Gone are the days when phones were meant for calls and texts — modern smartphones are essential tools used for everything from navigation to banking. However, this same technology that has made life so much easier can also pose a risk. We already know that phones can be tracked and monitored by law enforcement — we have watched this a thousand times in movies and web series. But, do you know that the same can be done by hackers and scammers?
According to The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), there has been a significant surge of 113.7 per cent in cyber crimes compared to the period between 2021 and 2023, and a 60.9 percent increase from 2022 to 2023.
There are various ways people can snoop on your private conversations, access sensitive data, and even use it to steal from you. Fortunately, there are signs that can help you identify if your phone is being tracked or monitored. By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can stay one step ahead of potential threats.
INDEX
How To Know if Someone Is Tracking or Monitoring Your Phone
- Unexpected Battery Drain
- Unfamiliar Apps or Random Pop-Ups
- Slow Performance and Random Crashes
- Random Text Messages or Emails
- Changes in Settings You Didn’t Make
- GPS Location Services Running When Not in Use
- Unexpected Reboots or Power Offs
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Phone Getting Tracked or Monitored
- Can someone track my phone without me knowing?
- Can someone from another device see what I'm doing on my phone?
- How do I block my number from being tracked?
How To Know if Someone Is Tracking or Monitoring Your Phone
1. Unexpected Battery Drain
When a phone is tracked, chances are that spyware is being used for it. Spyware always runs in the background to track your phone. This puts an additional load on the battery and drains it faster. However, it will not drain your phone’s battery like any usual app — it is a lot more subtle but consistent since it continuously collects and transmits data.
Signs to watch out for:
- Did your device suddenly start losing battery faster? While there could be many reasons behind it, your device can drain battery faster when it is affected by spyware.
- You can also consider checking your phone if it overheats, even when idle.
If you suspect anything, this is what you can do: check your phone’s battery usage in settings to find apps that are consuming more power than expected. You do not have to check all the apps. Since the spyware will drain power continuously, check for apps that are draining 20-30% more than usual.
Also Read: 9 ultimate tips to improve the battery life of your phone!
2. Unfamiliar Apps or Random Pop-Ups
Did you ever suddenly notice an app on your phone that you never saw before or have no memory of downloading it? Be cautious, it could be spyware. When spyware is installed on your phone, it can disguise itself as an app to avoid detection. In most cases, they are disguised under common names like “Service Manager” or “Update Tool”. So, you have to be a little vigilant about it.
If you are worried that someone might track or monitor your phone, regularly scan your app drawer and look for unusual or unfamiliar apps. While an unknown app does not always mean danger, it is best that you uninstall it immediately and run a security check on your phone.
Similarly, you might also notice frequent pop-ups that are not relevant or give a weird error message. Do not tap on them. These pop-ups appear when someone tries to install more adware or malicious apps in the background.
3. Slow Performance and Random Crashes
We have already mentioned spyware continuously runs in the background and drains the battery. Similarly, it also drains your phone resources continuously. As a result, your phone’s performance can be affected when you use other resource-intensive apps like games and editing software. Over time, this problem can get bigger and start freezing, lagging, or even randomly crashing your phone. Your phone can even reboot out of nowhere.
When basic tasks such as opening apps or messaging suddenly become slow, it is a clear indicator that something isn’t right. If you are not being able to figure out the problem, consult a professional.
4. Random Text Messages or Emails
To trigger a particular action using spyware, hackers often have to give commands. These commands are sent in the form of text messages or emails. However, they are not like regular messages telling the spyware to do something. Instead, these messages contain a set of symbols, numbers, or links and appear randomly. They could be commands sent by the hacker to trigger certain actions on your phone. Never open these links as they could install additional malware.
The best way to deal with such messages is to delete them immediately.
5. Changes in Settings You Didn’t Make
Imagine finding your GPS turned on again and again, even if you remember turning it off. It does not happen on its own — someone is snooping through your phone. Spyware or tracking apps can often make changes to your phone’s settings to track your activities without your permission. And, GPS is only one of the aspects we took as an example. Hackers can control various parts of your phone like the camera or microphone to gather data about your movements by making changes to your settings without your knowledge.
- As a golden rule, never give permission to apps you do not trust. Also, check all the apps that have access to your camera, microphone, or location.
- Besides the GPS, be cautious if your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth turns on mysteriously by themselves.
6. GPS Location Services Running When Not in Use
If your phone’s GPS is turning on mysteriously, it is suspicious. However, when your phone uses GPS service even after you turn it off, there is something surely wrong with it. Chances are that your phone has spyware that might be tracking your movements. It may be using your GPS to monitor your phone’s real-time location and share it with third parties without your consent.
Ideally, the GPS icon should only be on when using location-based apps like maps or ride-sharing services. If your phone’s GPS is running unnecessarily, try to monitor how often the GPS is active and what apps are using it.
7. Unexpected Reboots or Power Offs
It is normal for your phone to reboot after an OS update. However, OS updates are occasional and will not affect your user experience. If you are experiencing frequent and unexplained reboots, you may have a reason to worry. In some cases when the spyware tries to reset connections or processes, the phone may just turn off completely. This is a common sign of your phone being compromised by spyware.
However, not all spyware attacks cause your phone to reboot or turn off. These are the older spyware versions that trigger reboots to avoid detection. Modern spyware is more sophisticated and designed to be discreet.
While we have mentioned only 7 signs here, there are many more you should keep a lookout for. Your phone has lots of personal information that can be used by hackers. Not just that, people can also access your camera, microphone, and location to gain real-time data. With that being said, please also remember that the signs we have mentioned can indicate other problems as well, like an outdated OS or problematic OS. If your phone is facing multiple issues, we suggest you get it checked by professionals. It is normal for old phones to slowly deteriorate. Selling your phone and buying a new phone can help in such cases. In case you do not have the funds to buy a new one, you can always buy refurbished phones. They come with a warranty as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Your Phone Getting Tracked or Monitored
Can someone track my phone without me knowing?
Yes, it is possible. Someone can silently monitor your location and activities without your knowledge. We have mentioned various signs that can help you to identify if your phone is getting tracked. However, always remember that these signs can indicate other problems on your phone as well. Only a proper diagnosis can help you understand.
Can someone from another device see what I'm doing on my phone?
If someone has managed to install spyware, they can monitor what you are doing on your phone, like reading your messages or tracking the websites you visit. This can happen without any obvious signs. So, noticing it becomes tricky. To stay protected, always avoid suspicious links and only download apps from trusted sources.
How do I block my number from being tracked?
Blocking your number from being tracked is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Switch off your phone’s GPS when you are not using it.
- Avoid leaving Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on in public places.
- Using a VPN is another way to keep your internet activity private.
- Also, only give permissions to apps you trust.
