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Android Canary recently unveiled an updated version of one of its diagnostic menus—Phone Information V2. The revamped feature brings with it a cleaner interface and even suggests satellite communication support.

Let’s see what actually does the secret phone menu holds.

What Is the ##4636## Code?

For those who are unaware about it, Android comes with some secret dialer codes that open up hidden menus when entered into the phone app. One of the most useful is *#*#4636#*#*

Typing this into your dialer brings up a special testing menu with technical data about your device. The original options includes:

  • Phone information
  • Usage statistics
  • Wi-Fi information

Many users rely on this to lock their phone onto specific network modes (3G, 4G, or 5G) or view cellular and Wi-Fi stats.

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What’s New in ‘Phone Information V2’?

Spotted in the latest Android Canary build, the traditional "Phone information" page has been replaced with a new tabbed interface, offering a more structured overview.

The four new tabs include:

Device Information: Hardware identifiers, IMEI number and firmware version number are provided below.

Data & Network: Signal Strength, Carrier Information, Current Radio Type Type (e.g. LTE/NR), and Network Status can all be seen here.

Satellite: This tab could be related to Android's forthcoming support of satellite connectivity.

IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem): Provides information related to VoLTE, VoWi-Fi and other IP services.

This restructuring aims to make finding relevant technical details simpler without scrolling through a long list.

What’s the Deal with the Satellite Tab?

The Satellite tab is the most intriguing addition. While it’s currently empty or lightly populated in most builds, its very presence suggests Android is preparing for satellite connectivity integration, likely tied to:

  • Emergency SOS via satellite (already available in some iPhones)
  • Direct-to-device satellite messaging or data services
  • Expanded rural or off-grid network coverage

Google has previously hinted at supporting satellite messaging in Android 15, so this aligns perfectly.

Why It Matters

Better organisation: Easier for users and developers to navigate technical phone info

Future readiness: Hints at new capabilities like satellite support

Transparency: Users get deeper access to their device’s connectivity and IMS settings

Power-user utility: Lock network modes or debug issues faster

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How to Access Phone Information V2

As of now, this update is only live in Android Canary, a test build meant for developers and early adopters. To try it:

1. Install the latest Android Canary build

2. Open your Phone app

3. Dial *#*#4636#*#*

4. Tap on the new Phone Information V2 option

Final Thoughts

The arrival of Phone Information V2 shows Google’s intent to make Android’s under-the-hood tools more usable and forward-facing. The addition of a Satellite tab hints at big things on the horizon — possibly full satellite support in Android 15 and beyond.

Stay tuned, because what’s now tucked away in a hidden menu could soon be a flagship feature.

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