TL;DR: Common signs your phone is hacked include faster battery drain, unexplained data use, overheating, random restarts, pop-ups, apps you didn’t install, and messages sent from your number that you didn’t write, according to the FTC, the UK’s NCSC and Google. None proves a hack on its own. To check: review your apps and permissions, run Google Play Protect (Android) or Safety Check (iPhone), and update the phone. If you’re still worried, back up photos and contacts, factory reset, and change your important passwords from a different device.
Last updated: October 23, 2026. Based on guidance from the FTC, the NCSC, Google and Apple.
Phone hacks are less common than scam calls make them sound, but spyware and malicious apps are real. This guide pulls together official guidance from the US Federal Trade Commission, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, Google and Apple. It’s general advice; if you’re in danger, read the safety note first.
Safety note: If you think an abusive partner or ex is monitoring your phone, removing spyware can tip them off. The FTC advises contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788) from a different device before making changes. In the UK, the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247.
What are the signs your phone is hacked?
Watch for changes in how your phone behaves and unexplained activity on your accounts. These ten signs come from the FTC, the NCSC and Google.
| # | Sign | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Battery draining faster than usual | FTC, Google |
| 2 | Unexpectedly using more data | FTC, Google |
| 3 | Phone overheating | FTC |
| 4 | Turning off and on unexpectedly | FTC, NCSC |
| 5 | Slower performance | NCSC, Google |
| 6 | Apps crashing, closing or opening by themselves | NCSC, Google |
| 7 | Pop-ups and intrusive ads | NCSC, Google |
| 8 | Texts or emails sent from you that you didn’t send | NCSC, Google |
| 9 | Apps you don’t remember installing | |
| 10 | Someone knows your location or private messages | FTC |
One sign isn’t proof. Battery drain and heat are often caused by a software update, an aging battery or a busy app. (If battery life dropped right after updating, see our guide to iOS 27 battery drain.) Look for several signs together, especially #8–#10.
Can someone hack your phone without you knowing?
Yes. Spyware is designed to hide. The FTC says stalkerware may hide “in the phone’s settings with fake names like ‘System Service,'” and some developers explain how to disable warning notifications. Many spyware apps need physical access to your phone, which is why the FTC recommends a strong passcode and never leaving your phone unattended with someone you don’t trust.
The FTC also notes that some stalkerware “can only be installed on a phone that’s been ‘rooted’ or ‘jailbroken.'” The NCSC adds that if security apps say your phone is rooted or jailbroken and you didn’t do it, “it can be a good indication” of a compromise.
How do you check an Android phone for hacking?
Run Google Play Protect and review your apps and permissions.
- Scan with Play Protect. Open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Play Protect → Scan. Google says Play Protect “checks your device for potentially harmful apps from other sources” and may disable or remove harmful apps (Google Play Help).
- Review installed apps. Go to Settings → Apps and look for anything unfamiliar or with an odd name.
- Check data usage. Go to Settings → Network & Internet (or Data Usage) to spot apps using lots of background data.
- Check security status. Open Settings → Security (or Security & Privacy) and follow any recommendations.
- Check device admin apps. Under security settings, look for “device admin apps” you don’t recognize, which can make apps harder to uninstall.
How do you check an iPhone for hacking?
Use Safety Check, review your Apple Account devices, and update iOS.
- Run Safety Check. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Safety Check. Apple says it lets you review who can see your information and location, review devices connected to your Apple Account, reset app privacy permissions, and change your passcode or Apple Account password (Apple Support). It needs iOS 16 or later and two-factor authentication.
- Look for unknown devices. In Settings → [your name], scroll to the device list and remove anything you don’t own.
- Check for unknown profiles. In Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, remove profiles you didn’t install (unless your work or school manages the phone).
- Update iOS. Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
If you’re at high risk of targeted spyware, such as a journalist or activist, Apple offers Lockdown Mode, an optional extreme protection setting.
What should you do if your phone is hacked?
Remove suspicious apps, update, and if that doesn’t fix it, factory reset. The NCSC says phones “can’t usually be fixed by an antivirus product in the same way as PCs,” and “the safest solution is to do a factory reset.”
- Uninstall suspicious apps and remove unknown profiles or device admin apps.
- Update the operating system and apps.
- Back up only what you need: photos, videos, contacts and messages.
- Factory reset the phone (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone; or Settings → System → Reset on Android).
- Reinstall apps from the app store, not from a backup. The FTC warns that restoring apps from an old backup “could reinstall the stalkerware.”
- Change passwords for email, banking and social accounts, ideally from a different device, and turn on two-factor authentication. Our guide to whether SMS 2FA is safe explains which method to choose, and passkeys are even stronger.
If the problem continues after a reset, the NCSC says “you’ll need expert help.”
How do you protect your phone from being hacked?
Keep it updated, locked and limited to official app stores.
| Step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Install updates promptly | Patches security holes attackers use |
| Use a 6-digit or longer passcode | FTC recommends “at least a 6-digit passcode” |
| Only install apps from official stores | Most malware comes from outside sources |
| Don’t root or jailbreak | Removes built-in security protections |
| Use a password manager and 2FA | Protects accounts even if one password leaks |
| Ignore “your phone is infected” calls or pop-ups | NCSC calls these “a common scam” |
A password manager makes unique passwords painless. Our Bitwarden vs 1Password vs Proton Pass comparison can help you pick one.
FAQ
How can I tell if my phone has spyware?
Look for faster battery drain, more data use, overheating, unexpected restarts, and someone knowing things they shouldn’t, like your location or private messages. Check for unfamiliar apps, profiles and connected devices.
Can a phone be hacked by a phone call or text?
It’s rare for ordinary users, but highly targeted spyware attacks exist. Most everyday risks come from scam links, malicious apps and someone with physical access to your phone. Don’t tap links in unexpected texts.
Does a factory reset remove hackers?
Usually, yes. The NCSC says a factory reset is the safest fix for an infected phone. Reinstall apps from the app store rather than restoring them from an old backup, and change your passwords afterward.
Do I need antivirus on my phone?
Most people don’t need a paid app. Android includes Google Play Protect, and iPhones restrict apps to the App Store by default. Keeping your phone updated matters more.
Is my phone hacked if the battery drains fast?
Not necessarily. Battery drain is often caused by updates, aging batteries or demanding apps. It’s only a concern alongside other signs like unknown apps or messages you didn’t send.
What is the code to check if my phone is hacked?
There’s no dial code that reliably detects hacking. Codes shared online, such as call-forwarding checks, only show forwarding settings. Use Play Protect, Safety Check and the steps above instead.
Sources checked October 23, 2026: FTC “Stalkerware: What To Know,” NCSC “How to recover an infected device,” Google Store and Google Play Help, Apple Personal Safety User Guide.
