How to Check If Your Phone Is Tapped: 8 Signs and How to Address Them

Ever had that feeling that someone might be listening in on your phone? It’s not just your imagination. Phones can be tapped or monitored without you knowing, and it’s important to stay vigilant. If you're wondering how to check if your phone is tapped, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to detect any unauthorized monitoring and show you how to take action if something seems off.

8 Signs Your Phone Is Being Tapped or Monitored

Whether it’s random glitches or unusual activity, there are clear signs that your phone could be tapped or monitored. Phones are powerful tools, but if not properly secured, they can become vulnerable to spying. If you think someone might be listening in on your conversations or tracking your every move, learning how to check if your phone is tapped is essential. Here are 8 key signs that your phone might be compromised.

Battery Draining Faster Than Usual

Has your phone’s battery been running out way quicker than it used to? Spy apps can drain your battery by constantly running in the background. If you’re not using your phone a lot, but it’s still losing charge fast, this could be a red flag.

Weird Noises During Calls

Ever hear weird clicking sounds, static, or echoes while you’re on a call? If this is happening regularly, someone might be listening in on your conversations. While this can also happen due to a bad connection, it’s worth being cautious if it happens often.

Increased Data Usage

Notice your data usage skyrocketing for no apparent reason? If you’re not streaming movies or downloading big files, but your data usage is through the roof, it could be a sign that a hidden app is sending information from your phone to someone else. Spy apps often run in the background, consuming lots of data without you realizing it.

Weird Text Messages

If you’re getting random, strange text messages from unknown numbers, it could be a sign of spyware. Sometimes, spy apps use these texts to trigger certain actions or functions on your phone, so it’s important to take note of anything unusual.

Unknown Apps

Have you noticed apps on your phone that you didn’t download? This is a major warning sign. Spy apps can be installed without your knowledge and hide their icons or use different names to disguise themselves. Check your apps regularly to spot anything suspicious.

Phone Overheats

Your phone shouldn’t feel like a hot potato, especially if you’re not doing anything demanding with it. If it overheats while idling or with minimal use, it could mean that a hidden app is constantly working in the background. This can put a strain on your phone’s CPU, causing it to heat up.

Unusual Phone Activity When Not in Use

Ever notice your phone doing weird things when you’re not even touching it? Like apps opening on their own or your screen lighting up randomly? This can happen if someone is remotely controlling your phone, or if spyware is causing malfunctioning. If your phone seems "alive" when you’re not using it, it’s a sign something’s not right.

Trouble Shutting Down

Having issues turning off your phone, or noticing that it takes much longer than usual to shut down? This could be a sign that spyware is keeping your phone active so it can continue to spy on you. If your phone isn’t powering off when you ask it to, it could mean that something's running in the background preventing it from shutting down properly.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action. Start by checking for any suspicious apps, updating your phone’s software, and considering an anti-spyware app to scan for any hidden threats. Stay vigilant to keep your personal information safe and your phone secure.

How to find out if your phone is tapped (iPhone & Android)

Whether you’ve got an iPhone or an Android, there are a few simple steps you can take to see if someone’s secretly listening in or tracking your activity. From checking your settings to watching out for odd behavior, we’ll show you exactly what to look for. Here’s how you can check if your phone is tapped, no matter what device you’re using.

How to Check if Your iPhone is Hacked in Settings

If you suspect that your iPhone might have been hacked, one of the first places to check is your phone’s settings, as many signs of hacking can show up there. Hackers can gain access to your device through various means, and often, there are telltale signs hidden within your settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check for signs of hacking directly from your iPhone’s settings:

1. Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connections
Go to Settings > Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Look for unfamiliar devices or networks. If you spot any, it could be a sign that someone is accessing your phone remotely.
2. Look for Unfamiliar Profiles
Navigate to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management. If you see any profiles you didn’t install, it may indicate a hacker’s configuration.
3. Review App Permissions
In Settings > Privacy, check which apps have access to sensitive features like your camera or location. Revoke permissions for anything suspicious.
4. Check iCloud and Devices
Go to Settings > iCloud to see linked devices. If there are unknown devices, someone might have unauthorized access to your account.
5. Monitor Battery and Data Usage
Unusual battery drain or high data usage can indicate background activity from a hacker. Check both in Settings > Battery and Cellular.
6. Check Email Forwarding
Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts and check for strange email forwarding settings, which could suggest unauthorized access.
7. Review App Store Activity
Check Settings > iTunes and App Store for recent downloads or purchases you didn’t make. Report any suspicious activity to Apple.

If you find any signs that your iPhone has been hacked, the best course of action is to immediately change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication for extra security, and consider restoring your phone to factory settings. Regularly reviewing your settings and keeping your software up to date is one of the best ways to protect your phone from unauthorized access.

