Smartphones have become indispensable, storing our most personal information and accompanying us everywhere. While tech companies often promise privacy, your phone itself might still be vulnerable to tracking. Spotting signs of surveillance is easier when you know what to look for. Here’s how to identify whether your device is being tracked and what you can do to safeguard your data.
Unfamiliar Apps on Your Device
Spyware often disguises itself as seemingly harmless apps, such as parental control tools. Check your phone for apps you don’t recognize or remember downloading. On iPhones, you can search for hidden apps by accessing your App Library and scrolling to the hidden folder. Simply swipe right on your last page and scroll down to reveal it.
Mysterious Background Noises
If you notice unusual noises during calls—like static, high-pitched hums, or rhythmic beeping—your phone might be tapped. While random noises can be normal, consistent or patterned sounds may indicate tracking software. These sounds could also occur when you’re not on a call, so pay close attention.
Strange Text Messages
Keep an eye out for suspicious texts filled with strange symbols, characters, or foreign words. These can be a sign of spyware attempting to communicate with its host. If you receive such messages, it’s time to investigate further.
Green or Orange Dots Appearing
Both iPhones and Android devices show green or orange dots at the top of the screen to indicate when an app is using your camera or microphone. If these appear without reason, a spyware app might be recording audio or video in the background. To regain control, head to your privacy settings and disable access for any apps you don’t trust.
Poor Screenshot Quality
Keylogger spyware, designed to monitor your keystrokes, can sometimes affect the quality of your screenshots. If you notice blurry or unclear images when capturing your screen, it could indicate that a keylogger is running on your device.
Unusually Fast Battery Drain
A sudden drop in battery performance could be a red flag. Spyware runs in the background, consuming power at a rapid rate. While factors like software updates and normal battery degradation can also play a role, drastic changes in battery life deserve further investigation.
Problems Shutting Down
If your phone struggles to turn off, it might be a sign of surveillance software keeping it active to collect data. While advanced tracking like this is rare, it’s worth exploring the cause, especially if your phone hasn’t exhibited this issue before.
Excessive Data Usage
Spyware apps often consume large amounts of data as they transmit information. Regularly check your data usage to spot unusual spikes. On iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data. On Android devices, navigate to Connections > Data Usage or Mobile Network > App Data Usage.
How to Remove Spyware Safely
If you suspect spyware on your phone, proceed with caution. Attempting to remove it could alert the hacker. Consider using a different device to seek help from organizations like Action Fraud or a domestic abuse hotline. These groups can help secure your accounts, preserve evidence, and develop a safe plan for removal.
For complete removal, a factory reset is the most effective solution. This process restores your phone to its original settings but will erase all your data, so back up important files beforehand. Avoid reinstalling the same apps or software to prevent reintroducing the spyware. Alternatively, you can manually delete suspicious apps or use spyware removal tools for a safer approach. Once cleaned, consider adding a VPN for extra security.
Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late
Your smartphone is more than just a gadget—it’s a gateway to your personal life. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can keep your device and data secure. Don’t ignore the warning signs, and act swiftly to protect your privacy.