How to Stop Someone from Monitoring My Calls and Messages?

Worried someone might be keeping tabs on your calls and messages? It's not an uncommon concern these days, but don't worry—there are steps you can take to regain control of your privacy. Let’s go over a few ways you can stop any unwanted surveillance on your phone.

1. Check for Unfamiliar Apps

The first step is to check for any apps that don’t belong or seem suspicious. Go to your phone's settings and look through your installed apps. If you see anything you don't recognize, especially apps with vague or generic names like "System Update" or "Device Manager," it’s worth investigating further. If you don’t use them, uninstall them.

● On Android: Go to Settings > Apps, then scroll through the list of installed apps.

● On iPhone: Head to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and see if there are any unfamiliar apps.

2. Revoke App Permissions

Apps often ask for more permissions than they actually need. For example, if a game or a photo editing app has access to your camera or microphone, that’s a red flag. Go into your phone’s settings to check which apps have access to your sensitive features, and turn off permissions for apps that don’t need them.

● On Android: Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager to see what apps have access to your camera, microphone, and location.

● On iPhone: Head to Settings > Privacy to review the apps with access to sensitive features.

3. Update Your Phone

Phone manufacturers frequently roll out updates to fix bugs and patch security holes. If your phone is outdated, it might be vulnerable to spyware. Keeping your phone up-to-date is an easy way to safeguard your privacy.

● On Android: Go to Settings > Software Update and check for the latest version.

● On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to ensure your iOS is the latest.

4. Change Your Passwords

A good security habit is to regularly change your passwords, especially for accounts linked to your phone. If someone had access to your device or account information, they might have compromised your login details. Use strong passwords, and make sure to enable two-factor authentication for extra protection.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step (like a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password. It helps protect your accounts from unauthorized access, even if someone knows your password.

6. Run a Security Scan

Spyware and malware can be sneaky, but a trusted antivirus app can help you find and remove any threats hiding on your device. Apps like Malwarebytes or Lookout offer quick scans that can detect and remove hidden spyware.

7. Consider a Factory Reset

If all else fails and you’re still worried about hidden tracking apps, a factory reset may be your last resort. This will erase everything on your phone, including any suspicious apps or malware. Remember to back up your important files and data before resetting your device.

With these steps, you’ll not only stop someone from spying on your calls and messages, but you’ll also have a more secure and private phone. Regularly reviewing your settings and staying updated will help keep your phone safe from prying eyes.