-Mobile are not consistently supported, so the app is the reliable route.
Three-way calling and other features
UScellular supports three-way calling on every current plan, and it is done from the dialer rather than with a code: place the first call, tap add call, dial the second person, then tap merge. There is no star code for it.
Similarly, call waiting is on by default and toggled per call with *70. Full walkthroughs are on how to do a 3-way call and what is call waiting.
Try the carrier code generator
Pick your carrier and condition — get the exact code to dial, with a copy button.
Code preview
Enter the destination number above and the dial code appears here.
FAQ
- What is the UScellular call forwarding code?
- Dial *72 followed by the 10-digit destination to forward every call, and *73 to cancel. On newer VoLTE handsets the GSM strings also work: **21*number# to forward, ##21# to cancel, and *#21# to check what is set.
- What is the UScellular service programming code?
- The service programming code (SPC or MSL) is a six-digit code that unlocks the programming menu on CDMA-era handsets. UScellular does not publish it — it is specific to your account and handset and comes from UScellular support. Modern SIM-based phones provision over the air and do not need one.
- How do I check my data usage on UScellular with a code?
- UScellular does not reliably support the hash shortcuts that Verizon and T-Mobile use for usage. Check data, minutes, and balance in the My Account app or by calling 611 instead.
- How do I find the IMEI on a UScellular phone?
- Dial *#06# and press call. The IMEI appears on screen immediately, and it works with no SIM inserted and no service. You need it to report a phone stolen, check a used handset against a blacklist, or request a carrier unlock.
- Do UScellular phones use star codes or USSD codes?
- Both, depending on the handset. Legacy and older devices use North American star codes like *72 and *73, while newer VoLTE phones also accept GSM strings like **21*number# and ##21#. If one family does nothing, try the other.
Forward your line to an AI that books
RingOwl is a 24/7 AI answering service for small businesses. Forward your line with the codes above and the AI picks up every call, books appointments straight into your calendar, and texts you a summary. Free 7-day trial, no credit card.
Start your free trial →Related