How to Find & Remove a Hacker From Your Phone (Easy!)

Mobile devices are susceptible to various cyber-attacks. Criminals can access your personally identifiable information, banking details, messages, and photos if your phone is hacked.

This article explains what phone hacking is, how to know if your device was hacked, and which tactics cybercriminals use. I also share how to get rid of hackers on your phone and how to improve your smartphone’s security.

What Is Phone Hacking?

Phone hacking refers to accessing unauthorized data stored on a mobile device or gaining remote control. Phone hacking can involve but isn’t limited to listening to calls, receiving copies of text messages, and remotely infecting the device with malware.

Cybercriminals can hack your phone remotely or gain physical access. Worse, by gaining control over your smartphone, they can access your accounts and connected devices, such as your laptop.

Signs Your Phone Has Been Hacked

Knowing the signs of a hacked phone is extremely important. It can help you quickly determine if your phone is hacked. Usually, there are a few telltale signs. Let’s look at the most common red flags.

Unfamiliar Apps

Perhaps the easiest way to determine that your phone has been hacked is by checking your app list. If you notice any odd apps and you don’t remember downloading it, your phone has likely been compromised. Hackers use malware disguised as regular apps to steal user information.

Pop-ups

Most modern apps use pop-up advertisements. However, if pop-ups have become too frequent and you don’t recognize their source, be wary.

The content of the pop-ups also matters. You might notice notifications saying you’ve won a prize, virus alerts despite not having an antivirus, or warnings that your information has been leaked. These messages will sound genuine and urgent. In reality, these are likely not true—they’re usually just tactics to bait you into tapping the ads.

You may see ads like this if you visit certain websites, so they’re not a fool-proof way to determine your phone has been hacked.

Shortened Battery Life

Suspicious apps and malware that hackers install on affected smartphones use additional battery power. If your mobile phone’s battery has been draining too fast recently, it might have been hacked. Although it might also mean your device’s battery has become old and needs to be replaced, it is better to be cautious.

Increase in Data Usage

Suspicious apps that steal your data run in the background, constantly using mobile data. For this reason, you might get a higher data bill than usual.

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Slow App Speeds

The applications hackers use to steal your data need plenty of computing power. If your phone suddenly slows down, especially if it is a new phone, a hacker attack might be the cause. 

Unrecognized Calls and Messages

If you suspect your phone has been compromised, check your call log. Hackers might be impersonating you to steal your personal information from your friends and family. Some hackers use SMS trojans to send and receive messages from hacked phones.

Your Device Gets Hot

Your mobile phone might get unusually hot during casual use if suspicious apps run in the background. So if you find your phone’s temperature getting high with or without usage, its better to get it checked for suspicious activities. Too high of a temperature also negatively affects the phone’s overall performance and may damage its battery.

Strange Behavior

By strange behavior, I’m referring to any odd changes in your phone that are not mentioned above. You might notice app permissions have changed or that your phone is switching off for no apparent reason. Note that these signs don’t always signal a hack, but checking your device for suspicious apps is worthwhile.

Common Tactics Used by Phone Hackers

Contrary to widespread misconception, phone hackers aren’t geniuses who steal your data by writing long, sophisticated code. Usually, their methods are much more straightforward. Learning about common tactics used by phone hackers will help you mitigate the risk.

Hacking Software

Hackers can sneak into your mobile device using specialized software. They can trick you into installing it via a sketchy website or phishing attack. Sometimes, hackers install it when they physically access a phone.

The most common type of hacking software is keyloggers. Such apps record information as you type or talk on your phone and send it right to the criminals.

Another type of hacking software is trojans. Usually, hackers disguise trojans as legitimate apps, and users install them voluntarily. In reality, these are the malware that extracts personal information and banking details from your device.

Social Engineering

Often, people open the door to hackers themselves. Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology instead of using sophisticated hacking software.

For example, hackers might email an employee asking for login credentials instead of spotting a security vulnerability in a company’s systems. Typically, hackers using social engineering impersonate others or offer tempting rewards.

