Smartphones are exciting machines. These small computers are powerful enough to store our entire digital lives.
Our music, photographs, and conversations are kept on these handy devices.
And if it won’t fit on the phone, it will work in the cloud. It’s simple, but it also puts you a subject for spying.
It is no surprise that our phones are some of our most personal items. We use them for communication, entertainment, work, and even storing sensitive information.
But did you know that they can use your phone to spy on you?
That’s right; someone can monitor your phone activity without knowing.
This article will explore how to know if someone is spying on your phone and how to prevent phone spying.
We’ll also provide 11 expert tips on how to protect your phone from being spied on.
Why Would Someone Spy on Your Phone?
Spying on someone could be done for various reasons, ranging from curiosity about your habits to data theft.
For example, a business partner may be interested in learning about your operations; your love partner may accuse you of cheating and decide to snoop on you using your phone.
Similarly, your company may want to keep a close eye on you, or a criminal hacker may wish to rob your money which would be easiest via your banking apps.
In a nutshell, you must never fool yourself into thinking you are safe from espionage.
You can never be sure whether or not someone is keeping an eye on you.
The fact that you are aware of the possibility of eavesdropping through smartphones in today’s digital environment is essential.
Even if you use a strong password to protect your phone, it can still be hacked.
It has been discovered that seemingly innocent Android apps include malware, and if you have jailbroken your phone, somebody can install malware on your device.
So, is your phone being spied on?
Are they employing mobile phone spy software?
How can you detect if someone is observing you on your phone?
What are you going to do if they are?
Those are excellent questions, which is why we wrote this article.
How to Know if Someone is Spying on Your Phone
Fortunately, warning indicators will inform you that spyware may be infiltrating your device and tracking your activity.
While specific indications are more difficult to spot than others, knowing how your device typically functions can determine if something is wrong.
Here are 11 methods to identify if someone is spying on your smartphone.
1. Unexpected Reboots
Is your phone restarting randomly or without your interference? Illegal remote access to the phone is possible.
Unexpected reboots could indicate that the individual has remote admin control of your device and has the ability to restart it anytime.
This implies they have different control over the device and its private information.
It could also indicate that the most recent app or system component you downloaded contains a flaw.
Examine the device’s software or app for new updates.
Check whether you can recreate the phone reboot by using the app that has been running at the time.
Install and run antivirus as well as anti-malware security software on your Android phone to scan it.
Antivirus scanners will not be available to iOS users.
With the sandboxed operating system, a bug in an application or the OS is more likely to cause a reboot.
2. Unexpected Messages
Have you ever received strange texts with unusual symbols, or did your friends or others report receiving creepy or nasty texts from your phone?
This could suggest that your smartphone contains spyware or malware.
SMS worms spread across the internet by sending out text messages that contain embedded links.
If the victim clicks on the link, the worm can infect their smartphone.
Install and launch antivirus software, like anti-malware or antivirus, on your Android smartphone to scan it.
Since these worms primarily target Android handsets, they are unlikely to threaten iOS users.
Also, be aware of clicking links in these SMS messages since they can use these URLs to trick you and steal your personal and company information via scammers.
This holds for both Android and iOS devices.
3. Draining Battery Life
If your device’s battery capacity rapidly and unexpectedly drops, this could mean that the battery is worn out and must be changed.
It could also mean that your phone is infected with spyware, and the additional strain on your battery depletes it faster than usual.
Spyware tracks your on-device behavior and sends it to the malicious actors who are assaulting your device.
Shorter battery life is typically related to increased data usage due to malware activities.
Copying and pasting texts, taking screenshots, capturing chats, and taking images and videos can quickly worn-out your battery.
This is especially obvious when your smartphone is turned off.
If you’re unsure if the problem is caused by an outdated battery or by accurate surveillance software, try a new battery and test the battery on another phone.
Then, monitor the battery’s utilization.
4. Slow Performance
Malware could be to blame if your phone is continuously slowing down or lagging.
Spyware (a sort of malware) works in the back of your device, uploading data, photographs, and files to an external website.
These jobs require a lot of resources, which causes them to run slowly.
To prevent this from happening, use your phone’s application settings to monitor which apps are running.
Check that you are familiar with all the operating apps and the specific permissions granted to them.
Is there an app you’re unfamiliar with, or does an app require significantly more permissions than is necessary?
You can always uninstall those apps and check whether the performance of your cellphone improves.
Unfortunately, spyware developers are clever, making spyware tough to spot in your app list.
As a result, you should use a smartphone antivirus tool to look for any hidden applications or processes with malicious intent.
5. Overheating
An overheating phone, particularly in standby mode, may indicate more going on with your device.
