Phones hold our messages, photos, banking apps and passwords, which makes them valuable targets for hackers and scammers. Most phones are never truly hacked, but malicious apps, phishing links, stolen accounts and stalkerware are real risks. This guide explains 12 signs your phone may be hacked, how to check Android and iPhone devices and what to do to secure your phone and accounts.
12 signs your phone might be hacked
| Sign | What it could mean |
|---|---|
| 1. Battery drains much faster than usual | Malware running in the background |
| 2. Phone gets hot when idle | Hidden processes using CPU |
| 3. Unusual data usage | Apps sending data in the background |
| 4. Unknown apps installed | Malicious or unwanted software |
| 5. Pop-ups and ads everywhere | Adware |
| 6. Messages or calls you did not send | Account or device compromise |
| 7. Accounts showing unknown logins | Stolen passwords |
| 8. Settings changed without you | Malware or someone with access |
| 9. Apps crashing or phone very slow | Malware or failing software |
| 10. Strange charges on your phone bill | Premium SMS or subscription scams |
| 11. Camera or microphone indicator lights on unexpectedly | Apps accessing sensors |
| 12. Friends receiving strange links from you | Hacked messaging or social accounts |
Some of these signs have normal explanations, such as an aging battery or a new update. Look for patterns, especially several signs at once.
Is it the phone or your accounts?
Often, it is your accounts that are hacked, not your phone. If friends receive scam messages from your Instagram, the attacker may have your password, not access to your device. Securing accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication is crucial. See how to turn on two-factor authentication on Instagram.
How to check an Android phone
- Review installed apps in Settings, Apps and remove anything unfamiliar.
- Check device admin apps in Settings, Security, Device admin apps and remove unknown ones.
- Run Google Play Protect in the Play Store menu.
- Check app permissions for camera, microphone, location, SMS and accessibility.
- Look at battery and data usage to find apps using unusual resources.
- Disable install unknown apps permissions for browsers and file managers.
How to check an iPhone
- Update iOS to the latest version.
- Check VPN and Device Management in Settings, General for unknown profiles and remove them.
- Review apps and delete unfamiliar ones.
- Check Safety Check in Settings, Privacy and Security to review sharing and access.
- Review Apple ID devices in Settings, your name and remove unknown devices.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone hack my phone by calling me?
Rarely. Most hacks require you to click a link, install an app or share codes.
Does a factory reset remove hackers?
It removes most malware, but you must also secure your accounts.
What to do if you think your phone is hacked
- Disconnect from WiFi and mobile data temporarily to stop data leaving the phone.
- Remove suspicious apps, profiles and device admin permissions.
- Update the operating system and all apps.
- Run a security scan with Play Protect or a reputable mobile security app.
- Change passwords for email, banking and social media from a different, safe device.
- Turn on two-factor authentication using an authentication app.
- Check accounts for unknown logins and log out of all sessions.
- Contact your bank if financial apps were affected.
- Call your carrier if you suspect a SIM swap or see strange charges, and set a carrier account PIN.
- Back up important data and factory reset if problems continue.
How phones get hacked
| Method | How it happens | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing links | Clicking links in texts, emails or DMs | Do not click unexpected links |
| Malicious apps | Installing apps from unofficial sources | Use official app stores only |
| Fake app permissions | Granting accessibility or admin access | Review permissions carefully |
| Public WiFi attacks | Using unsecured networks for sensitive tasks | Use mobile data or a trusted VPN |
| SIM swapping | Criminals move your number to their SIM | Set carrier PIN, use app-based 2FA |
| Stalkerware | Someone installs monitoring software | Lock your phone, check for unknown apps |
| Physical access | Someone uses your unlocked phone | Use a strong passcode and biometrics |
| Outdated software | Unpatched vulnerabilities | Install updates promptly |
Stalkerware and domestic safety
Stalkerware is monitoring software secretly installed by someone with access to your phone, such as a partner or family member, to track messages, location and activity. Signs include unexplained battery drain, unknown apps with vague names, settings for accessibility or device admin turned on unexpectedly, or someone knowing things they should not.
