Your phone holds your photos, messages, bank apps and passwords. So it is natural to worry when it starts to act strangely. This guide shows how to tell if your phone has been hacked, and what to do next.
The good news is that most odd behavior is not a hack. But it is smart to check, and the steps below work for both iPhone and Android.
8 Warning Signs Your Phone May Be Hacked
1. The Battery Drains Much Faster Than Usual
Harmful apps may run in the background and use power. But an old battery can also cause this, so look at the other signs too.
2. Your Phone Is Slow or Hot When Not in Use
A phone that heats up or lags even when you are not using it may have a heavy background process.
3. Your Data Use Suddenly Goes Up
Spyware sends information out, which can use mobile data. Check your data usage in settings for apps you do not recognize.
4. You See Apps You Did Not Install
Look through your app list for unknown names. Some malicious apps hide under plain names such as “Settings” or “Update”.
5. Pop-Ups and Strange Ads Appear
Constant ads, or pop-ups outside your browser, can mean adware.
6. Friends Get Odd Messages From You
If your contacts say they got strange texts, emails or social media messages from you, your account may have been taken over.
7. You Get Login Alerts or Password Reset Emails You Did Not Request
These may mean someone is trying to enter your accounts.
8. Settings Changed on Their Own
New apps with broad permissions, a changed lock screen, or unknown profiles and administrators can be signs of tampering.
Do Not Panic: Common Harmless Causes
Many of these signs have normal reasons:
- An old battery or a recent update that is still running.
- An app with a bug.
- Games and video apps that use a lot of data.
One sign alone is rarely proof. Several signs together are more worrying.
How to Check Your Phone
On an iPhone
- Open Settings > Battery to see which apps use the most power.
- Open Settings > Cellular to see data use by app.
- Scroll through your apps and delete any you do not recognize.
- Tap your name at the top of Settings, and check the list of devices signed in to your Apple Account.
On an Android Phone
- Open Settings > Battery and Network & internet > Data usage to find unusual apps.
- Open Settings > Apps and remove anything you did not install.
- Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, and choose Play Protect to run a scan.
Menu names may differ by phone model and software version. For official steps, see Apple Support or Google Support.
What to Do If You Think Your Phone Is Hacked
- Update your phone. Install the latest system and app updates. They often fix security holes.
- Delete suspicious apps. Remove any app you do not recognize or no longer use.
- Change your passwords from a different, safe device. Start with your email, then banking and social accounts. If you need ideas, read how to create a strong password you can remember.
- Turn on two-factor authentication. This adds a second lock to your accounts. Learn how in our guide on two-factor authentication.
- Contact your bank if you see unfamiliar charges, or if you used banking apps while you suspect a problem.
- Back up important files. If you use an iPhone, our guide on how to back up your iPhone shows how.
- Do a factory reset if the problem continues. This erases the phone and removes most malware. After a reset, set the phone up as new if you are not sure the backup is clean.
How Phones Usually Get Infected
Most hacks start with a trick, not a technical break-in. Common ways include:
- Clicking links in scam texts or emails. Read our guide on how to tell if a text message is a scam.
- Installing apps from outside the official app stores.
- Using weak or reused passwords.
- Skipping software updates.
If Someone You Know May Have Installed Spyware
Sometimes, a partner or family member installs tracking software on a phone. If you think this may be your situation, think about your safety first. Removing the software may alert that person.
In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can help you plan safe next steps.
Tips to Stay Safe
- Install apps only from official stores.
- Keep your phone and apps updated.
- Use a screen lock.
- Do not click links in unexpected messages.
- Review app permissions from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my phone be hacked just by receiving a text?
This is very rare for most people. The usual danger comes from clicking links or installing apps.
Can an iPhone get a virus?
iPhones are harder to infect than many devices, but they are not immune. Scams and stolen passwords are the more common problems.
Does a factory reset remove hackers?
It removes most malware from the phone, but it does not fix stolen passwords. Change your passwords too.
Will a security app protect me?
It can help, especially on Android, but safe habits matter more.
Conclusion
To tell if your phone has been hacked, look for fast battery drain, high data use, unknown apps, strange messages and login alerts. One sign may be harmless, but several together deserve attention.
If you are worried, update your phone, remove suspicious apps, change your passwords, turn on two-factor authentication and contact your bank if needed.