Regardless of whether you’re using an Android smartphone or an iPhone, it’s entirely possible for someone to install spyware onto your device that tracks and reports on your activities. They can as well monitor your phone’s activity without ever even touching it. This can be dangerous!
If you’re suspicious of your phone being tracked, then this article is for you. We will discuss the ways to identify if your phone is being tracked and how to protect yourself. On the other hand, if yours isn’t tracked, here is your chance to equip yourself with the knowledge discussed in this post and protect yourself in case of future occurrence.
How to Know If Your Phone Is Being Monitored
Understand that hackers are constantly improving on their methods. So it can be tricky to detect if your phone is being tracked. Notwithstanding, there are some common signs to know that your phone is being tracked.
1. Unusual Increase in Data Usage
Once you notice a sudden increase in the data usage on your phone, it’s a sign that your phone is being tracked. Tracking applications use your phone’s data connection to receive and send information to the person tracking you. So, if you notice that your phone is consuming more data than usual, you should head straight to your phone’s data usage settings to check if any tracking app is consuming a large amount of data.
To check your mobile data usage on iPhone, go to Settings then Mobile Data. There, you’ll see your overall data use. You can also scroll down to see the amount of mobile data individual apps are consuming. There you can identify the tracking app (which could be the app consuming much of your data).
Similarly, if you want to check your mobile data usage on Android, simply head to Settings, then Network & Internet, and Data Usage. Under Mobile, you can see the total amount of cellular data your phone has been using since you bought it. Tap the Mobile Data Usage section to see how your data usage habits have changed over time. From here, you can identify any suspicious activity.
2. Slow Performance
If you notice that your phone’s performance has suddenly become slow and/or hanging, it’s a sign that your phone is being tracked. Tracking apps typically use a lot of system resources, which can affect your phone’s performance making it slow and unresponsive. So, once you notice that your phone isn’t performing as well as it used to, it’s a good idea to check if your phone is being monitored.
3. Unusual Battery Drain
Another common sign that your phone is being tracked is having an unusual battery drain. If you notice that your battery is running out faster than usual, it’s a sign that there is tracking software running in the background. Tracking apps typically use GPS, and other sensors in mobile devices to collect data, and this process is known for consuming a lot of battery power. So, if you notice that your phone always loses its charge more quickly than normal, then you should check for the presence of a tracking app installed on your device.
4. Constant Appearance of Pop-Ups and Ads
Pop-Ups and Ads are normal only when they appear on apps and website on your phone. But when they appear on your home screen, then something is definitely wrong. More so, it could be that your phone is being tracked. Tracking apps or trackers usually use pop-ups and ads to collect data and generate revenue from your phone. So, if your phone has been displaying too much ads, look for the app responsible and until it immediately.
5. Recieving Strange Text Messages
Tracking apps are capable of sending commands and messages to your mobile phone to control it remotely. So if you’re recieving strange messages such as coded text messages or messages that makes no sense, then your phone may be at risk of being tracked.
6. Unusual Permission Requests
You should be suspicious of apps asking for permission that aren’t suited to the app’s functions. For example, a reminder app, requesting for text message permission access shouldn’t be trusted. These are some of the ways hackers can spy on you and get your details. With the message access permission, the app could secretly gather all your confidential messages and use it to steal your data.
7. Unexpected Reboots
Someone with remote access to your phone can control your device causing it to reboot for no reason. So if your phone reboot itself often without you manually rebooting it, then someone may already have an unauthorized remote access to it. With this access the individual can track you and steal your data at any point.
Furthermore, you phone behaving this way could also mean that the app you recently downloaded or the operating system you recently uploaded has a bug in it. If so, check for new updates for the phone’s OS or for the downloaded app. However, if you’re using an android device, similarly install a trusted antivirus or anti-malware security software to scan and reveal the app responsible on your device.
8. Difficulty in Rebooting or Shutting Down Your Device
Your phone unable to shutdown or reboots when commanded is also a sign of someone tracking and controlling your phone. Just like in the issue of sudden reboots (like we previously discussed), the individual already have the majority control of your phone, making it difficult for you to command it.
Again, this can also be caused by a recently downloaded app or operating system with bug in it. Your device being infected with spyware could also be another way the hacker is tracking you using your phone.
9. Weird Sounds During Calls
Another common sign to know if someone is tracking your phone is odd sounds from the reception each time you make a call. Unlike in the days of analog cell phone networks, where weird noises in the background and unstable connections were normal, today’s all-digital cell networks typically provide stable connections and mostly noise-free. So, if you’re hearing weird noises in the background, or (in worse case scenario) hear a voice that isn’t the person you called, there is a possibility of someone monitoring and/or recording your conversation.
10. Microphones and Cameras Turn on Randomly
Have you ever noticed an green or orange dot at the top of your phone’s screen? That means the phone is using the camera or microphone or an app. While they’re many legitimate reasons your phone may be listening to you, once you notice these indicators turning on and off, it might be a sign that a piece of malware has occupied your phone and is recording.
5 Ways To Protect Your Phone From Being Tracked
There’s no actual solution that can completely prevent phone trackers from tracking your phone. However, they’re measures you can take that will help minimise the chances of a successful hack.
Here are 6 things you can do to reduce the chances of getting your phone getting tracked.
1. Delete Suspicious Apps
From our earlier discussions regarding the signs of your phone being monitored, you can tell that the main instrument of phone tracking is through the apps on your phone. So the first action to take to prevent your phone from being monitored is to uninstall any app you find suspicious. Offload any app preventing your phone from running efficiently or any that displays to much ads or suspicious messages.
2. Install Security Software
Security software or apps like antivirus or anti-malware can be helpful. Security software is created to help prevent and protect your phone from different types of viruses, malware, hacking attempts or other malicious intents. If someone tries to use malware to access your phone, the security app will be there to locate, alart a d eliminate it from your device.
3. Use Only Secure Communication Apps
Make sure you download and use apps verified by Google Play Protect or the App Store. This is especially if you’re downloading any communication application. If the messaging, and calling features of the app aren’t secured, someone might easily get to you and monitor your activities via your device. Also, ensure that the apps have end-to-end encryption to offer extra layer of security.
4. Keep Your Phone Updated
There is no stressing the need to always update your phone. Updating your phone will introduce some features capable of protecting your device from taps, malware, spying, tracking and viruses. As cybercriminals are updating their tactics, you also need to update your phone to have software strong enough to counter. If you’re the type (like me) that don’t usually remember to check for updates, simply turn on the automatic update for your phone’s operating system. This way your phone didn’t have to wait for your permission to update once the latest update is out.
5. Disable Call Forwarding
Some modern phones comes with built-in settings that accepts phone calls on your behalf using call forwarding. You’ll need to disable it as it could be a means of trackers to gain access to your device. You can turn off call forwarding from the settings of your phone.
If you’re using an iPhone, you can disable call forwarding by visiting the iOS Settings > tap phone > choose call forwarding> turn off call forwarding. To disable call forwarding on Android, simple open the phone app > tap the three dots > select settings> tap supplementary services > turn off.
Final Thoughts
Many people’s phones are tracked and spied on without them even knowing it, and different methods for device tracking are continuously being developed. Some can even track someone’s phone using phone number and know their location. But there are many ways you can find out if someone is tracking or monitoring your phone, just as they’re solutions for getting rid of any software or methods they’re using. Remember to always stay vigilant as your privacy at risk especially in this digital age.
