Cybercrimes have gone multifold in the last five years. The main reason is that more people are now using the internet but are unaware of how to keep their data safe. Scammers try to access this data smartly and use it for various fraudulent activities. Modern smartphones are a goldmine for these scammers. They hold all your personal and financial data — images, documents, bank details, and whatnot. So, scammers use various methods to access data on your phone. Installing spyware is one of the most common and dangerous methods used by them. Once installed, your privacy will be compromised. Understanding what spyware is and how to protect your phone can save you from major headaches.
INDEX
What is Spyware?
Types of Spyware
Keyloggers
Trojans
Adware
Tracking software
How Does Spyware Get Into Your Phone?
1. Downloading Malicious Apps
2. Phishing Scams
3. Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Outdated Software
4. Drive-by Downloads
Signs That Spyware is Already on Your Phone
1. Increased Data Usage
2. Battery Losing Power Faster than Normal
3. Sluggish Performance
4. Random Reboots or Shutdowns
5. Receiving Strange Messages
6. Overheating
7. Unfamiliar Apps on your Device
8. Your Camera or Mic Being Used Without Your Permission
9. Are Your Calls Acting Weird?
10. Increased Pop-up Ads or Browser Redirects
How to Remove Spyware From Your Phone
Step 1: Identify Suspicious Behaviour and Apps
Check for Unknown Apps
Review Permissions
Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode
What Safe Mode Does
How to Boot into Safe Mode
Step 3: Remove Suspicious Apps
1. Uninstall via Settings
2. Revoke Device Admin Permissions (Android)
3. Force-Stop the App (If It Can’t Be Uninstalled)
Step 4: Run a Reputable Anti-Spyware App
Step 5: Change All Your Passwords
Step 6: Factory Reset as a Last Resort
How to Prevent a Spyware Attack On Your Phone?
Take Immediate Action to Protect Your Privacy
Frequently Asked Questions About Spyware in Phones
1. Can Spyware be Installed on My Phone Through a Text Message?
2. Can Spyware Be Installed Without Physical Access to My Phone?
3. How Can I Know If Someone Is Tracking My Location with Spyware?
What is Spyware?
In simple terms, spyware is a type of software that is malicious in nature and will secretly infiltrate your phone. It follows a set of instructions as per its design and shares sensitive information with the perpetrator without your knowledge. However, the type of information it will share depends on its design. There are different types of spyware.
Types of Spyware
Keyloggers
If your device has keyloggers, the perpetrator can record everything you type. So, the person will easily get to know your passwords, credit card details, and even private messages.
Trojans
You must have heard of Trojans. They stay hidden as harmless apps but can gain complete control of your phone. All your actions will be recorded and data will be transmitted to a remote server.
Adware
Though it primarily focuses on delivering unwanted ads, some adware variants track your behaviour and steal personal information.
Tracking software
This spyware tracks your location, messages, and even phone calls. However, in most cases, it has to be installed by someone with access to your phone.
How Does Spyware Get Into Your Phone?
Spyware doesn’t just appear on your phone — it has to be installed somehow. The problem is that spyware often sneaks in when you are not looking. This means you will always have to stay vigilant. Here is how it can get into your phone:
1. Downloading Malicious Apps
If you download apps from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, there is very little chance of downloading malicious apps by mistake — these are safe platforms. Chances are that you might have caught spyware when downloading apps from third-party sources. It could be a game, tool, or even a security app that asks for unnecessary permissions.
2. Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are getting immensely popular because unsuspecting users often end up opening these pages when they receive them via email, SMS, or even social media. Basically, the user will be provided with a link that will automatically start downloading the spyware once clicked.
3. Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Outdated Software
Hackers often exploit bugs or vulnerabilities in older versions of Android or iOS to install spyware. So, if you are using an outdated OS version or software, you’re more vulnerable to these attacks.
4. Drive-by Downloads
Even if you do not download anything, this method can download spyware on your phone. As soon as you visit the compromised or malicious website, the download gets triggered.
Signs That Spyware is Already on Your Phone
As we have already discussed, spyware is designed to be stealthy. So, it might already be on your phone and you do not know it. To check if your device is affected, look out for these signs:
1. Increased Data Usage
Spyware constantly transmits the data it collects to a third party. This means it will have to use your phone’s data. So, if you suddenly notice a surge in data usage, maybe there is more to it. To be on the safe side, you can compare your data usage over time. Android users can visit Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage to see which apps are using the most data. On an iPhone, it can be checked from Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. If any particular unknown app is consuming data, your phone might be at risk.
2. Battery Losing Power Faster than Normal
If spyware is using data to constantly transmit information, it will also drain the battery to access and send the information. Faster battery drain is also a sign of a spyware attack. You can confirm this by checking which apps are consuming the most power and when. When only one app suddenly starts to consume battery, even when your phone is idle, consider consulting an expert.
