Latest update:12 November 2025, 4:57 PM IST

For many, this simple trick was a revelation and a silent solution to one of the most familiar annoyances in the modern kitchen

Very few realize that their microwave may have a “secret code” built into it for a purpose far beyond cooking. (AP photo)

In a discovery that has sparked widespread curiosity across social media, a little-known feature in one of the most common household appliances, the microwave oven, is now creating buzz online. While millions use it daily to reheat food or make popcorn, few realize that their microwave may have a “secret code” built into it for a purpose far beyond cooking.

A social media user known as @world_according_to_dad recently posted a video revealing that he discovered a hidden function in his microwave, the ability to silence its distinctive beeping sound. “Are you tired of the annoying sound coming from your microwave? There is a way to turn it off,” he said in the clip that went viral, adding that pressing and holding the number “2” on the dial for five seconds instantly mutes the sound.

This discovery has astonished users who thought that only high-end, sophisticated microwaves with a speaker icon or digital control panel offered silent mode. However, experts say the feature may be present in many models, hidden behind what appears to be a regular numeric keypad.

According to the food specialists from Taste of Home, many microwaves can be muted using a combination of number keys, often 0, 1, or even the stop button, if held down for a few seconds. “Manufacturers sometimes program secret functions to reduce sound, but they do not always include them in user manuals,” experts noted.

However, not every microwave comes with this hidden capability. Models and brands vary, and in some cases, users may need to refer to the instruction manual for confirmation.