A vending machine is an invaluable yet totally frustrating piece of equipment. It's a godsend whenever your tummy's growling or you need an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day. But when something gets stuck inside or the machine flat-out malfunctions, it quickly becomes your archenemy. And when you're broke, it's basically just one big tease.
So, I get why so many people are interested in hacking soda and snack vending machines. While it could be considered stealing, hacking a vending machine feels more like retribution, punishing it for all those times it did you wrong. But how does one actually hack a vending machine?
There are many different brands and types of vending machines (coin-op, credit/debit card, contactless (RFID, NFC), etc.), so there's no Konami code that will work on all of them, and hitting or kicking it will only get you so far. You could use a drill and screw, but only if you want to get caught.
Below are some hacks that may work for you. Some look like legit ways to break into a Coke or candy machine, while others may be too good to be true. It's up to you to decide. (Report back with your success or fail stories.)
1. The Code for Free Nesquik Drinks
If you're by a coin-operated Nesquik vending machine, next time you need a cool, refreshing chocolate milk, try using this code for a free drink: 44455544455. The numbers correspond to the 4th and 5th drink option buttons. After inputting them, just select your drink. (Code 137137137 might also work on older models with keypads.)
2. The Take-Your-Cash-Back Trick
For the thief on the go, all you need is some paper money and packing tape. Just like the old coin-and-string trick (which has been shown time and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXqGxvDHg98 time again not to work), you stick the tape at one end of the bill and insert it into the machine. Once the machine has registered the dollar amount, use the famous pull-out method, and you've got yourself a free drink! And if you're feeling especially sinister, forget the drinks and snacks — once the machine has registered a dollar amount, hit the change button.
3. Get Free Change Out of Soda Machines
If it's the dough you're looking for and you're near an older soda machine (Coca-Cola, in this case), look no further. Press the code 432112311, then hold down the change lever until you hear the sweet clinkity-clink of the coin raining down. This method is perfect for laundry day when you're short a couple of quarters.
4. Set Your Own Price (e.g. $0) For Pepsi
You know those newer Pepsi machines with the really big buttons? You might be able to get a free drink by using this trick. This will enable you to set the price for the drink, and zero seems as good a price as any, right? (Code 42313214321 might also work on other machines.)
5. Trick Conveyor Belt Coke Machines
Pepsi isn't for everybody, so if you're a Coke fan and come across the conveyor belt machines, this one is for you. Insert money and choose your drink, then stick your hand in the machine and push against the door to confuse it. Once it returns your money, keep repeating this process until you have all the drinks you want.
6. Trick Older Snack & Soda Machines
Just like in the Coke machine hack above, this one requires you to push up on the door (or gate) at the bottom to make it think it didn't dispense anything, even though it really did. After a short wait, you can select another item or get a refund with the coin return mechanism. We tried this, and it didn't work, so your mileage may vary.
7. Trick Gumball Machines into Taking Pennies
While originally inspired for vending gumball machines in the UK, this one can potentially work anywhere, but you'll also need a bit of luck (and probably an older vending machine). The concept is simple: Take a small coin, then wrap layers of foil over it to make it seem bigger and more valuable. This trick can also work with electrical tape and clear tape.
8. Use Fake Paper Coins
Much like the tinfoil/tape process, you can trick a candy machine with a paper or cardboard coin, but realistically, you'll need a fairly old vending machine for this to have a shot (if even then... we're a little suspicious). You can also try this with parking meters as well, but again, most coin mechanisms are too smart for this, but you never know.
9. Have Some Pure Luck
Some older vending machines have a glitch (which is probably well fixed by now) that will return a ripped dollar bill to you while still giving you credit for it. If only this could work with a cut credit card and a store card reader. :/
Did Any of Them Work for You?
While some of these could really work with the right machine, we have our doubts about others. What about you... which ones are real and fake? If you tried any, let us know if you succeeded or not in the comments below (don't forget... if there's no video, then it didn't happen).
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20 Comments
Great article! Probably the most needed life hack article for the struggling college student.
I am sure it must be so hard that you got to STEAL from people just trying to make a living, from people. How pathetic
This is literally illegal...
Sad thing: They apparently don't work in Germany...
Darn.
It don't work in Calforina either I tried It didn't work
Will this work with those that have buttons under the drink display and they never show you the dispension process? Cause i wanna hack a singapore drink vending machine.
Haha I'm from Singapore toooo
Will these work in the UK?
Do you need exactly a packing tape for pull-out method? Or does any kind of tape work?
no just as long at the tape has excellent grip and also is clear.
Will it work in Slovenia
How old does the coke machine have to be
Most of the code ones don't work. If you are in a very public space, like a vending location in a parking spot, then you have a good chance. If you are at school or at the library, then the owners might have blocked all the hacked codes. :(
I remember using method 3 across two states and five months in 2003 to build up money for buying a camcorder (I was 8 so I didn't have a job). Found out about method 4 in 2007 and used it to get free Pepsi in middle school every day. Eventually administration caught me but they only made me pay for the one soda (not a problem, I just used the money I got from method 3 which was usually used for tapes).
i am live in bangladesh .is it work for my country?
#2 works in Canada where we have the new Polymer Plastic Currency, you just need to have the tape very secure and doubled up in the tail or handle so that it does not break off. I know of another great way to exploit how banks work with the new Polymer bills if anyone wants to know.
Hey Bob, interested in your comment about polymer bills. We have them in the UK. How can we chat?
Great way to get free money to pay the IRS
Hi will it work in the uk
How long should I hold the button for the free money giving one?
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