On an iPhone, dialing *57 activates a call trace service provided by your cellular carrier, designed to help trace the last incoming call, particularly in instances of harassing or unwanted calls.
Understanding *57 Call Trace
The code *57 (or sometimes 1157 in certain regions) is not an iPhone-specific feature but rather a vertical service code used by phone companies to initiate a call trace. While your iPhone is the device you use to dial this code, the functionality is provided by your mobile network operator (like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.), not by Apple. Its primary purpose is to help individuals deal with repeated or malicious prank calls, threats, or harassment.
How *57 Call Trace Works
When you dial *57, you are instructing your phone carrier's network to log information about the last incoming call to your line. This service is designed for immediate action:
- Receive the problematic call: This service is used when you receive an unwanted or harassing call.
- Hang up the call: After the call ends, do not make any other calls.
- Immediately dial *57: Open your iPhone's Phone app, dial *57, and initiate the call. It is crucial to dial this code immediately after the harassing call ends, as the system logs the most recent incoming call.
- Confirmation: You will typically hear a recorded message confirming that the call trace has been activated for the last incoming call.
What Happens After Dialing *57?
Once activated, your carrier's system records the details of the last call received on your line. However, this information is not immediately provided to you. The data collected from a call trace is typically confidential and is only released to law enforcement officials, often requiring a subpoena or court order.
If you are experiencing persistent harassing calls, it is advisable to:
- Keep a log of dates and times of the calls.
- Contact your cellular carrier's customer support to report the issue and understand their specific procedures for call tracing and obtaining the information.
- Consider filing a police report, as law enforcement can often work with the carrier to access the traced call information if necessary.
Key Considerations for iPhone Users
| Feature Name | Action | Purpose | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Trace (*57) | Dials a specific code immediately after an unwanted call. | To trace the last incoming call for law enforcement purposes. | Carrier-dependent; not all carriers offer it, or they may use different codes. |
Here are some important points to remember about using *57 on your iPhone:
- Carrier Specific: The availability and exact functionality of *57 can vary significantly between different mobile carriers. It's a network service, not a universal iPhone feature.
- Cost: Some carriers may charge a fee for each successful call trace, or it might be included in certain service plans. It's best to check with your provider.
- Purpose: This service is intended for serious issues like harassment, not for simply finding out who called you if you missed a call (your iPhone's call history will show that).
- No Direct Information: You will not receive the caller's information directly by dialing *57. It merely logs the data for potential official use.