Android users can check battery health from Settings > Battery > Battery Usage. For iPhone users, it is available in Settings > Battery.
3. Sluggish Performance
There are plenty of reasons why your phone is sluggish — spyware is also one of them. It occurs because spyware always runs in the background and makes your device work harder. This can lead to slower performance, noticeable lag, or even frequent app crashes. Even if you free up RAM, these signs do not go away. Some can make your phone so slow that you cannot perform basic tasks as well.
4. Random Reboots or Shutdowns
If your phone restarts on its own without any prompt or shuts down without warning, it could be a sign that spyware is interfering with your operating system. Unexplained restarts or shutdowns can be very inconvenient for users, especially when performing important tasks. This happens when the spyware tries to maintain its control over your phone’s functionality.
It generally occurs when the spyware is poorly coded. Otherwise, spyware is always stealthy and does not interfere with system stability.
5. Receiving Strange Messages
Some spyware operates by sending commands via SMS or email. These are weird, repetitive texts, often containing strange characters, symbols, or even words in a different language. While it may seem like complete nonsense, it is actually a communication channel between the attacker and the device. This happens when the spyware communicates with another device.
6. Overheating
When your phone is using more data and losing charge fast because of background apps, it is obvious that your phone will heat up as well. While overheating is never good, it is mainly common when playing games or performing heavy tasks. If your phone is overheating even when the device is idle, spyware could be to blame.
7. Unfamiliar Apps on your Device
Spyware can install additional apps or change your phone’s settings without your knowledge. These apps might be disguised to look like system utilities or hidden altogether. They are installed so that the spyware can monitor everything on your phone without being detected.
8. Your Camera or Mic Being Used Without Your Permission
We have all seen in movies how a phone camera and mic are used to spy on people. Well, it can happen in real life as well, and spyware can eavesdrop on conversations or capture images/videos without your consent. If installed, it can leak sensitive information.
The thing is the app mostly has to ask for permission before getting access to your personal information. Unfortunately, most people do not notice it, and provide permission by mistake.
9. Are Your Calls Acting Weird?
Some spyware focuses on monitoring phone calls. Unfortunately, they are not always very sophisticated and cause disruptions in your service. You might experience poor connection quality or unusual background noise during calls.
10. Increased Pop-up Ads or Browser Redirects
Adware is a common form of spyware that floods your phone with unwanted advertisements, even when you’re not using an app. The logic is it earns money by forcing users to see ads or redirecting them to ad-heavy websites. Even though it might not decrease the phone’s performance or leak sensitive information, using your phone can become a very inconvenient experience in such cases.
How to Remove Spyware From Your Phone
Now that you are aware of the signs that indicate your phone is infected by spyware, it is time to focus on the cure. Removing spyware isn’t always a simple “click-and-delete” process — it requires a strategic approach. Our experts have prepared a step-by-step guide for you to deal with such situations.
Step 1: Identify Suspicious Behaviour and Apps
Before jumping into removal, it’s important to pinpoint the problem. If you've noticed suspicious signs like weird apps, increased data usage, or phone sluggishness, the first thing to do is check your app list and permissions.
Check for Unknown Apps
Go to your phone’s settings and view all installed apps. Look for anything unfamiliar or that you don’t remember installing. Sometimes spyware will disguise itself as a legitimate app, like “System Update” or “File Manager.” If you find something suspicious, research the app online.
Review Permissions
All apps require some basic permission to function properly. However, spyware asks for excessive permissions to operate. If you feel like an insignificant app is asking for too many permissions, be alert. Even an app you use regularly might have been compromised through an update or a hidden exploit.
Android devices show permissions in Settings > Apps > Permissions. On iPhones, check Settings > Privacy to see which apps have access to sensitive features.
If you notice any unfamiliar or suspicious app, revoke permissions and uninstall the app entirely.
Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode
Now that you have identified potential culprits, the next step is to restart your phone in Safe Mode. This is crucial because spyware runs in the background and might interfere with removal attempts.
What Safe Mode Does
Safe Mode on any device disables third-party apps (including spyware) so that you can safely examine your phone. It allows you to remove suspicious software and loads only the essential apps it needs to function.
How to Boot into Safe Mode
Hold down the power button on your Android. When the power-off menu appears, press and hold Power Off until you see the option to boot into Safe Mode. iPhones do not have a Safe Mode.
In Safe Mode, go back to your apps list and uninstall any spyware you identified earlier. Deleting them would be easier now because it prevents spyware from running in the background.
Step 3: Remove Suspicious Apps
With Safe Mode activated, you’re now in a better position to remove any malicious apps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to handle difficult spyware:
1. Uninstall via Settings
Android: Go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps. Select the suspicious app and then tap Uninstall.
iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Scroll through the list of apps and delete anything you didn’t install or recognise.