If you suspect stalkerware and are in an abusive situation, removing it may alert the person who installed it. Consider reaching out to a domestic violence support organization for safety planning before making changes, and use a safer device for sensitive communication.
Strange charges and premium SMS scams
Some malicious apps subscribe you to premium SMS services. Check your phone bill for unfamiliar charges, ask your carrier to block premium messaging and dispute unauthorized charges. Read how to stop spam texts on Android for related tips.
Signs that are usually not hacking
| Symptom | Common normal cause |
|---|---|
| Battery drain after update | Phone re-indexing files for a day or two |
| Phone warm while charging | Normal charging heat |
| Slow performance | Low storage or old hardware |
| Pop-ups in browser only | Aggressive websites, not device malware |
| Random restarts | Software bugs or failing battery |
See how to fix phone overheating and how to fix Google Play Store not working for non-security fixes.
Real examples
The fake delivery text. Jen clicked a parcel tracking link and installed an app that asked for accessibility permissions. Her phone started showing pop-ups. Removing the app and running Play Protect fixed it, and she changed her passwords.
The account, not the phone. Mark’s friends got scam messages from his Facebook. His phone was fine, but his reused password had leaked. He changed passwords and enabled 2FA.
The configuration profile. Ana installed a profile from a website promising free streaming. It routed her traffic through an unknown server. Deleting the profile in Settings removed it.
How to factory reset safely
If you decide to reset:
- Back up photos, contacts and important files to a trusted cloud or computer.
- Write down or save two-factor authentication backup codes.
- Make sure you know your Google or Apple account password.
- Reset the phone from Settings.
- Restore only trusted data. Avoid restoring suspicious apps.
- Reinstall apps from official stores.
Resetting removes most malware, but if your accounts are compromised, attackers can still access them, so change passwords first.
Prevention checklist
- Keep your phone and apps updated
- Install apps only from official stores
- Review app permissions regularly
- Use a strong passcode and biometric lock
- Turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts
- Do not click links in unexpected messages
- Avoid jailbreaking or rooting your phone
- Set a carrier account PIN
- Use Find My Device or Find My iPhone
- Back up regularly
Frequently asked questions
Can my phone be hacked through WhatsApp?
Rarely through the app itself, but scammers often take over WhatsApp accounts by tricking people into sharing verification codes. Never share your WhatsApp code.
Do iPhones get hacked?
They can, but it is rare for typical users. Phishing and account theft are more common than device malware.
Should I install antivirus on my phone?
Android users can benefit from Play Protect and reputable security apps. iPhones have strong built-in protections; focus on updates and account security.
Advanced protections
For people at higher risk, such as journalists, activists or public figures:
| Protection | Platform |
|---|---|
| Lockdown Mode | iPhone, limits features to reduce attack surface |
| Advanced Protection Program | Google accounts, stronger security for high-risk users |
| Security keys | Physical keys for account login |
| Separate devices | Use a dedicated phone for sensitive work |
| Regular reboots | Can disrupt some sophisticated malware |
Most people do not need these, but they are valuable for high-risk users.
Check your accounts too
Phone security is only half the picture. Review:
- Google or Apple account security pages for devices and logins
- Email account recent activity
- Social media login activity
- Banking app login alerts
- Password manager breach reports
See how to create a strong password and how to recover a hacked Facebook account for account security guides.
Final thoughts
Most phone problems that feel like hacking are actually normal glitches, aging batteries or compromised accounts. Still, malicious apps, phishing and stalkerware are real threats. Watch for warning signs, remove anything suspicious, keep software updated and secure your accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. If problems persist, back up and reset your phone. Taking these steps restores control and peace of mind. For more security tips, read how to delete an Instagram account permanently and how to spot a fake website.
Set a monthly reminder to review apps, permissions and account logins, and most threats will be caught early.
Stay alert and stay safe.
The bottom line
Watch for unusual battery drain, data use, unknown apps and account activity. Remove suspicious apps and profiles, update software, change passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Also read how to stop spam texts on Android.
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