Here are practical ways to check if someone is trailing (tracking your location) or monitoring (spying on calls, messages, camera, microphone, or apps) your mobile phone. No single sign proves surveillance—many can stem from normal wear, poor signal, or background processes—but multiple signs together warrant deeper investigation.
Common Warning Signs:
Watch for these indicators, which often point to spyware (also called stalkerware), unauthorized account access, or location sharing:
Rapid battery drain or overheating: The phone gets hot or loses charge quickly, even when idle or with light use. Background spying apps constantly run and transmit data.
Increased data usage: Unexpected spikes in mobile data, especially when the phone isn’t actively used. Spyware uploads information like location or recordings.
Strange behavior when idle: The screen lights up randomly, apps open/close by themselves, the phone restarts unexpectedly, or it has trouble shutting down.
Unusual sounds during calls: Clicking, static, echoes, beeps, or faint voices in the background (though this is less reliable with modern digital networks).
Privacy indicators activating unexpectedly: On iPhone: Green dot (camera in use) or orange dot (microphone in use) when you’re not using them. A location arrow that appears often.
On Android: Check the Privacy Dashboard for recent camera, mic, or location access by unfamiliar apps.
Unknown or suspicious apps: Apps you didn’t install, or familiar apps requesting odd permissions (e.g., a “calculator” app wanting microphone/SMS access). Someone knowing details they shouldn’t: They mention your exact location, recent messages, or conversations without you telling them.
Other clues: Random pop-ups, slower performance, or unusual text messages with gibberish/links.
Note: Advanced or state-level monitoring (e.g., by authorities via carrier-level access) is much harder to detect with consumer tools and often leaves fewer obvious signs. IMEI-based tracking alone isn’t something random people can do remotely—it’s mainly for law enforcement or lost/stolen device recovery via networks.
How to Check on iPhone (iOS)–Review privacy indicators and permissions:
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security (or App Privacy Report) to see which apps accessed location, camera, microphone, or other sensors recently.
Check Settings > Battery for apps using unusual power.
Check for tracking or sharing:
Settings > [Your Name] > Find My — Review “Find My iPhone” and shared locations. Disable any unknown shares.
Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services — Review which apps have “Always” access.
Look for “Unknown Tracker Alerts” in Settings (search for “tracker”) and enable scanning for AirTag-like devices if relevant.
Check for profiles or configurations (common with some stalkerware):
Settings > General > VPN & Device Management (or Profiles & Device Management). Remove anything unfamiliar.
Account access:
Go to appleid.apple.com and review signed-in devices. Remove unknowns and enable 2FA everywhere.
Call forwarding check: Dial *#21# or *#62# to see if calls/SMS are being diverted. Disable any forwarding you didn’t set.
How to Check on Android—Use built-in tools:
• Go to Settings > Privacy or Privacy • Dashboard — Review recent access to camera, mic, and location.
• Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications > See all apps) — Look for unfamiliar apps. Sort by recently installed or battery/data usage.
• Settings > Battery and Settings > Network & internet > Data usage — Identify power-hungry or data-heavy apps.
Check permissions and special access:
• Settings > Apps > Special app access — Review notification access, device admin apps, or usage access. • Remove suspicious ones.
• Look for “Device admin apps” under Security.
Google account:
• Go to myaccount.google.com
• Security > Your devices.
• Remove unknown devices.
• Check location history at google.com/maps/timeline.
Apps:
Use reputable security apps: Install Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, Avast, or Kaspersky from the official app store and run a full scan. They often detect common stalkerware.
On Android, check for apps installed from “Unknown Sources” (Settings > Security).
Stalkerware usually requires physical access to your phone initially, so think about who might have had brief access.
What to Do If You Suspect Monitoring: Immediate steps:
• Update your phone’s OS and apps (security patches close vulnerabilities).
• Change all passwords (use a password manager) and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere.
• Revoke unnecessary app permissions.
• Turn off location services, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi when not needed.
• Restart your phone in safe mode (Android) or check for suspicious processes.
Stronger actions:
Factory reset as a last resort (back up important data first, but note that some sophisticated spyware might persist in backups—restore selectively).
Report to your mobile carrier—they can sometimes check for unusual activity.
Prevention Tips:
• Never leave your phone unattended or lend it unlocked.
• Use strong passcodes/biometrics and auto-lock.
• Be cautious with app downloads—stick to official stores.
• Regularly review permissions and connected devices.
• Consider a VPN for added privacy on public Wi-Fi, though it won’t stop local spyware.
Most “phone tracking” by individuals happens through shared accounts, location sharing features (like Find My or Google Family Link), or installed apps rather than sophisticated hacking. If signs persist after checks and resets, seek professional help—consumer tools have limits against advanced threats.
Stay safe and trust your instincts if something feels off.