The most common social engineering technique is phishing. Hackers send bulk phishing messages by text or voice, hoping someone will be gullible enough to trust them. The phishing messages rely on human psychology more than technical expertise. These messages are designed to exploit emotions, cognitive biases and behavioral patterns to trick people into revealing sensitive information.

Some use an advanced form of phishing called whaling. They research the victim and personalize communications to make them more effective.

Another type of social engineering hack is pretexting. It involves creating a story to convince the victim to share valuable information.

Social engineering attacks can get highly creative, so you should know the signs to spot them. Mimicking someone’s identity is a common hacker tactic. Hackers may also reach you via the hacked device of someone you know. So, be suspicious if someone you know sends an unusual text.

You should also be aware if a stranger makes you an offer that’s too good to be true. For example, a “Nigerian prince” might want to send a million dollars in cash for no reason.

Lastly, hackers might create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking twice. For example, fake technical support might insist you change your password and share it with them on the spot.

Bluetooth Hacking

Bluetooth hacking requires hackers to be near the attack target. If you keep Bluetooth on and the connection isn’t protected, hackers can link their devices to yours and use specialized software to steal your data.

SIM Card Swapping

SIM card swapping can be considered a type of social engineering attack. However, cybercriminals target your mobile data provider instead of targeting you.

Hackers contact your mobile data provider, pretend to be you, and ask for a replacement SIM card. Once the hacker gets their hands on the new SIM card, your old SIM is blocked. In this way, they steal your phone number.

Malvertising

The web is full of advertisements. Some ads are irrelevant or annoying, but others are straight-up dangerous. Hackers piggyback into your phone’s advertising ecosystem, replacing browser or app ad banners with malware.

The goal is to make you click on the link. Once you do that, the ad directs your phone to a compromised server. Then, an exploit kit hosted on the server executes and detects a vulnerability in your system. As a result, hackers can install malware on your phone. This is why it is really important to not click any unknown links.

Malware

Even if you aren’t gullible enough to click on a suspicious ad, your phone risks getting infected with malware. The risk is particularly high with jailbroken phones.

Jailbreaking refers to deliberately lowering a device’s security barrier to install apps from unofficial sources. It gives you more freedom but also gives hackers more ways to access your data.

First, cybercriminals develop apps in which users have a genuine interest, such as a free VPN. When you download such an app on your mobile phone, it detects whether your device is jailbroken. If so, the app steals personally identifiable data and sends it to hackers.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

Think twice before connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. Hackers might create malicious free public Wi-Fi networks. Once you connect to the hotspot, the attacker can access the online data you send or receive, including your login credentials, banking details, and personally identifiable information.

However, public networks aren’t the only way to carry out an MITM attack. Hackers might also intercept your communications using an insecure website based on HTTP rather than the modern and secure HTTPS.

How to Remove a Hacker from Your Phone

Now that you have identified the signs of a hacked phone, it is easy to find out if your phone is hacked, too. However, this is not enough. If you notice odd activity on your phone, it is important to know what to do next. How can you remove a hacker from your phone? Depending on the attacker’s tactic, you can try the following solutions.

Remove Suspicious Apps

If you notice any apps you don’t remember installing, you should probably delete them. Your friend or child could have installed an unfamiliar app, but don’t risk it even if it looks legitimate. Plus, it’s a great way to free up some of your phone’s memory.

Remember that some unfamiliar apps may be default apps on your device that you’ve never noticed or used. Some default apps can’t be fully uninstalled.

Disable Jailbreaks

Jailbreaking can unlock desirable features. However, it compromises your mobile phone’s security and might interfere with operating system updates, further increasing its vulnerability.

Clear Your Device’s Cache

The cache is data temporarily stored by your device to improve load times and user experience. For example, websites and apps might cache your passwords to keep you logged in for the next session. However, hackers accessing your cache can access your social media and other online accounts. Clear your phone and browser cache regularly to add a layer of security.

Update Your Phone’s Operating System

Your phone’s security largely depends on how up-to-date the system is. An outdated operating system is susceptible to attacks because its vulnerabilities have already been discovered and can be exploited. Updates contain security patches that fix known bugs and vulnerabilities.