2. Revoke Device Admin Permissions (Android)
Some spyware apps make themselves “Device Administrators,” which prevents you from uninstalling them easily. You’ll need to revoke those permissions first. Go to Settings > Security > Device Administrators and uncheck the box next to any unfamiliar apps. Once revoked, go back and uninstall the app as normal.
3. Force-Stop the App (If It Can’t Be Uninstalled)
Some apps may still not get uninstalled. You can force-stop them to facilitate the process. On an Android, open Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Force Stop.
This process is not required on iPhones.
Step 4: Run a Reputable Anti-Spyware App
You cannot always get rid of spyware by manually removing it. Sometimes, you need an anti-spyware or anti-malware app to do the task for you. These are specially designed to ensure no traces of spyware are left behind. Otherwise, the remnants could still be lurking in system files or caches. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available.
The Best Anti-Spyware Apps for Androids and iPhones are:
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Malwarebytes (available for both Android and iOS): This is a highly regarded security app known for detecting and removing spyware.
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Avast Mobile Security: You will get both free and paid versions that scan for spyware, malware, and risky apps.
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Norton Mobile Security: Norton is a trusted name in digital security that offers complete protection from spyware.
Once you download any one of these apps and perform a full system scan, it will search for malicious files, apps, or processes running in the background. If the app identifies spyware, follow its instructions for removal. Most apps will automatically quarantine or delete the spyware for you.
Also Read: Understanding iOS 18: Exciting Features You Should Know Before Updating
Step 5: Change All Your Passwords
Even if you deleted the spyware from your phone, changing all your important passwords is crucial after detecting it to ensure your online accounts are safe. However, do not change your passwords on the infected phone. Use a different, clean device (like your computer or another phone) to log in and change your passwords. If possible, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security. You can use a password manager, like LastPass or 1Password, to help you generate strong passwords for each account. Just focus on the important ones first — your email accounts, banking and financial apps, social media, etc.
Step 6: Factory Reset as a Last Resort
When all other steps fail to remove the spyware from your phone, performing a factory reset may be your best option. A factory reset will wipe your phone clean. This includes removing all apps, files, personal data (photos, contacts, messages, etc.), and any system settings or configurations.
Performing a factory reset is easy and does not require techy-knowledge.
Android users can do it from:
Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset)
iPhone users can do it from:
Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
Just ensure you back up important data before doing a factory reset. You can either use cloud storage or transfer files to a computer to avoid losing them permanently.
How to Prevent a Spyware Attack On Your Phone?
Spyware is stealthy but you can still prevent them if you stay vigilant. Here are a few simple tips to prevent spyware:
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Regularly Scan Your Phone: Keep using anti-spyware apps to run regular scans and check for potential threats.
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Keep Software Updated: Ensure your phone’s operating system and apps are up to date, as updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that spyware can exploit.
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Watch for Strange Behavior: Continue monitoring your phone’s battery, performance, and data usage. Any sudden change might indicate a new threat.
Take Immediate Action to Protect Your Privacy
Spyware is invasive, but with the right approach, you can successfully remove it. However, using the same phone might not be the best option if you store sensitive data on the device. In some cases, experts recommend replacing the device completely. If you plan on replacing the device, you can sell the used phone at Mobilegoo and get the best prices for your old phone. Always choose devices that will receive timely updates. Never purchase outdated devices, as they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. If there is a budget-related issue, consider buying refurbished phones instead of new phones. These are equally powerful but sold at high discounts. Unboxed phones and pre-owned phones are also great alternatives you can buy at Mobilegoo. You will also get up to 1-year warranty, a 7-day replacement, and No-cost EMI.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Spyware in Phones
1. Can Spyware be Installed on My Phone Through a Text Message?
There are different types, and some can be installed through text messages, often via phishing attempts or malicious links. This is known as "smishing" (SMS phishing). The attacker sends a text containing a link that will install spyware onto your device as soon as you click it. To avoid suspicion, these messages are designed to appear as texts from legitimate sources, such as your bank or phone provider.
2. Can Spyware Be Installed Without Physical Access to My Phone?
Spyware can have advanced designs that allow them to be installed remotely. Sophisticated spyware like Pegasus can exploit vulnerabilities in your operating system to install itself silently without any interaction from the user. Other than that, attackers can send malicious links to install spyware onto your device.
3. How Can I Know If Someone Is Tracking My Location with Spyware?
Spyware can track your location in real-time by accessing your phone’s GPS. If your phone's location turns on automatically even after you turn it off or if you notice your location being shared without your knowledge, it could be a sign that spyware is tracking you. You should look out for signs that indicate your phone is being tracked or monitored.
