How Can You Check If Your Phone Is Being Tracked?

Have you ever had the feeling that someone might be monitoring your phone? With so many tracking apps, spyware, and digital threats out there, it's not an impossible scenario. Whether it's a hacker, a suspicious partner, or a company collecting your data, being tracked without your knowledge is a serious privacy concern.

Fortunately, there are signs that can help you determine if your phone is being tracked. In this article, we'll go through the warning signals, how to check for tracking, and ways to protect yourself.

1. Common Signs That Your Phone Is Being Tracked

Your phone may be sending out clues that it's being monitored. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

1. Rapid Battery Drain

If your battery suddenly drains much faster than usual, a hidden tracking app could be running in the background. Spyware consumes power because it constantly sends data to an external source.

2. Overheating Even When Idle

If your phone feels hot even when you’re not using it, an unwanted app might be active in the background. Excessive heat can be a sign of continuous data transmission.

3. Increased Data Usage

Spyware and tracking software often send information over the internet. If your mobile data usage is higher than normal without an obvious reason, your phone might be secretly transmitting data.

4. Strange Noises During Calls

Hearing clicks, echoes, or static sounds while on a call? These can sometimes indicate that your calls are being intercepted. If this happens regularly, you may want to investigate further.

5. Slow Performance

If your phone suddenly becomes sluggish, crashes frequently, or apps take longer to open, it might be due to hidden spyware using up system resources.

6. Unknown Apps on Your Device

If you find apps you don’t remember installing, they could be spyware or tracking tools. Some malicious apps disguise themselves as harmless programs, so always review your installed apps.

7. Random Reboots or Shutdowns

A phone that turns off or restarts unexpectedly might be under remote control. This can be a sign of unauthorized access.

2. How to Check If Your Phone Is Being Monitored

If you suspect your phone is being tracked, here’s how you can check:

1. Check Battery Usage Reports

Open Settings > Battery and review which apps are consuming the most power.
If an unfamiliar app is using a large amount of battery, investigate further.

2. Monitor Data Usage

On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage.
On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Usage.
Look for apps using excessive data in the background.

3. Review App Permissions

Go to Settings > Apps > Permissions.
Check which apps have access to your location, microphone, and camera.
If an app has unnecessary permissions, revoke them or delete the app.

4. Use Secret Codes to Detect Tracking

Dial the following codes on your phone to check for call or message forwarding:

*#21# - Shows if your calls and texts are being forwarded.
*#62# – Reveals where your calls and messages are being redirected.
##002# - Disables all call and message forwarding.

5. Scan for Spyware

Use reputable security apps like Malwarebytes, Norton, or Avast to scan for hidden spyware on your device. These apps can detect and remove most tracking software.

6. Watch for Unusual Text Messages

Some tracking apps use SMS commands to control your phone. If you receive strange texts with random characters, symbols, or numbers, it could be a sign of spyware.

3. How to Protect Your Phone from Tracking

If you think someone is tracking your phone, here are some steps to secure it:

1. Strengthen Your Security

Use a strong password or PIN instead of a simple unlock pattern.
Enable two-factor authentication for your accounts.
Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use to prevent remote access.

2. Be Careful with App Installations

Download apps only from official stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Read reviews before installing new apps.
Avoid granting unnecessary permissions.

3. Disable Location Services When Not Needed

Turn off GPS when you're not using it.
Restrict location access for apps that don’t need it.

4. Perform a Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If you suspect your phone is still compromised after trying everything, back up your important data and perform a factory reset. This will wipe out all apps, including hidden spyware.

4. When You Should Take Immediate Action

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to act fast:

Your phone’s settings change without your input.
You notice unfamiliar logins to your accounts.
Friends report receiving strange messages from your number.
Your camera or microphone turns on randomly.
Your storage fills up unexpectedly.

If you notice multiple warning signs, don't ignore them. Securing your phone as soon as possible can protect your personal information from being misused.