Everyone nowadays is glued to their phones. People use their phones for various purposes throughout the day, including talking, streaming, and working. You can almost always be sure that your phone is safe from intruders who seek to invade your privacy.
However, with malware and phishing on the rise, it’s only natural that you’d want to keep your phone as secure as possible. You might not realize it, but you’re holding a tapped phone. There are techniques to identify if your phone is being tapped, fortunately. This article will learn how to tell if your phone is tapped.
This article will look at the different ways to identify if your phone has been tapped and is being tracked. We’ll also go through ways to avoid these situations and keep your phone protected. You might also like to find out How To Bug A Phone? to stay ahead of the curb.
How to Tell if Your Phone Is Tapped
The first step in ensuring that your phone is secure is recognizing symptoms. Malware and spyware typically start working as soon as they gain access to your phone.
Spying software (mSpy and Mobile spy) can tap cell phones, mobile phones, and android phones to track text messages. We can go through mSpy Vs. Mobile Spy Comparison to know more about spying software.
Similarly, the sooner you realize these symptoms, the easier it will be to find strategies to keep your phone from being spied on. Here’s how to tell if your phone is tapped.
1. Excessive Battery Drain
Checking your phone’s battery performance is the first step in determining whether or not it is being tracked. Most phones will be equipped with technology that prevents battery depletion.
If your phone’s battery is draining faster than usual, it could hint that software is being used to spy on and access your phone. Keep in mind that this is unlikely to happen unless the persons spying on you have access to more advanced technologies.
Moreover, it’s the simplest way to know if your phone is being tapped, but it’s also the most unreliable. If you’ve had your phone for a few years, battery drain could indicate that it’s time to replace it. In that instance, you should contact your healthcare physician or a care center to see what you can do.
2. Over-the-Top Data Usage
Moreover, unless you use a lot of data, you should review your monthly phone bill or keep track of your monthly data usage. Checking your data consumption is another clue that can help you figure out if your phone is being tapped.
It could indicate that your phone is being tapped if you can check your monthly usage and notice abnormalities, or if they abruptly soared and you know you haven’t been consuming that much data.
Because tapped phones require a lot of data to convey information back to the hacker, your data consumption may increase. Besides, if you see that your data use increases, it could signify that your phone has been tampered with.
3. Unexpected Reboots
If your phone reboots without warning and you’re not sure why it could be a hint that it’s being accessed remotely by an unauthorized party. Phones usually only reboot when requested or something goes wrong with the phone’s processing. If that’s the case, the reason for the reboot should be obvious.
If you’re not having any of these issues, but your phone still reboots abruptly, it could be a clue that it’s been hacked. Keep a watch on how frequently your phone does this, and if it happens often, you may need to take additional precautions to prevent future hacking.
4. Phone Slowing Down
Your phone could be slowing down for a variety of reasons. It could be due to your memory use or using an old device with outdated software. However, it would help if you remain aware of what else is going on with your phone. You may have a tapped phone if your phone slows down and you’re experiencing the other issues on this list.
In any case, you should strive to increase your phone’s speed. If that doesn’t work, talk to your service center about the precautions you should take to avoid having your information stolen.
5. Sound Interruptions During Calls
Sound disruptions are the next way to determine if your phone is being tapped. If you hear clicking sounds, distant voices, or static disruptions during phone calls, your phone may have been tapped.
In addition, sound disruptions are no longer widespread today; they’re mainly connected to older analog networks. It could be a clue that your phone is being tapped if you hear fragmentary voices while talking on the phone.
6. Abnormal Phone Temperatures
Some users may notice an increase in the temperature of their phones. Those who use their phones for gaming or streaming may see that they become hot. Your phone may have been tapped if you’re neither of these people. Spyware running in the background is to blame for the odd rise in temperature.
As previously said, this symptom is not uncommon, and there are a variety of additional causes for a phone that is overheating. Also, if you can rule out spyware as the cause of the temperature increase, you should take extra care to ensure that your phone is still in good working order.
7. Strange Messages
A strange or suspicious SMS is another clue that your phone is being tapped. While it’s easy to dismiss this as a mistaken number or spam, it could indicate something isn’t quite right.
Strange messages may show that your phone’s spyware hasn’t been properly deployed. The hacker’s server normally sends these random sets of numbers and data to interfere with an application.
Furthermore, if your loved ones or acquaintances tell you that strange messages are arriving from your phone, this is a telling sign that you have a compromised phone that needs to be fixed right away. Such acts could be a hacker’s attempt to spyware on your loved ones’ phones. As a result, it should not be overlooked.
8. Longer Shutdown Process
If your phone has been hacked, you’ll find that it takes a long time to shut down completely. When you turn off your phone, all active processes will be terminated before it shuts down.
As a result, if any spyware activity runs in the background, it will take longer to shut down. Similarly, if you notice anything unusual while shutting down your smartphone, it could be a clue that your phone has been hacked.
Even though these appear to be regular phone issues, it wouldn’t harm to be more cautious if you start experiencing them.
9. Unusual Third-Party Apps
Check your phone for weird apps you don’t remember installing to see if your phone is being tapped. Apps like these could be a source of information or possibly the consequence of phone tapping. If you don’t recall installing the program, delete it right away.
Similarly, if you download programs from third-party websites rather than the App Store or Google Play Store, you might want to consider temporarily removing them.
However, that does not imply that you can trust the apps you download from authorized sources. Many hackers will try to copy popular apps and make false versions. In this situation, a quick Google search of both the software and its developer to ensure that they’re real could be a good idea.