Malicious programs could run in the background, send files to a remote site, or listen in on your conversations.
However, there are other, less dangerous causes of overheating.
It could be a hardware problem you must resolve or a helpful app that takes a lot of resources due to bad programming or configuration.
Examine the app list in your phone’s settings.
Modern smartphones frequently categorize apps based on resource use, so start checking the top of the page to identify large resource consumers rapidly.
Any app that consumes more energy than necessary is most likely to blame.
If you can’t identify a reasonable cause for your device’s persistent overheating, we strongly advise you to run an antivirus scan.
6. Weird Sounds During Calls
Hearing strange sounds during calls is likely the most well-known indication that your phone is being monitored, thanks to the depiction of phone hacking in movies.
It’s also not far from the truth.
Spywares can listen in on your phone calls and make weird noises such as beeps and flashing lights.
Keeping this in mind, don’t disregard strange or unexpected sounds made during cellphone talks.
They could be an indication of anything else going on beneath the hood.
First, make sure it’s not a false alarm. If it isn’t, it’s time to look into it.
Do you see any of the additional warning indicators listed in this list? You may be dealing with spyware.
7. Increased Device Shutdown
Like a Windows or Mac, your smartphone tries to close down all running programs before turning off or restarting.
Those operations, like your computer, may periodically hang up, blocking or severely slowing the shutdown procedure.
While this can happen on any device, you may see it more than usual if it’s already infected with malware.
After you’ve finished an open connection with your phone, shutting off may take longer than intended.
This could mean the spyware is working in the back, storing stolen data and delivering it back to its original location.
8. High Data Usage
Has your monthly usage data recently increased?
Is your device unexpectedly using more data than usual, exceeding your monthly data limit, even though you haven’t changed your internet habits?
This could suggest that spyware has been installed on your device.
Lower-quality spy tools will attempt to relay as much info about your device as possible back to their original base. This can consume a lot of data.
On the opposite end of the scale, some spyware developers are reasonably capable, and their stealthy programs are far more discriminating regarding what information they seek and send back home.
This makes detection more difficult.
It all comes down to staying mindful of your monthly data consumption and paying close attention to any significant increases in usage that you may notice.
You may check on your smartphone and your wireless provider to see how much data you’ve consumed.
This means you can instantly check your data without seeking it on your provider’s website or app.
9. Unfamiliar Apps
Although spyware, as well as other viruses, are usually difficult to detect, there are times when they are installed as if they were a regular app that keeps running on your phone.
Someone may, for instance, install parental control apps on the phone to spy on you.
It’s a good idea to go through your downloaded apps regularly and double-check that no unfamiliar apps are hiding among them.
If you stumble across an app that you don’t recognize or understand the function of, you must investigate further. It could simply be spyware.
10. Slow Phone
In regular use, high-end phones launched in the last five years must be quick and free of quality issues.
If your phone is underperforming, running slowly, or running out of capabilities like storage or memory space, it may be with malware.
This is challenging to find out with older phones or low-cost budget handsets like those available at Walmart.
However, if you observe closely how your phone typically performs, you should detect if something is wrong.
11. Weird Pop-Ups
We’re not discussing GDPR or “Please disable AdBlock” here.
If you’re getting push notifications for false virus alarms, it could signify that your phone is infected with adware, an irritating type of spyware.
They endanger your security by being both unpleasant and carrying out phishing attacks.
How to Prevent Phone Spying
Now that you know the basics of phone spying, here are some expert tips to help you to prevent it:
Use a Secure Lock Screen
The first step in preventing phone spying is to use a secure lock screen.
A closed lock screen should include a strong password that is difficult to guess and two-factor authentication if possible.
Additionally, avoid using biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprints or face recognition, as these can be easily bypassed.
Awareness of any suspicious activity on your lock screen is also essential.
If you notice any unfamiliar apps or programs running on your phone, this could be a sign that someone is accessing your device without your permission.
Avoid Sharing Confidential Information
It is essential to be mindful of the information you share on your phone.
Avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information, such as passwords and bank details, as this can put you at risk of being spied on.
Additionally, be wary of what you post on social media, as this can also be used to gain access to your device.
Install a Mobile Security App
Installing a mobile security app can help protect your phone from being accessed without knowledge.
Many apps offer anti-virus protection, anti-theft features, and real-time scanning of apps and files.
Additionally, these apps can alert you if suspicious activity is detected on your phone.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is an extra security layer requiring two forms of authentication.
This can include a combination of passwords, PIN codes, and biometric authentication methods.
This can help protect your phone from being accessed without your permission.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
It is essential to be aware of your surroundings when using your phone.
If you suspect any activities, take steps to protect your phone, such as changing your password or locking your screen.
