Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives. From checking emails and lazing around social media to making purchases, we use our phones for an average of over three hours daily.

The amount of sensitive information stored on our phones and in the cloud continues to increase, as do the risks of cybercrime and government surveillance.

By the end of 2023, there could be 6.8 billion smartphone owners worldwide, and many will be left vulnerable to illegal surveillance and cybercriminals.

At 7VPN, we receive numerous queries about phone spying events. And this prompted us to create an article for users stuck with a daunting question: “How can I tell if someone is spying on my phone?”

Read on to learn how to keep your device and personal data safe.

How Can I Find out If Someone Is Spying on My Cell Phone?

Here are three red flags that could indicate that someone is spying on your phone:

  1. Unusually high battery consumption. If you notice a sudden decline in battery life or unusual energy consumption, your phone might be populated with spyware. Malicious apps can record calls, capture screenshots, and copy text, among other activities, which can drain the battery. Such software can get on your phone in many ways. For instance, a smartphone may become infected if you visit a spyware-ridden website or download a compromised app on Google Play. For your information: last December, the Dr. Web team discovered a set of adware, phishing, and malware apps on the Android app store. By the time Google removed those applications, they had already been downloaded by roughly two million users.
  2. Strange text messages, popups, and noise during calls. If you receive suspicious text messages with odd combinations of letters and numbers or experience unusual sounds during calls, chances are someone is trying to install malware on your phone. These messages often contain embedded links; if you click on this link, malicious software will be automatically uploaded to your smartphone. Another sign of a hacked mobile device could be intrusive popups that block your screen at random times.
  3. Deteriorating phone performance. “Is someone spying on my phone?” You should ask yourself this question if your phone has become sluggish. It might take your smartphone too long to load applications. Also, your phone can start heating up in standby mode and rebooting itself at odd times. All of this can be an indicator of spyware.

If you notice these warning signs, you should immediately protect your phone and privacy. In the next section, you’ll find five cybersecurity tips from 7VPN — the safest VPN available on the market.

Someone Is Spying on My Phone. What Should I Do?

Follow these steps to safeguard your data, prevent fraudulent activity, and prolong the life of your smartphone:

  1. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Weak passwords like “1234,” “password,” or one’s date of birth account for 81% of data breaches and hacks. Ensure you use strong passwords for all your applications and services and configure two-factor authentication to prevent hacking events.
  2. Use a trusted VPN service. A virtual private network (VPN) reroutes traffic to a different server. VPNs also encrypt your data, making it impossible to track when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network or visit websites you’re not supposed to access. Opt for a reliable and preferably paid VPN service to avoid having your data collected and sold to third parties. This tip is particularly relevant for Android device users since, let’s face it, the most popular mobile operating system on the market is also the number one priority on hackers’ lists. And while we’re at it, try the Android VPN 7 VPN solution.
  3. Keep your phone updated. To protect your smartphone from vulnerabilities and malware attacks, regularly update its operating system and install security patches issued by the phone’s original manufacturer. Again, Android users are in a less favorable position than Apple fans because hardware vendors within the Android ecosystem have different update policies.
  4. Be cautious when downloading apps. “Is someone spying on my phone?” is a legit question for all smartphone owners — simply because an average user has 40 apps installed on their phone. And while Apple normally goes the extra mile to prevent malicious apps from entering the App Store, Google Play, as we told you earlier, is less picky. So, here’s a word of advice: use only official app stores, read the privacy policy thoroughly, and check the vendor’s background before downloading any application. Reading user reviews won’t hurt, too.
  5. Beware of the social media login. When creating an account on an eCommerce website or app you’ve just downloaded, you might be tempted to do so via your social media profile. Although it’s more convenient, avoid using the social media login functionality unless you use a trusted service. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where hackers, having laid their hands on your Twitter profile, will automatically crack all the associated applications and websites.

By following these essential cybersecurity best practices, you can protect your phone and your privacy from potential cyber threats.

So, don’t wait for warning signs to take action! Remember our handy tips on how to tell if someone is spying on my phone. Download VPN. Practice cyber hygiene. Check and double-check the applications you install. And keep your phone updated at all costs!