What You Don’t Know About Your Cell Phone Could Help You

• The Worldwide Emergency Number for cellular phones is 112 (not 911). If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your cellular network and there is an emergency, try 911 first. Often that is sufficient. If it doesn’t work, dial 112 and the phone will search any existing network to establish the emergency number. Interestingly 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.

• If your car has remote keyless entry and you’ve locked your keys in the car use your cell phone to call someone who has a spare key. Hold your phone about a foot from the car door and as the person with the other key presses the unlock button near their phone. Your car door or trunk will unlock.

• Activate reserve battery power by pressing *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with reserve power and the indicator will show a 50% battery charge. This reserve will be renewed the next time you charge your cell phone battery. To help you remember the number, write it on the battery now.

• Discover your cell phone’s serial number by dialing *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This is the serial number. Copy it now and keep it in a safe but accessible location. If your phone is stolen, call your service provider, give the serial number and they can block use of the stolen phone. Even if the thief changes the SIM card your phone will be rendered useless. You probably won't get the phone back, but at least you’ll know that whoever stole it can't use or sell it either. If everybody did this there would be no point in stealing cell phones.

• Cell phone service providers needlessly charge $1.00 or more per 411 information call. When you need to call information simply dial 800-FREE-411 (800-373-3411) without incurring any charge at all. Program it into your cell phone now.