How to Know If Someone Is Spying on Your Phone — And How to Fix It

With so many apps asking for access to your microphone, camera, and location, it’s easy for your device to become a window into your private life. So, knowing how to tell if your phone is spying on you can save you from data theft, scams, or privacy invasion.

Here are the real signs that your phone is spying on you, how to check your device, and how to stop it.

It usually means one of two things.

1. Normal data collection — most apps, like Google Maps, TikTok, or Facebook, collect user data to serve ads or improve features.

2. Malicious spying — when a hidden app, stalkerware, or hacker installs software that secretly records your messages, calls, or location.

The first is part of how the internet works; the second is a violation of your privacy. Spyware, tracking apps, and fake system updates are some of the main ways your phone can be compromised.

Understanding this difference is key to spotting unusual phone behaviour and knowing when something is genuinely off.

If you suspect your phone has been tampered with, these are the most common red flags to watch for:

If your battery suddenly starts dying faster than usual, it could mean a hidden spy app is running in the background. Spyware constantly records and uploads information, which consumes extra power.

Phones naturally get warm when used heavily, but overheating when idle is unusual. It could mean unauthorised background processes are running, tracking your activity.

If your data plan finishes too soon, open your settings and check for background data consumption. Spying apps upload recordings or screenshots silently, increasing your data usage.

Go through your app list. If you find apps you don’t remember downloading, especially with generic names like “System Service” or “Update Tool”, uninstall them immediately. They could be hidden spy or tracking apps.

If you frequently hear clicking sounds, static, or echo during calls, it might mean someone is monitoring your line. While sometimes caused by poor signal, it’s still worth checking.

Random pop-ups asking for permissions or texts with suspicious links are warning signs. Clicking on them can install tracking software on your device.

If your phone’s location service stays active even when you’ve closed navigation apps, it could be transmitting your position to someone.

Each of these signs doesn’t automatically mean your phone is hacked, but several combined are worth serious attention.

Thankfully, there are simple ways to find out if your Android or iPhone is being spied on.

For Android Users

• Check app permissions: Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions and review which apps have access to your microphone, camera, and location. Revoke any suspicious ones.

• Look for hidden apps: Some spyware disguises itself. Use Settings → Apps → All Apps to view everything installed.

• Scan for malware: Run a check with Play Protect or anti-spyware tools like Avast or Malwarebytes.

• Monitor battery and data usage: Under Settings → Battery or Data Usage, look for apps consuming unusually high resources.

For iPhone Users

• Review app privacy reports: Go to Settings → Privacy → App Privacy Report to see which apps accessed your sensors or data.

• Check for unknown configuration profiles: In Settings → General → Profiles, delete any you don’t recognise.

• Update regularly: Apple security updates often patch spying vulnerabilities.

• Check for jailbreaks: If your iPhone behaves unpredictably or shows apps like Cydia, it may be compromised.

These checks help you detect early signs of phone surveillance and keep your information safe.

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If your phone shows multiple signs of spying, take action immediately:

1. Uninstall suspicious apps. Delete anything unfamiliar or unnecessary.

2. Change all passwords. Update your email, banking, and social media passwords from another device.

3. Run a full malware scan. Use trusted antivirus apps to remove malicious software.

4. Update your phone software. Regular updates close loopholes hackers exploit.

5. Limit app permissions. Only give apps access to what they genuinely need.

6. Perform a factory reset if the issue persists — it wipes hidden spyware completely.

7. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks. Hackers often use open connections to install tracking tools.

Doing these will reduce the chances of ongoing spying and help protect your data.

Prevention is far easier than dealing with a hacked device. Here are steps to keep your phone secure:

• Download apps only from official stores. Avoid APKs from random sites; they often contain spyware.

• Read app permissions before accepting. If a calculator app asks for camera access, that’s suspicious.

• Use screen locks and two-factor authentication. Add an extra layer of protection for sensitive accounts.

• Turn off your microphone and camera access for apps that don’t need them.

• Avoid suspicious links in WhatsApp groups, emails, or SMS messages — they’re often phishing traps.

• Use a VPN cautiously. Some free VPNs log your data instead of protecting it.

Regularly checking your phone’s privacy settings helps maintain control over your personal information.