Most smartphones have tracking and monitoring components, and while these are mostly used appropriately, some bad-intentioned people may abuse them. However, there are some ways to spot the biggest signs of phone tracking and a few ways you can fix your device if you think it’s compromised.
Can Someone Track Your Phone?
Remote monitoring can affect your phone calls, texts, browser activity, photos, videos, apps, and more. Monitoring typically uses spyware, a form of malware designed for tracking a device’s activity remotely.
However, that does not necessarily mean that the attacker can also get all this information at once. For instance, the attacker may be able to see what you browse and whom you connect with, but they may not be able to see your messages. The extent to which a hacker can monitor your activity depends on the installed surveillance software.
However, surveillance apps carry out phone tracking for parental control and safety and will have features like location sharing, remote control, etc.
But what if a malicious attacker is tracking your phone?
It is implausible for an unauthorized user to track your phone without physically accessing your device unless you did any of the following things:
- Unknowingly installed a malicious app from a third-party app store.
- Shared your credentials through a phishing scam campaign.
- Used outdated device software for an extended time (like a year or more).
Now that you know that it is possible to be spied on via your phone, here’s how you can tell if this is happening.
How to Check If Someone Is Tracking Your Smartphone
1. Unknown Apps
When using your phone, you should look out for applications that you don’t remember installing. Malicious apps often download more tools to help them extract information or monitor the device.
So, if you spot an unknown app on your device, consider it a red flag. Do some background research into this app to see if it has been reported as dangerous, and delete it immediately if you feel unsafe. Phone manufacturers always announce new apps coming to your phone with software updates, so it’ll quickly become clear if you should be alarmed.
2. Excessive Background Data Usage
Try to frequently monitor the background data usage of your device. If it is noticeably higher than what you use (regularly), it is wise to check what’s using most of it.
You should also make sure that you do not have an active hotspot enabled. If you do, verify if you have any unauthorized devices connected.
3. Browser History Mismatches
You will always immediately notice when something in your browser history doesn’t match what you’ve previously searched, and if you see anything suspicious, you could have been infected with one of the different kinds of spyware.
Some malicious actors may try to load up phishing sites or other nasty portals remotely to install spyware or conduct other illicit acts on your device.
4. Battery Drain
If you notice a sudden battery drain on your device, you need to verify the background apps and downloads to ensure everything is okay. Spyware often drains the battery as it runs in the background, so keep an eye on how quickly it dwindles.
On some devices, you can check your battery usage statistics. For example, iPhones show battery usage by app. It’s worth checking to see if anything looks suspicious.
5. Strange Things Happening to Your Smartphone
While abnormal reboots can also mean a hardware issue, it is better to get the problem checked by an expert to find out why it is happening. If you do not have any hardware issues, malicious software could be acting up on your phone.
Other signs that your phone is being tracked include your device randomly waking up or freezing. Again, these could be hardware issues—but if you try restarting your device and the problem persists, check for potential spyware.
6. A Rooted or Jailbroken Phone
You should also check if your phone is rooted (Android) or if it’s a jailbroken device (iOS). If you do not know what you are doing, or you have an unqualified individual root or jailbreak your device, this can threaten your security and privacy.
Why? Jailbroken and rooted devices can disable crucial security and privacy features on your phone, as well as security updates. This can give unauthorized people access to encrypted data and a greater ability to conduct hacks.
7. Frequent Overheating
There are many causes of an overheating phone, and tracking is one of them. If your phone is overheating regularly and you’ve eliminated other possible causes, then you may be dealing with something more malicious, like tracking software. This runs in the background, generating excess energy; it’s also why your battery might drain faster.
8. Suspicious Permission Requests
If your phone starts asking you to grant random or suspicious permissions, someone may be trying to access more of your data. Never grant any permissions unless you know the reason behind the request and can fully trust the app requesting further access. Always question why an app or service needs to use your camera or access your microphone, for instance.
9. AirTags and Bluetooth Tracking Devices
AirTags are a great way to keep an eye on your belongings, but some people have used them to track others. You can check if an AirTag is tracking you via iPhone notifications and voice prompts. Note that AirTags can also follow Android devices.
Furthermore, AirTags are far from the only Bluetooth tracking devices. In 2024, Apple and Google unified their Bluetooth tracking alerts, making it much easier for anyone to find out if their device is being tracked.
How to Stop Phone Tracking and Stay Safe
If you are almost sure you’re being monitored, here’s what you can do to stop phone tracking:
- Uninstall unknown applications.
- Enforce application blacklisting.
- Install applications from official app stores (or safe APK download sites like F-Droid).
- Factory reset your smartphone.
- If you have children, have a parental control app or feature enabled on their smartphones.
- Avoid opening email attachments or links from unknown senders.
- Consider installing an antivirus app.
- Reset your browser settings.
- Use a VPN or other protective measures when accessing public Wi-Fi.
Usually, the best course of action to stop phone tracking is to perform a factory reset. It ensures you get rid of any malicious app, service, or file from your devices without spending a lot of time verifying stuff on your device.
Many people’s phones are spied on without them even realizing it, and methods for device spying are continuously being developed. But there are ways to find out if someone is tracking your phone, as well as solutions for getting rid of any malicious software.
Written By: Ankush Das.
This article was originally published on Make Use Of.