Also, avoid using your device in public or areas where you feel unsafe.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from phone spying and ensure that your data remains secure.
Keep in mind that the best way to protect yourself is to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to protect your device.
If you suspect someone is spying on your phone, taking action as soon as possible is essential.
Following the tips in this article can help protect yourself from being spied on and keep your data secure.
Remember, knowledge is power, so stay informed and stay safe.
How Can Someone Hack my Phone?
The most effective technique to hack a phone is manually installing one of the surveillance apps available in app stores.
If you’re concerned that someone might hack your phone, there are several other things to look out for.
One of the following methods could compromise your cell phone:
- Strange email links and attachments: Just as you should not open unknown email links or extensions on the computer, you should not do so on your phone
- Compromised apps: perhaps you downloaded an unvetted third-party software or obtained a free VPN, 38% of which were discovered to contain spyware (at least on Android devices). Once again, the virus is spreading thanks to your assistance
- Jailbreaking is primarily an iPhone issue: to install third-party apps on Apple products, you must jailbreak them. This exposes you to a variety of dangers. “No-Jailbreak Apps” are an uncommon Apple monitoring software that monitors you by checking your iCloud updates
Can Someone Spy on Your Phone if it’s Off?
Yes, even when your phone is turned off, it is possible to spy on you.
There were allegations about NSA software called “The Find” that could access switched-off phones during the Snowden era.
A more likely scenario – and something that a typical hacker could achieve – is having your phone look to be turned off while it isn’t.
The switch-off state is simulated by locking the screen, preventing calls, and turning off notifications.
This cannot be done remotely; someone must first compromise your phone. Such tactics are only possible if malicious software has been installed on your phone.
Airplane Mode is another similar topic. Turning on Airplane Mode on an iPhone doesn’t make the device immune to tracking.
As part of the system that allows Find My Device and Apple AirTags to function, an iPhone will continue ping other iPhones through Bluetooth.
While this prevents hackers from accessing your information, it does allow them to track your phone.
FAQs
Can I Tell if Someone Is Watching Me Through My Phone?
Fortunately, you can quickly tell if someone is watching you with your phone’s camera.
Installing an app, which includes a fraud link identifier for iOS and an Android spyware detector, is among the most excellent strategies to avoid an incident.
Can Someone Else See What I’m Doing on My Phone?
Regrettably, the answer is “yes.”
Various surveillance apps can be installed on your phone to record everything you do.
They may monitor every aspect of your life without your knowledge.
Look at what surveillance applications are available and how they operate, so you know how and when to keep safe.
Can I Tell if My Phone Is Hacked?
This is a red indicator if you discover apps you haven’t installed or calls, messages, and emails you haven’t sent.
A hacker could have taken over your phone and used it to make premium-rate calls or deliver malware to the contacts.
Similarly, if you notice an increase in your data use, this could be a symptom of a breach.
Which Calls Can’t Be Recorded?
When it comes to messaging apps, WhatsApp is among the most popular.
However, popular messaging software may also be used to make audio calls in addition to texting.
While the calling tool in WhatsApp is useful, capturing any of those calls is impossible.
Can I Unhack My Phone?
Remove any harmful apps using the phone’s built-in antivirus.
Some Android device makers pre-install safety apps that allow you to delete any hacker apps from your smartphone without installing anything else.
How to Block My Phone from Being Tracked?
Turn off the cellular or WiFi radios (through “Airplane Mode”) to prevent your phone from being monitored.
Turn off your device’s GPS radio or “Location Services.”
You may also shut down the phone or remove the battery on most Android smartphones.
It’s not possible to take the battery out of an iPhone.
As you may be aware, doing the following may severely limit your device’s usability.
Can Someone Mirror My Phone?
Can someone see what I’m doing by mirroring my phone?
Theoretically, screen-sharing software for Android and iOS devices exists, but you must obtain permission even before mirroring can take place.
Furthermore, most of these applications make it quite evident once you share your screen.
Conclusion
Phone spying can have serious consequences, so it is vital to be aware of its potential and take steps to protect yourself.
Using a secure lock screen, avoiding sharing confidential information, installing a mobile security app, using two-factor authentication, and staying aware of your surroundings can help protect your phone from being spied on.
If you suspect that your phone is being spied on, there are a few steps you can take to detect any suspicious activity.
Check your phone’s battery, data usage, and any unfamiliar apps or programs running on your phone.
Additionally, be on the lookout for any suspicious text messages or emails.
These tips on how to know if someone is spying on your phone can help protect yourself from phone spying and secure your device.
Remember, the best way to protect yourself from phone spying is to take preventative measures and stay vigilant.