Review Your App Permissions

Apps you’ve installed yourself could be malicious, too. The problem is prevalent with Android devices, as the Google Play Store gives app developers more freedom than the Apple App Store. Still, iPhones are also susceptible to malware attacks.

Review your phone permissions via the settings menu. Apps might ask permission to access your camera, microphone, GPS location, gallery, or contacts. Limit app permissions if you aren’t comfortable sharing specific data. That said, certain permissions are essential for the app’s functionality. For example, messaging apps can’t work without accessing your contacts.

Also, check which apps have administrator access. On an Android phone, navigate to Settings, then to Security. Find the setting for Device Administrators or Device Admin Apps (the exact steps may vary by device). Check which apps have administrator access and remove those that appear suspicious.

Change Your Passwords

Change passwords on all accounts accessible from your phone via an app or browser. This includes your Google account password, online banking details, and social media. Log out of your accounts on all devices, as the hacker might still be logged in on their device after the password change.

A reliable password manager can enhance your phone’s security. These apps generate strong, unique passwords and keep them in an encrypted vault. However, it is important to remember that a password manager can also be hacked.

Use Antivirus Software

Do a security check with an antivirus app to identify malicious software and files. The app will then block connections with an identified hacker device to prevent it from stealing your data. Use licensed, legitimate antivirus software, as random unofficial apps might worsen matters.

Perform a Factory Reset

A factory reset wipes out all files, apps installed by you, and personal data from the device’s internal storage, leaving only factory data. It also removes any malicious apps and files.

Remember to back up your data before performing a factory reset. If all else fails, use a factory reset as a last resort.

Codes to Check If Your Android Phone Is Hacked

Hackers constantly devise more sophisticated ways to access user data. For this reason, the signs that your phone has been compromised aren’t always apparent. Fortunately, you can use certain codes to check if your Android phone is hacked.

To use these codes, go to your Android phone’s keypad, type them in, and “call” them.

IMEI Check Code

The code *#06# helps determine your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Your IMEI is like your phone’s ID because it’s unique. It can help you find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find your IMEI code without physically accessing your smartphone. So, it’s best to check and write it down in advance.

Call Redirection Check Code

Sometimes, hackers redirect phone calls to their numbers. Use the code *#62# to see the phone number to which your calls are forwarded. If a phone number doesn’t appear, your call data is safe. If one does appear, it could just be your default voicemail number or one associated with a safe third-party calling app, so there may be no cause for alarm.

To view and cross-reference your voicemail number, go to Settings on the call screen, then Voicemail. Find Setup for your voicemail, which may be under Advanced Settings. Your voicemail number is under Setup.

In my case, the code *#62# indicated that my calls were being forwarded to a number ending in 0. My call settings show that my voicemail number is exactly the same, except that it ends in a 1. Since I have no reason to suspect my phone was hacked, my calls are likely being forwarded to an old voicemail number that has since been replaced.

Diversion Check Code

The code *#21# will tell you if hackers divert your data, calls, or messages and show the phone number to which they are being redirected.

While the previous code that checks for call redirection identified my prior voicemail number, this code did not return any results for me.

Tips to Prevent Your Phone from Being Hacked (iPhone or Android)

Taking precautions is the most effective remedy to phone hacks. The mobile security tips below also apply to a desktop or laptop computer.

Add Extra Protection

A fingerprint, pattern, or PIN on your lock screen is a basic layer of security necessary to protect your device from physical attacks. To take it a step further, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for mobile apps. This security feature double-checks your identity by asking you to enter a code or click on a link sent to another device.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN effectively mitigates the risk of MITM attacks. It masks your internet connection from cyber criminals on public hotspots using end-to-end encryption. Plus, it prevents government surveillance and gives you access to geo-blocked content.

However, be aware of free VPNs, as they may contain malware. Some free VPNs also collect user information and sell it to third parties.

I recommend a top-rated VPN like ExpressVPN, which has an independently audited no-logs policy and advanced encryption to protect your data. It isn’t cheap, but you can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Alternatively, consider Private Internet Access (PIA). This VPN allows simultaneous connections to safeguard your home network and has built-in malware protection.

