Our phones are not secure devices. They are communication devices that connect to networks to transmit information, which in many cases is read by third parties. This idea that our privacy does not exist on the Internet is something that many people already accept, but would you think the same if you were being spied on individually?
There are apps that can be installed on phones, in order to share all the data related to it. They are normally used on children’s phones, but nothing prevents someone from using them on your same phone. If you have ever doubted that this could be the case, then this article is for you.
Ways to find out if your phone is being tracked
If you think someone is watching your phone, look for some signs to help you figure it out:
Faster battery drain: If your battery only lasts a few hours or drains faster than normal, there may be an app running in the background and consuming power.
Strange noise when calling: Some phones make strange noises when they are being monitored. If you hear clicks or buzzes during your calls, your phone could be being monitored.
Device overheating: If your phone heats up quickly, even when you’re not using it, there might be a spy app running in the background.
Increased data usage: If your phone’s data usage suddenly increases without explanation, someone may be downloading data from the device.
Hot phone: If your phone feels hot to the touch, there may be an app running in the background and consuming power.
Screenshots and recordings: If you discover screenshots or audio files on your phone that you didn’t create yourself, someone may be monitoring your activity.
Powering the phone on and off: If the phone turns off or restarts on its own, without any explanation, there may be a spy app running in the background.
Strange apps on your phone: If you discover apps that you don’t recognize or that you didn’t create yourself, they may be monitoring your activity.
Reset the device: If you want to be 100% sure, you can backup all the data on the device and then reset it. This will remove all apps and data from your device, so it’s important to back up any documents you don’t want to lose.
Avoid rooting or downloading unofficial apps: While someone may be able to track your phone if they have physical access, it is also possible through a specific app that you are using yourself.
Try to find the app manually: If you suspect that there is a spy app on your phone, check all the apps installed on the device from the Settings. Look for apps that you don’t recognize or have suspicious permissions.
Use an antivirus: These types of apps can detect spy applications on the device. Some of the best antivirus apps for Android are Avast, AVG, and Lookout.
Use special verified programs: If you can’t find the app manually, you can also use an app like mSpy, Hoverwatch or eyeZy. You can read the mSpy reviews and decide if the app is right for you or not.
Keep your phone up to date: Software updates provide security fixes and can help protect your device against new threats. Make sure your phone is always up to date.
Change your Google account password: If someone has access to your Google account, they can have access to all the data on your device. Change your account password to protect it.
How to know if my location is being tracked on an iPhone
Every day there are more applications that allow you to share your location in real time. This can be exploited by people with “dubious intentions” to track your IP.
If you have an iPhone and want to check if someone is tracking your location without permission, you should follow the steps below:
Access the settings section and look for “privacy”
Then go to “locations”. In this section you will find all the applications that have permission to access your location in real time.
Each App is marked with an arrow. A hollow purple arrow means the app has consented to receive your location under certain circumstances.
A solid purple arrow means that an app has recently queried your location.
Finally, a gray arrow indicates that the App has used your location in the last 24 hours.
The iPhone’s “find” tool allows you to share your position in real time. To check if you are unknowingly sharing your location through this tool, go to “settings” and access your profile.
Then go to “search” and once inside you can see if you have the option activated, and who are the people with whom you are sharing your location.
Practical tricks to avoid tracking your cell phone
There are several ways to keep your mobile phone data and privacy safe. The most effective is the installation of an antivirus. These programs scan your system for viruses and alert you to any suspicious connections.
A cell phone tracker is previously installed on your mobile with your consent to be able to monitor the activity, but in the event that you have not previously installed the app, it means that they have done it remotely and without your permission, in which case delete it instantly.
Use closed instant messaging services. Although WhatsApp is the most popular and used application, there are other much safer alternatives. Do you want some examples? Aim:
signal
Telegram
Threema
confide
Riot.IM
hoccer
Wire
Be very careful with the information you share on social networks. It’s worth spending a few minutes configuring your privacy settings. It will avoid future troubles.
You should review any program or application before downloading it to your phone. Some games are just “hooks” to access the information on your cell phone. Never install anything on your mobile that does not have a reliable source.
Do not fall into the traps of emails or text messages that ask for bank details or personal information because you have won a raffle or a prize.
FAQ’S Related to someone tracking my phone
How can I tell if someone is tracking my phone?
You can look for signs such as faster battery drain, strange noises during calls, device overheating, increased data usage, hot phone, screenshots or recordings you didn’t create, powering the phone on and off, or strange apps on your phone.
How can I clean my phone from a spy app?
You can reset the device, avoid rooting or downloading unofficial apps, try to find the app manually, use an antivirus, use special verified programs, keep your phone up to date, and change your Google account password.
How can I know if my location is being tracked on an iPhone?
You can go to the settings section and look for “privacy”, then go to “locations” to see all the applications that have permission to access your location in real time. You can also check the “find” tool in the settings of your profile to see if you are sharing your location with anyone.
What are some practical tricks to avoid tracking my cell phone?
Some practical tricks include installing an antivirus, being careful with the information you share on social networks, reviewing any program or application before downloading it to your phone, and using closed instant messaging services such as Signal, Telegram, or Threema.
