Are you wondering how to know if your phone is hacked? Hacking a phone is a prevalent issue that leads to data theft, financial losses, and much more. However, instead of concluding, you need to carefully deal with the situation, starting from the reasoning to the solution.
That’s why we’re here to help you. In this guide, we’ll first explore the methods hackers use to hack a phone. Then we’ll enlist some key signs signaling that your phone has been hacked, along with solutions and preventive strategies.
How can someone hack your phone?
Phone hacking is a type of digital threat in which a third party with malicious intent tries to control your device by exploiting security weaknesses. This means all your personal data, as well as the info from connected devices, gets compromised. Here are common methods that hackers use to take over your smartphone!
Malicious apps & downloads
Sometimes, when you install any app from an untrusted source, it looks normal at first but disguises the dangerous threats. Here are some common types of malware that such untrusted apps bring along!
Trojans: These are a kind of malware disguised in your phone as an app or file to extract important data, such as credit card account details or personal information.
Keylogging: Likewise, some apps come with keylogging features, letting hackers snoop on information as you type, tap, and even talk on your phone.
Phishing links & messages
Phishing is where hackers usually pretend to be a company or a trusted individual to access accounts or personal details. Such hacks can occur in different forms, like you may receive an email, text message, etc embedded with a link. Once you click, they’ll instantly redirect to a fake website that attempts to trick you into entering the login details.
Unsafe public WiFi
Connecting your phone to unsafe networks in public places like cafes and airports isn’t always safe. Such public networks don’t guarantee your data encryption. As a result, if you’re using any confidential app on such networks, it’s highly likely that hackers on that network can access the information.
Bluetooth & nearby attacks
Another, but less common, case is targeting mobile devices with an open Bluetooth connection. It’s only possible when they are in the vicinity, like just 30 feet away. Once pro hackers make a Bluetooth connection with your device, they might access your data and info.
SIM swapping
In this type of hacking, a person contacts the phone provider, impersonating you and asks for a SIM card replacement. Once they issue the new SIM, the old one gets automatically deactivated. This lets the hacker take control of your phone calls and messages, among others. You might think it’s difficult, for your information, in August 2019, this scam happened to the CEO of Twitter, about which you can read in Cybercrime Magazine. This highlights the importance of protecting your personal info and identity online to prevent hackers from pulling off this and other crimes.
How to check if your phone is hacked?
Whenever you suspect “My phone seems to be controlled by a third party,” stay calm! You can use the following quick checklist to diagnose whether your iOS or Android phone has (or hasn’t) actually been hacked:
| Symptoms | What it might mean |
| The battery drains quickly | Malware/Spyware running |
| High data usage | Malicious apps are sending data |
| Phone overheating | CPU overworked by malware |
| Calls get forwarded | Call interception |
| Calls/Texts not received | SIM swap attack |
| Can’t access accounts | Account takeover |
| Slow performance | Malware using memory |
| Unfamiliar apps | Hidden malware |
| Camera/Mic active | Spyware recording |
| Pop-up ads | Adware infection |
- Battery drainage: If your phone battery is draining faster than usual, unauthorized activities may be running. Check your battery settings to see which apps use the most energy, and check the app list for unfamiliar apps.
- Sudden data spikes: Unexplained data usage can also be a sign that malware may be sending or receiving data without your consent.
- Sluggish performance: Slowdowns or crashes may occur when malicious software or processes consume your device’s resources, leading to poor performance.
- Can’t log in to your accounts: If you’re entering the correct usernames and passwords and still can’t access your online accounts, your accounts may be compromised.
- Always missing texts and calls: SIM card swapping can also occur, allowing hackers to take over your phone number. This way, you didn’t receive any calls or texts on your device; instead, they were rerouted to hackers’ devices.
- Camera or microphone indicator lights turned on: Mostly, the spyware apps ask for permissions like the camera/microphone. A green dot appears either in the top middle (iOS) or the top right corner (Android) of your screen. This is actually about keeping an eye on your device activity, like which sites you visit or even the information you type.
What should you do if your phone is hacked?
If you ever notice any of the above signs on your phone, instead of ignoring them, take immediate action. Here are some common yet effective solutions that should help get you out of this problem!
Disconnect from the Internet
It’s noteworthy that hackers usually rely on internet connectivity to communicate with the malicious apps on your phone. That’s why you need to turn off your mobile data and Wi-Fi, acting as your first line of defense. Doing this would instantly stop the ongoing transfer of personal information or others.
Remove suspicious apps
Most hacks occur via unknowingly installing suspicious apps that run as normal software. To prevent this, check the apps installed on your device and uninstall any unnecessary or unfamiliar ones immediately.
Change your passwords
Because hackers have already obtained your login details. To prevent further loss, it’s best to update your passwords immediately for email, social media, banking, and other accounts. Additionally, you have to enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This adds a security layer to your accounts, preventing unauthorized third-party access.
Run a security scan
Even after removing the suspicious apps, hidden malware like keyloggers and trojans may still remain on your device. That’s why you need to quickly install a trusted antivirus app and, without wasting time, run a security scan. This helps detect and eliminate even those threats not seen with the naked eye.
Update your phone software
In addition, update your phone software, as these updates often patch security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. If you’re on an Android device, follow Settings > Software Update > Check for updates > Download & install. For iPhone users, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download & Install.
Consider a factory reset
However, if the malware persists, the last option you can consider is a factory reset. This indeed erases all the data, including malicious files, thereby returning your device to its original state.
Your phone Settings > Scroll down and select General (iPhone) or System (iPhone) > Reset > Erase all content and settings (iPhone) or Erase All data (Android). After this, you need to confirm your action by entering the passcode, and that’s all!
How to prevent future phone hacking?
You’ll be surprised to know the cybersecurity report from mobile security provider Zimperium, published in 2025. This reveals that almost 18.1% % of all kinds of devices, whether iPhone or Android, you use had malware installed. As a result, it is necessary to take proactive measures so you can fully enjoy smartphone features!
- Use strong, unique passwords: Try using some complex, unique passwords, adding special characters.
- Regularly update your software: Make sure you’re using the latest version to address known vulnerabilities.
- Download apps from trusted sources: If you want to install any app or game, it’s advisable to download from its official website with HTTPS protection.
- Review app permissions: When installing apps, you might notice they ask for specific permissions, such as location, camera, and microphone. However, instead of blindly saying okay, you need to carefully review all and think whether it’s suitable according to the app’s features or not.
- Beware of phishing: Must have awareness regarding phishing attacks and avoid clicking any unknown links or downloading buttons on websites.
- Install antivirus and anti-malware software: In addition to the above, it’s always a good practice to have antivirus/anti-malware apps installed on any of your internet-connected devices. This would not only detect the viruses but also remove them automatically.
Conclusion
After all the above discussion, we have concluded that to ensure your device security, both awareness and vigilance are important. If you even suspect your phone has been hacked, you need to act immediately. First, disconnect your device from the Internet, then check for suspicious apps and remove them. Likewise, you can run a security scan and lastly go for the factory reset. We would say that staying informed of all kinds of cybersecurity threats would indeed help you keep your data secure in today’s digital age.