If you’re avid about streaming or gaming, CyberGhost may be your best bet. This VPN is as secure as ExpressVPN or PIA and has specialty servers optimized for better speeds during certain activities.

Only Install Official Apps

Don’t download apps from third-party websites, as they are more likely to contain malware. Stick with the official app marketplace for your operating system, such as the Play Store for Android and the App Store for Apple.

Developers must pass certain security checks to publish their apps on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. However, Google and Apple’s security measures aren’t foolproof, so read reviews before installing an app. If you have an Android smartphone, be extra cautious, as Apple’s rules are stricter.

Check for typos and poor grammar in the app description, indicating that an app isn’t what it portrays itself as. Hackers often spoof real developer IDs to appear legitimate, so even a single wrong letter can help you spot malware. A small number of downloads for a popular app like WhatsApp can also indicate it’s a fraudulent copy.

Lastly, pay attention to the permissions you give third-party apps. Only give permissions essential for an app’s functionality. For example, be suspicious if a photo editing app requests access to your microphone.

Regularly Clear Your Device’s Cache

Clearing your device’s cache regularly is essential for security. It prevents hackers from accessing your accounts and improves your phone’s performance. You can clear your iPhone or Android phone cache in storage settings.

Install Updates

Don’t neglect operating system and app updates, as they can contain critical security patches. Moreover, outdated system software might negatively affect the overall device performance. For example, if your phone suddenly starts working slowly or using more battery, it might result from a lack of updates rather than malware.

Enhance Your Password Security

Many people have used the same password for all accounts for many years. Worse yet, the password might be their birthdate, the name of their pet, or other easily obtainable information.

Change your passwords regularly and use different passwords for all apps. Create stronger passwords with a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special symbols.

Ideally, use a password app. It will generate passwords for you and store them in an encrypted vault, so you don’t have to memorize them.

Don’t Click Links or Attachments from Unfamiliar Senders

Everyone has received a suspicious email at least once. Sometimes, it’s an obvious scam; other times, the email might seem legitimate, and you might be tempted to learn more.

Still, never click on links or attachments unless you know the sender, as they might contain malware. Be extra suspicious of emails with poor grammar, a vague subject, an odd or complicated or seemingly random sender address, and those creating a sense of urgency.

Don’t Click on Suspicious Ad Banners

Malicious ads can redirect you to a fake website or install hacker software on your device. Sometimes, ad banners are highly relevant and appealing, but I recommend never clicking on them.

Unfortunately, not clicking on ad banners might not save you from a hacker attack. Drive-by downloads can infect your device when you load an infected page.

Invest in an ad blocker to block ads entirely or antivirus software to detect threats. You may also use a secure browser with built-in encryption.

Don’t Visit Suspicious Websites

Suspicious websites may use phishing tactics to steal your data or money or install malware on your device. Modern search engines have strict security requirements, so you’re unlikely to find such a website on the first page of Google search results.

However, hackers might send a link to such a website via email or social media messages. Or, if you dig deeper into search results, you might also come across a malicious website.

According to the Google Safe Browsing report, phishing sites are becoming increasingly common, whereas the number of malware websites is decreasing.

Using common sense is the best way to protect yourself from malicious websites. Does the website ask for sensitive information? Does it have too many pop-ups? Does it ask you to download something? If it looks unsafe, don’t risk it.

Phishing websites might look highly similar to real ones. Check whether all buttons on the website work properly and whether the URL is spelled correctly. For example, a fake Airbnb website might have few functional pages and the URL “air-bnb.com” instead of “airbnb.com.”

Lastly, right-click on a hyperlink and select Properties. You will see the actual link destination. Don’t click if it differs from where the link claimed to lead.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these tips will help you deal with hackers who may be breaching your privacy. Remember that mobile devices with outdated OSs are more likely to be attacked. Update your system regularly and set up other security settings to prevent this from happening again.

If you can’t resolve your issue using the information in this guide, you may want to take your device to a professional who can diagnose and fix your device.

One of the best ways to improve your security and privacy proactively is to install a high-quality VPN like ExpressVPN. A single account can protect up to five devices, including computers and other smart devices. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me using the below comment box.

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Topic: How To Guides, Safety & Privacy