How to Tell If Your Android Is Hacked

Similar to checking your iPhone settings for signs of hacking, there are a few steps you can take to check for unusual activity on your Android phone. Hackers can gain access to your device and change settings or run hidden apps without your knowledge, but by following these checks, you can spot any signs of compromise. Here’s a simple guide on how to check if your Android phone has been hacked:

1. Unfamiliar Apps
Go to Settings > Apps and scroll through the list of installed apps. If you spot any that you don’t remember installing, remove them immediately.
2. App Permissions
Head to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager and review which apps have access to sensitive features like your camera or location. Revoke permissions for anything suspicious.
3. Linked Devices
Open Settings > Google > Google Account > Security to view the devices connected to your account. If there are any unknown devices listed, remove them.
4. Battery Usage
Check Settings > Battery to see which apps are using the most battery. Unusual or excessive battery consumption could be a sign of malicious apps running in the background.
5. Data Usage
Go to Settings > Network and Internet > Data Usage to monitor your data consumption. If you notice unexpected data usage, it could indicate that an app is using data without your consent.
6. Call or Text Settings
Head to Settings > Call Settings and check for any unusual call forwarding or voicemail settings. Also, review your messages for anything you didn’t send.
7. Google Play Store Activity
In the Play Store, go to Menu > Account > Order History and review your recent downloads and purchases. If there’s anything you didn’t buy or install, investigate further.

By keeping an eye on these settings, you can quickly spot any suspicious activity. If you find anything unusual, it’s a good idea to change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider resetting your phone to regain control.

Codes to Check If Your Phone Is Being Monitored

If you suspect your phone is being tapped or monitored, you can use special dialing codes to check for hidden call forwarding or call interception. These codes, called MMI codes, are effective ways to detect unauthorized activity and help you further understand how to check if your phone is tapped. By dialing these simple codes on both Android and iPhone, you can quickly see if your phone’s settings have been tampered with or if someone is intercepting your communications.

dialing code to check if your phone is being monitored or tapped

1. Check for Call Forwarding (Android & iPhone)

If calls, texts, or data are being forwarded to another device, it might signal your phone is being monitored. Unauthorized call forwarding is a common method for hackers to intercept communications.

Code to Dial: *#21#

Dial *#21# to check if forwarding is active for calls, messages, or data. The code will display if forwarding is happening, and reset any unauthorized settings. If forwarding is active, it's a strong sign that your phone may be tapped.

2. Check for Call Forwarding Deactivation (Android)

Hackers may forward your calls without your knowledge. This code helps detect and remove such forwarding settings.

Code to Dial: ##002#

Dial ##002# to deactivate any call or message forwarding set up on your phone. It resets all forwarding settings, including those for when your phone is off or busy, eliminating unwanted monitoring that might be occurring without your consent.

3. Check for Call Forwarding When Phone is Off (Android & iPhone)

Hackers can forward calls when your phone is off or in airplane mode. This ensures they can still intercept your communications when you think your device is inactive.

Code to Dial: *#62#

Dial *#62# to see if calls, texts, or data are being forwarded when your phone is turned off or unreachable. If forwarding is active, it’s a clear indication that someone may be monitoring your device remotely.

4. Check for Caller ID Manipulation (Android & iPhone)

Hackers often block their caller ID to hide their identity while listening in on calls or monitoring conversations.

Code to Dial: *#30#

Dial *#30# to check if your caller ID is being blocked. This will reveal if your phone’s settings are being manipulated to hide the caller’s identity, which can indicate that someone is secretly listening to your calls.

5. Check for Call Forwarding When Busy or Not Answered (Android & iPhone)

Hackers may forward calls when your line is busy or unanswered. This ensures that your calls are intercepted under certain circumstances without your knowledge.

Code to Dial: *#67#

Dial *#67# to check if calls are being forwarded when your phone is busy or you don't answer. If forwarding is active, it’s a sign that someone is intercepting your calls during these specific situations.

6. Turn Off All Call Forwarding (Android & iPhone)

To ensure that your phone isn’t being monitored, turn off all call forwarding settings, which might be secretly redirecting your calls, messages, or data.

Code to Dial: ##21#

Dial ##21# to disable all call forwarding settings. This will cancel any forwarding, whether for calls, messages, or data, securing your communications and ensuring no one can silently intercept them.

These codes help you detect if your phone is being monitored. By regularly checking for forwarding settings and adjusting them as necessary, you can safeguard your device and communications from unauthorized access. If you notice anything suspicious, take action immediately to protect your privacy.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, knowing how to check if your phone is tapped is crucial for protecting your privacy. By being aware of signs like unusual battery drain, strange call behavior, and unexpected data usage, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your device. Regularly checking settings, using special codes, and staying vigilant against unfamiliar apps are effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. If you find anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to take action—update your software, remove harmful apps, or restore your phone to factory settings.