10. Strange Permission Requests
Almost all apps, if not all, will ask for access to your camera, contact list, phone history, or message. This isn’t uncommon in most circumstances, especially if you’re using a messaging app.
However, if these requests are from an app or a game that usually doesn’t require such permission, you should consider granting them, especially if they seek access to your contacts or phone and messaging history. This is typically a warning that hackers attempt to access your phone via an app.
The simplest method to avoid this is to go over all of an app’s permissions before using it. Alternatively, you may review the rights you’ve already granted to a certain app by going into your phone’s settings. Further, if you have children, it’s good to turn on parental controls to prevent them from downloading dangerous apps.
11. Strange Activity on Standby
If you aren’t using your phone, it should go into standby or idle mode. Your screen should be dark, with calls, messages, and notifications being the only things that may cause it to light up.
However, if your phone repeatedly lights up in standby mode without any indication of a notification, you should be aware that something is wrong. Alternatively, if your phone makes unusual noises or sounds, it could indicate that it has been tampered with.
12. Unusual Look of Websites
It’s simple to avoid clicking on a questionable URL in a text or email. However, if you have a tapped phone, the way websites seem can indicate something is wrong with your phone.
It’s not something most people consider, but it’s important to be aware of how some websites seem on mobile devices. Keep in mind that dangerous third-party programs on your phone might produce websites with unique appearances, so if you see anything unusual, you should clean your phone of any suspicious apps.
It might be not easy to distinguish between legitimate websites and those resulting from spyware. The differences may not be obvious because spyware normally intercepts the connection between your phone and the site you’re trying to view. Keep an eye on the websites you visit because they might not be as trustworthy as they appear.
How to Avoid Having Your Phone Tapped
Apart from taking extra precautions to ensure that your phone is secure, you can do a few things to avoid having your phone tapped, traced, or spied on.
i. Use Codes
You can check if your phone has been tapped by using certain codes. You can quickly dial them from your phone to see if malware has been redirecting your phone’s data.
The following is a list of codes you can use:
*#21#
Dial this number to see if malware has diverted your phone’s data, calls, texts, and other information. You’ll be able to verify the status of the diversions and a matching number after dialing this code.
*#06#
Check your IMEI number for potential threats using this code. This number is unique to each phone and is the most effective way to locate it, and it can be used against you if it falls into the wrong hands.
*#62#
With this code, you can see if malware is preventing your calls. This code will let you know if your calls are being rerouted instead of diverted. By dialing ##002#, you can delete all redirections.
ii. Utility Netmonitor Code
This code is a little tough, but it’s useful if you want to figure out who’s tapping your phone. Knowing these codes can be useful if hackers attempt to break into your phone via cell towers and base stations.
- For Android, dial *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#*
- For iPhone, dial 3001#12345#*
- You must look at the UMTS RR Information and copy the number that appears.
- Select MM Information from the main menu.
- Select Serving PLMN from the drop-down menu.
- Make a mental note of the LAC (Local Area Code) displayed on the screen.
- Enter the numbers into a net monitor website to see your phone’s exact location.
Keep in mind that these codes may not always work, and it’s always a good idea to explore alternative options before relying on these codes.
iii. Install Antivirus Apps
Antivirus software is a requirement for any smartphone. You’ll be able to keep your phone safe and track and avoid malware. These applications can identify malware and prevent it from gaining access to your phone.
Norton Mobile Security (Norton 360 for Android) and other similar apps will be able to equip your phone with a comprehensive collection of capabilities to safeguard it against viruses and malware. It will also help your phone work better regarding security, including safeguards that protect you from theft and fraud.
The Norton app is available in the Play Store for Android smartphones and the App Store for Apple devices.
You can quickly maximize your phone’s security without fretting too much if you have antivirus apps on your phone. Investing in a decent antivirus program pays off. As a result, you should think about downloading them as the first security line against hackers.
iv. Update Your Accounts Frequently
Some of the most vulnerable accounts that is easy to hack are social media accounts, mobile banking accounts, and even messaging apps. As a result, it’s critical to regularly check on your account to ensure its safety and privacy. As a precaution against spyware, you should change your passwords regularly.
v. Use Encryption
Another method of preventing your phone from being tapped is encryption. This way, you’ll be able to keep track of vital information on your phone. After you’ve encrypted your phone’s data, the only way to access it is to input an encryption key. This prevents potential hackers or spyware from accessing your data, making your device safer.
On the most recent models, when you enable encryption there won’t be a problem. If you have an older operating system on your smartphone, you may easily enable encryption in the settings. You may want to keep your phone plugged in during the procedure because it can take up to an hour. If the phone dies during the process, you may lose data.
vi. Update Your OS
If your phone’s operating system isn’t up to date, now is the time to do it. OS updates will keep your phone up to date with app versions, but they will also offer a layer of protection to your phone. Ensure you check OS security upgrades to make your phone more secure.
When an update is ready, most phones will urge you to install it, but you can always check for updates by going to your phone’s settings. You can also select to have your phone updated automatically whenever a new version is available.
Final Words
Apart from knowing if your phone is being tapped, you need also be cautious of the websites you visit and the apps you download. Therefore, learn internet safety to avoid such issues. I hope the article on “how to tell if your phone is tapped” is helpful.
If you’re having problems troubleshooting your tapped phone on your own, it might be best to seek professional assistance. If your phone was purchased from them, contact them or take it to a service center to be checked.
Overall, always use caution when using the internet and be mindful of your online activities. Always exercise caution while downloading apps and granting permissions to specific programs. To avoid tapping and hacking, it’s always a good idea to be internet-savvy.
